Did you know
that there is a satellite that orbits our planet and is set to crash-land on
Earth in 8 million years? Its mission may surprise you.
that there is a satellite that orbits our planet and is set to crash-land on
Earth in 8 million years? Its mission may surprise you.
The National
Aeronautics and Space Administration or NASA has created satellites called
LAGEOS or Laser Geodynamics Satellites, which are basically scientific
satellites that study our planet.
Aeronautics and Space Administration or NASA has created satellites called
LAGEOS or Laser Geodynamics Satellites, which are basically scientific
satellites that study our planet.
The LAGEOS
satellite orbits our planet so that it can be seen from several ground stations
around the world. LAGEOS design is beautiful.
satellite orbits our planet so that it can be seen from several ground stations
around the world. LAGEOS design is beautiful.
The spacecraft is composed of
aluminum-covered brass spheres with a diameter of 60 cm, the satellite is
covered with 426 cube-corner retroreflectors which makes the Satellite look
literally like a giant golf ball. LAGEOS does not have any board sensors or
electronics, and are not attitude-controlled. Its primary mission isn’t that of
carrying a message to the future inhabitants of our planet, but rather studying
and monitoring its development.
aluminum-covered brass spheres with a diameter of 60 cm, the satellite is
covered with 426 cube-corner retroreflectors which makes the Satellite look
literally like a giant golf ball. LAGEOS does not have any board sensors or
electronics, and are not attitude-controlled. Its primary mission isn’t that of
carrying a message to the future inhabitants of our planet, but rather studying
and monitoring its development.
The main
goal of the satellites is the accurately measure the satellites position in
respect to our planet, determine Earth’s shape and study the tectonic movements
which are associated with continental drift.
goal of the satellites is the accurately measure the satellites position in
respect to our planet, determine Earth’s shape and study the tectonic movements
which are associated with continental drift.
The ground
stations that are looking out for LAGEOS are in USA, China, France, Poland,
Italy, Japan, Australia, Mexico and Peru.
stations that are looking out for LAGEOS are in USA, China, France, Poland,
Italy, Japan, Australia, Mexico and Peru.
But what
makes this satellite so important? Well, the satellite is set to crash-land on
our planet in 8 million years, carrying a special message to anyone that will
inhabit our planet in the distant future. The message carried by LAGEOS are
three different maps of Earth: One that is 268 million years old, one showing
how Earth looks today and another map will show how the planet will look like
in the future.
makes this satellite so important? Well, the satellite is set to crash-land on
our planet in 8 million years, carrying a special message to anyone that will
inhabit our planet in the distant future. The message carried by LAGEOS are
three different maps of Earth: One that is 268 million years old, one showing
how Earth looks today and another map will show how the planet will look like
in the future.
But who will
inhabit our planet in 8 million years? Humans? Aliens? Or will life cease to
exist on planet Earth? No idea at all!
inhabit our planet in 8 million years? Humans? Aliens? Or will life cease to
exist on planet Earth? No idea at all!
Imagine that
life “reboots” on our planet as it is believed to have happened millions of
years ago. Primitive man are inhabiting the planet and a weird sphere
crash-lands on the planet. What would these “future” beings think the device
is? Would they associate the LAGEOS satellite to celestial deities and gods?
Perhaps like our ancestors did thousands of years ago.
life “reboots” on our planet as it is believed to have happened millions of
years ago. Primitive man are inhabiting the planet and a weird sphere
crash-lands on the planet. What would these “future” beings think the device
is? Would they associate the LAGEOS satellite to celestial deities and gods?
Perhaps like our ancestors did thousands of years ago.
If we have
placed such a device into orbit around our planet, would it be weird if another
species had done the same? And is it possible that there is written evidence of
such devices in ancient texts and depictions found around the world?
placed such a device into orbit around our planet, would it be weird if another
species had done the same? And is it possible that there is written evidence of
such devices in ancient texts and depictions found around the world?
The LAGEOS
plaque, designed by Carl Sagan
plaque, designed by Carl Sagan
