[Satellite TODAY Insider 01-26-11] Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) has developed a satellite, Surrey’s Training, Research and Nanosatellite Demonstrator (Strand-1), containing advanced commercial-off-the-shelf technologies that include a smartphone payload, the company announced Jan 24.
    “Smartphones pack lots of components such as sensors, video cameras, GPS systems and Wi-Fi radios,” SSTL Lead Researcher Chris Bridges said in a statement. “These components are technologically advanced but a fraction of the size, weight and cost of components used in existing satellite systems. Because many smartphones also run on free operating systems that lend themselves to online software developers, the creators of applications for smartphones could feasibly develop apps for satellites. If a smartphone can be proved to work in space, it opens up lots of new technologies to a multitude of people and companies for space who usually can’t afford it. It’s a real game-changer for the industry.”
    A computer at the Surrey Space Center (SSC) will test the vital statistics of the phone once in space. “This computer will check which components of the phone are operating normally and when components malfunction in orbit for recovery. Images and messages from the phone will be sent back to Earth via a radio system. Once all the tests are complete, the microcomputer will be switched off, and the smartphone will be used to operate parts of the satellite,” Bridges said.
    SSTL intends to place the satellite into orbit later this year, and spokeswoman Robin Wolstenholme told Satellite TODAY Insider that the company is seeking funding to cover the launch. “Even though a smaller, lighter satellite is cheaper, a launch can still be hundreds of thousands of dollars. That’s another reason to develop smartphones as the basis for satellites — they are lighter and, thus, less expensive,” he said.
    SSTL has yet to announce a launch partner.

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