Your very own spy satellite

I was just wondering how someone could do this. It would take a little bit of money and physics knowledge but other than that, why not? Who here doesn't want their own secret camera above earth checking out whatever you want. But I have no idea if this is even legal.

originally posted by: Toolman18
IIt would take a little bit of money

I think that would be the problem for most people!

ANd how long would it be before it...mysteriously stopped working ?

a reply to: VoidHawk

Good point indeed.

Anti-satellite weapons

A few things to consider

The current U.S. law is applicable to all individuals, universities and private companies that are planning to launch big or small remote sensing satellites.

Liability under international space law: There are mainly two international space law treaties that directly apply to the cases of liability for damage occurring during the conduct of space activities, including the launching and operation of small satellite(s); i.e. the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and the 1972 Liability Convention.

However, it is possible that small entities, universities or small countries may not be aware of the applicable international or national regulatory requirements, potential liability risks or possible insurance coverage or may consider the cost of insurance might be more expansive than that of the satellite itself.

iaassconference2013.space-safety.org...

There are "satellite kits" sold publicly and there are classes taught in some universities where students build "pico satellites" that are put into orbit, so this is technically feasible. The problem is, of course, getting the satellite into orbit. Anyone willing to allow any satellite to be put on their booster will most likely want schematics of every part of that satellite and they may even want passwords, ways to disable it, etc.

Without access to a rocket booster it will always be difficult to put a satellite into orbit.

There may be other ways for a satellite to reach orbital velocity.

you can www.cubesatshop.com...

bloody expensive though

a reply to: deloprator20000

There may be other ways for a satellite to reach orbital velocity.

Like this? I don't think so.
vintageeveryday.files.wordpress.com...
17,000 mph is very, very fast.

a reply to: haven123
Dang. They aren't offering launches.

a reply to: Phage

Are you okay phage? I think you just made a joke.

Seriously though: this cannon reminds me of Jule Verne's 1865 sci-fi proposal to send a manned (a manned! ) bullet to the Moon:

en.m.wikipedia.org...

Hehe

a reply to: swanne
Georges Méliès made a charming movie about it.

originally posted by: Phage
a reply to: haven123
Dang. They aren't offering launches.

you can get one launched if you have around a hundred grand

a reply to: Phage

So do I hear.

Never had the heart to watch it, though. I find this era of movie making slightly off-putting...

a reply to: swanne
You mean this era? Or that era?
Like I said, charming.

originally posted by: Phage

You mean this era? Or that era?

That era.

On second thought, I realize the point very well stands for both this era and that era.

Hm. I should probably watch it.

Anything is better than 50 shades of boredom.

Look at those guys who launch helium balloons with a smartphone or a video camera. Those go up to 30km. The lowest orbit is 160km. I guess the only way to cross that distance would be either a rocket or to have a huge lightweight propellor to push against the thin air.

a reply to: stormcell

The lowest orbit is 160km. I guess the only way to cross that distance would be either a rocket or to have a huge lightweight propellor to push against the thin air

An orbit is not about high (though getting out of the atmosphere is important) it is about fast. Unless you've got about 17,000 mph you are going to plummet.

Convince Sir Richard Branson to take one up next time they do a test flight.