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A Satellite Named Violet and a Student Named Amanda

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineers Design Smallest and Fastest Satellite for Space

December 1, 2011

Mechanical and aerospace engineers designed a satellite with some unique abilities. Because of its small size, the satellite is able to move more quickly than larger satellites, making it a leader in fast spacecraft. Speed also lends itself to rapid data collection, so the satellite can take pictures of the Earth or space much more efficiently. The satellite has all the necessary tools to navigate and will be launched in one to two years.

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Science Insider

STUDYING THE SUN TOO: Astrophysicists at NASA were able to capture never-before-seen 3-D images of the Sun. In 2006, NASA launched a solar observatory to send two satellites to orbit the Sun. Each satellite is positioned on an opposite side of the sun and has been able to capture photos from the far side of the moon. By combining the images from both cameras, scientists can see a 3-D sphere of solar activity. This will help scientists improve space weather forecasts that impact the electronic devices used every day on Earth.

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