DIY space, Eyes in the Sky

George Clooney keeps an eye on Sudanese dictator by satellite

A reader points me to this article about George Clooney and his political activism, particularly his interest in the conflict between North and South Sudan: George Clooney tastes sustainability in Nespresso coffee – Lucy Siegle/theguardian.com

“Most of the money I make on the [Nespresso] commercials I spend keeping a satellite over the border of North and South Sudan to keep an eye on Omar al-Bashir [the Sudanese dictator charged with war crimes at The Hague]. Then he puts out a statement saying that I’m spying on him and how would I like it if a camera was following me everywhere I went and I go ‘well welcome to my life Mr War Criminal’. I want the war criminal to have the same amount of attention that I get. I think that’s fair.” [My emphasis]

One cannot literally keep a satellite poised over an arbitrary spot on earth but activists can certainly use commercial earth observation satellites to monitor particular areas.  (Sats in geostationary orbit can hold a fixed position over the equator but even in that case they are far too high for high resolution imaging.) Satellite images might become available for a given spot every few days.

In the next few years, George Clooney and others will have greatly enhanced means to monitor dictatorial regimes as well as to spot hidden environmental disasters, trawlers fishing illegally, etc. In development are constellations of low cost earth imaging satellites such as Skybox Imaging and Planet Labs that aim to make it possible to monitor a particular spot on earth more frequently, even multiple times per day.

Already, the company MapBox is contracting with imaging satellite companies to offer processed imagery of most any spot around the world in real or near real time: Real Time Imagery via MapBox Satellite Live – MapBox. See also MapBox Plans to Bring You Super-Fresh Satellite Imagery – Wired Science.

The goal of Mapbax is provide individuals and small businesses and organizations with limited resources the equivalent of a GIS (Geographic Information Systems) analyst who will turn that raw satellite data into something that is useful for them at a bargain price.

PlanetLabsDove2image_April26_2013

An image taken from Planet Labs Dove 2 satellite on April 26, 2013. (Larger size)

More resources on earth observation in the HobbySpace Eyes in the Sky section.

Mars, Space Science

Panspermia – connecting life on Earth and Mars

Fraser Cain discusses panspermia  : Is Life On Mars Related To Life On Earth? – Universe Today

The planet is hostile to life now, but evidence is mounting that it was once a warm and habitable world, with rivers, lakes and oceans. Mars could have vast reserves of subsurface water, where life could thrive even now.

If we did discover life there, it’s possible that it’s completely unrelated to Earth life. This would demonstrate that life can originate on almost any world, with the right conditions.

It’s also possible that life on Mars is related to Earth, and our two planets share a common ancestor billions of years in the past.

This is a theory called panspermia.

Living in Space, Science and Technology, Space Science

NASA video: Research in space from Skylab to Station

A NASA video about scientific research and human spaceflight

Skylab was America’s first space station, taking scientific research to new heights and proving humankind could live and work in space for long periods of time. Skylab set the stage for the work conducted today on the International Space Station, where scientists use more advanced technology, a foundation of knowledge and more time to conduct experiments in space, free from Earth’s gravity. This work can be applied to benefit humankind both on Earth and in space, as we prepare to explore deeper into our solar system.

Solar Sci-Fi, Space Policy

“The Sky Suspended” by Laura Montgomery

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In the ebook The Sky Suspended Laura Montgomery creates an unusual science fiction plot based on “asteroids, crowds, lawyers and a starship”.  (Link via Transterrestrial Musings.)

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Education, Rocketry, Space participation

Last Chance – Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition

A message from Jack Colpas The Rocketman:

Less than 2 months to get your kids into the 7th annual Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition.   

Deadline August 31st

To help you get started we are including a FREE Launch Set (value over $25) with every order for one dozen or more Competitor Packs (less than $14 each)

Competitor Packs include: rocket kit, supplies for 2 launches, certificate & Registration in the national competition.

Total cost – $165 for 12 Competitor Packs & Launch Set – delivered to you.
Available from Estes or Quest.

Competition is held at your location. No travel hassle or expense.
www.TheRocketman.net

E-mail or call for details.   Limited time offer

 Your kids can’t win it – if they’re not in it!

Everyone can participate in space