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Monday, November 23, 2009

Photo: Tiny Satellites Promise Low-Risk, Low-Cost Space Future


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NASA's nine-pound (four-kilogram) NanoSail-D satellite—seen here—is about the size of a loaf of bread.

NanoSail-D is among a growing number of small satellite models that offer a way into space on the cheap, scientists said in August 2008.

The devices—one of which was destroyed in a failed launch earlier this month—cost about $2.3 million apiece.

Photo by D. Higginbotham/MSFC/NASA