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This project successfully funded on 14th September 2024, you can still support them with a donation.
The World's First Public Access Space Telescope
Chester, Cheshire West and Chester, United Kingdom
Aim: We want to launch a space telescope so everyone can use it. At the moment the public have no access to space telescopes .
Hi Everyone,
I have been an amateur astronomer for 20 years . The biggest frustration for UK amateur astronomers is the British weather! So far this year around 70% of the evenings this year have been cloudy. So no telescopes can see through clouds except radio telescopes which amateurs don't normally use. Mainly Jodrell Bank uses radio telescopes.
So I thought "Wouldn't it be great to have my telescope in Space!" No clouds, no atmospheric effects , 24 hours , 7 days a week 52 weeks a year!
I started researching if an amateur like myself could take on the "big boys" in astronomy? I found out all kinds of stuff. The "cheapest option" would be to use mini satellites or nano satellites called CubeSat's . These start at 1U (1unit) measuring 10cm cube. You can buy these off the internet . Also, the electronics are also available off the shelf. Its possible to use a normal telescope that has been tested for the harsh conditions of space. These tests are Vacuum, Heat/Cold, Radiation . So the "cheapest option" comes with a DIY kit off the shelf which would cost around £250k. The other big cost (can't be DIY) is the launch into space also "cheapest option" is also around £250k . So total cost of getting an amateur telescope into space is around £500k (£500,000). That's daunting but if shared between 10,000 people it works out at £50 per person or if 20,000 were involved that would be £25 per person. Begins to look possible if people get involved. The reward is once the we reach our target , we can launch the telescope into space and we can start looking at the moon, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn and galaxies. I would propose a big launch party for all those who had contributed to the crowdfunding . We would also have monthly star parties to look at space!
Really hope you find my Project inspiring and it would be a step in democratising space. Also, I love an excuse for a Party! Have you seen my Elvis impression?
Thanks for reading so far.
Please donate , Love Dave 07706 130074