A photo from open sources
Outernet project plans to launch into space hundreds of tiny satellites called CubeSats that can provide Internet access for every inhabitant of the Earth. Today 40 percent of the world’s population do not have access to it. Less than in a year Outernet plans to have a fleet of 24 working satellites.
Satellites will not provide Internet access from the very moment its appearance in orbit. First, they will be used for one-way communication for sending urgent messages, news, crop prices, and tutorials. Users systems will help determine what content they should suggest.
The team behind this project claims to be free access to information is a fundamental human right, and therefore they intend to provide access to the network even in countries where various dictators limit it. “We exist to maintain a stream of free news, data, and debate that needed by people to build free, prosperous community, “says president of Media Development Investment Fund supporting Outernet, Peter Whitehead.
It will be at least five years before Outernet can offer more interactive Internet access that will allow people both receive and download information, says the director of Media Development Investment Fund Said Karim.
You can achieve widespread Internet access faster, says Karim, if giant telecoms invest in several super satellites, like the North American ViaSat-1. Three years and 12 billion dollars – and the work will be done, he says. “We have there are no 12 billion, so we will do everything we can with using CubeSats, “says Karim.
How expensive will it be? Sending cargo into orbit in size 10 cubic centimeters costs 100 thousand dollars. The biggest Outernet satellite has dimensions 34x10x10 – its launch will cost more than 300 thousand. Now multiply this by hundreds of satellites. “We want the satellites to remain as small as this is possible because size and weight are directly translated into dollars, “Karim says.” Dimensions are largely dictated energy needs, since it is necessary to satisfy them install solar panels. ”
While Outernet engineers are testing their devices and getting ready for the first launch, they seek support from everyone who believes in their goal project. In addition to traditional donation resources, like Paypal, they also accept online currencies like Bitcoin and Dogecoin. They also asked NASA to test them. technology on the ISS.
A photo from open sources
