Home
News
You are here

Google Nexus One becomes the first PhoneSat in orbit

12comments

By Michael Heller

Published: Feb 27, 2013, 9:55 PM

HTC Android

Google Nexus One becomes the first PhoneSat in orbit

It seems like something that should have been studied long before now, but Surrey Satellite Technology and the University of Surrey's Surrey Space Centre has decided to look at how off-the-shelf electronics fare with the harsh world of space. With that in mind, the group has put the Google Nexus One into orbit, making the phone the first PhoneSat to be in orbit.

The group is studying a number of other things, but the interesting thing for us is the Nexus One. On Monday, the Nexus One was launched into orbit in a CubeSat called STRaND-1. A CubeSat is a small satellite that is only about 10cm cubed. In addition to the Nexus One, the STRaND-1 also houses altitude and orbit control system, two propulsion setups and a Linux-based computer with a "high-speed" processor.

In addition to studying the effects of space on consumer-grade electronics, the STRaND-1 will be putting into use apps that won a contest last year. One will give users photos from the Nexus One pinned to the map, and another will play user-submitted "shrieks" and attempt to record them using the Nexus One's mic, although we're not sure that the idea that there's no sound in space needs more testing at this point.

If nothing else, this may be the last time we hear about the Nexus One until it becomes a bonafide antique.

source: Surrey Satellite Technology via Engadget

$349

$799

$450 off (56%)

Mint Mobile now sells the Google Pixel 10 with a massive $450 discount. The promo is available on select color variants with 128GB of storage. You also get a 12-month unlimited data plan for $180 instead of $360.

Buy at Mint Mobile

$524

$999

$475 off (48%)

Grab the pro-grade, compact Pixel 10 Pro at Mint Mobile with a 12-month unlimited plan, and you can save a huge $475. The data plan comes with a discount, too: 50% off, to be exact.

Buy at Mint Mobile

$499

$1199

$700 off (58%)

The high-end Gemini AI-enhanced Pixel 10 Pro XL is now available with a mind-blowing discount. You can now save $700 on the phone, plus 50% off unlimited 12-month plans.

Buy at Mint Mobile

$1399

$1799

$400 off (22%)

The foldable Pixel 10 Pro Fold is another standout holiday offer. Right now, you can get the device for $400 off at Mint Mobile. On top of that, you save $180 on 12-month unlimited data plans.

Buy at Mint Mobile

View Full Bio

Michael Heller is known for his clear and informative articles on mobile technology. He explores important topics such as the rollouts of 5G networks and the advancements in mobile payments, offering readers insights into the evolving tech landscape.