Google Android smartphone set for satellite launch

Google Android smartphone set for satellite launch 18 November 2014 Richard Hollingham Features correspondent Google Phones have been sent into space before, but never into orbit Mobile phones have touched and changed almost every part of our lives. “Apart from solar panels, this thing pretty much is a satellite.” And it’s not only the computing capabilities of mobile phones that make them good candidates for spaceflight. “We’ve also stuck it in my freezer, it was absolutely fine.” Engaged for launch The phone will sit at the heart of the 30cm- long Strand-1 satellite, which will have a hole cut in the side for the camera. Apps include one designed to capture “postcards from space”, another will hope to prove conclusively whether it’s true that in space no-one can hear you scream.