Make satellite from smartphone

NASA has been using an "unusual technology" to produce the cheapest and easiest satellite lines in the history of space exploration.

A PhoneSat is made from the HTC Nexus One - (Photo: NASA)

NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif., Is developing three PhoneSat satellites, each with a size of 10cm / side and weighing less than 1.8kg, according to a statement on NASA's Web site. .

The use of materials such as the HTC Nexus One powered by Android can help create mini satellites for $ 3,500.

Nexus One acts as the computer of the satellite, while the sensor determines its location, and the camera of the smartphone can be used to observe the Earth.

PhoneSat's mission is quite simple. A PhoneSat only needs to be protected after launch and is maintained in space for a short time, sending digital images of Earth and space through the camera.

The program is being developed to allow NASA engineers to evaluate the use of commercial technology devices in US space projects.