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CubeSat Satellites Can Make Space Exploration Cheaper, NASA

By R. Siva Kumar | Update Date: Feb 29, 2016 12:04 PM EST

NASA's continuous attempt to touch the furthest parts of the galaxy can be done best through small-scale satellites called CubeSats, reports the Daily Mail.

These miniature satellites are typically sized just four inches on either side, weighing about three pounds. They try to give NASA with a cost-effective and time-saving technique to observe space. They are an interesting alternative to huge telescopes with limited observation capabilities.

They might cost $10,000 to make and another $40,000 to $100,000 to launch.

Four of the satellites will be launched this month, with the transmission of data at about 200mbps (megabits per second) through laser beams. But before that, they are likely to orbit around the earth for a test of their functionality.

Equipped with radars and sensors, the Cubesats can help scientists to enhance techniques employed for missions, according to Tech Times.

"Most Earth science phenomena measurements can be improved by sustained observations with increased spatial and temporal resolution," NASA JPL's Charles Norton said.

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