 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Plastic Skin Keeps Satellites Safe
Toronto - April 4, 2000 - A polymer coating that conducts electricity has been developed by Canadian scientists to help satellites weather solar storms. Satellites are usually blanketed with insulation to protect them against heat and light damage. But this non-conducting blanket also allows electrostatic charge from particles streaming from the Sun to build up on the satellite's skin, leading to arcing that can destroy the craft's circuitry. Arcing has been blamed for the loss of two Canadian Anik satellites in 1994 and 1996. To prevent this, Rui Resendes, Ian Manners and their colleagues at the University of Toronto have developed a polymer called a polyferrocene which has iron atoms bound into its molecular structure. This makes it electrically conducting. The polymer allows the charge to equalise around the surface of the satellite. "This is certainly a valid approach. Ultimately it will come down to cost," says Alan Tribble, an aerospace engineer with Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This article appeared in the April 1 issue of New Scientist New Scientist. Copyright 1999 - All rights reserved. The material on this page is provided by New Scientist and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without written authorization from New Scientist. CommunityEmail This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Space
Satellite Launch To Boost DTH In India
Calcutta, India (SPX) Dec 28, 2005The successful launch Thursday of India's heaviest satellite from spaceport of Kourou in French Guyana may have boosted the country's space research efforts to yet another level, but it has also lifted the spirits of at least three Direct-To-Home televisions broadcasters, one of which has been waiting for years to launch its services in India. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
