The Space exploration It is no longer a distant idea Latin AmericaAs more and more people break into uniforms and pursue careers in space exploration, these are the main programs. Pot.

Now PlazaIn partnership with a Spanish company FOSSA systems Participating in the Latin conquest of space, announces the signing of a contract that will become The first EdTech in history to launch a satellite into space.

This satellite launch is the beginning of a multi-step program that Platzi, the largest technology-focused professional training platform in Spanish, Its launch is scheduled for March 2023.

“By launching a satellite, we make the challenge more interesting and help our students’ imagination open up and look beyond the atmosphere. “This confirms that space exploration is becoming more accessible,” he said. Sebastian DelmontPlatzi’s IT and Technology Dean, who spoke exclusively to Infobae.

Also, plans Prepare your students for space exploration and communication with space satellites. By doing so, EdTech will explore the boundaries of the cosmos and connect with its community, demonstrating how democratized it is with the latest advances. Technological.

“Democratizing access to space and IoT communications is the reason for our existence. That is why we at FOSSA are delighted to be able to be part of projects like Platzi’s, bringing our technologies and services closer to teachers and students. “Subjects with innovative ideas and a desire to change the way things are done, like Platzi, are the ones who are revolutionizing the future, and with them we will be able to bring NewSpace to new generations.” Julian Fernandez, CEO and Co-Founder of FOSSA Systems.

What will the satellite launch?

The satellite will be launched in LEO (Earth’s low orbit) approximately Height 500 km, Classified as a “polar” orbit, independent of the Earth’s rotation.

The satellite orbits the planet 15 times a day. Ე will happen Allows you to go to the same place about every 10 hours, Ideal for surveillance or IoT (Internet of Things) connection, though sometimes across the planet.

“In recent years, on the one hand, the advancement of technology miniaturization and, on the other hand, the reduction of start-up costs mean that the ability to launch a satellite into orbit is no longer the property of governments or large companies. “It will open the door to more entrepreneurial projects and we want to make sure that our society is ready for these opportunities,” he said. Ingrid Zuniga, Head of Platzi Communications and Public Relations.

Satellite life in space

Satellites have a defined useful life, and at the end of this, there are two possible solutions to prevent them from entering the operating orbit or becoming more space debris.

Space is certainly infinite, But not orbit, And the operational orbit where the functional satellites are located was increasingly full of space traffic, partly due to space debris, which led to some deliberations being made over two decades for satellites about to retire. As if by some grandparents.

“We hope you have 24 months of life (companion). The satellite is small, the main body is 5x5x10 cm. It has no position control and drive mechanism. That is, where the companion is released, he will stay there. ” Explained to Infobae Sebastian Delmont.

What are the dangers of satellites in orbit?

Garbage or cosmic garbage is made up Technological waste of satellites orbiting the planet, Up to 6,000 tons, 20,000 fragments, useless material accumulated in 1957 after the launch of the first artificial satellite (the famous Soviet Sputnik).

They pose a threat to operational satellites since Can be damaged even by fragments of several centimeters moving at high speed; And, of course, humans, if they fall to Earth and are large enough not to be destroyed when they enter the atmosphere.

In this regard, Delmont argues: “There are three dangers: “Space debris, asteroids and space weather.” Cosmic weather is a phenomenon caused by the activity of the sun in an interplanetary environment. Solar flares emit highly energetic radiation such as X-rays, or low-energy particles such as protons.

“When this solar wind is very intense, it can change our magnetic field and affect our electrical grids, which is, after all, the technology used by, for example, the current smartphone,” Delmont added.

Types of space debris and how a startup will handle a satellite

According to the ESA, space debris is classified as follows because of its size:

– Less than 1 cm: It is estimated that there are more than 128 million of these fragments and most of them go unnoticed.

– From 1 to 10 cm. It is estimated that there are about 900,000 people in orbit and their size can range from the size of a marble and a tennis ball.

– More than 10 cm: These facilities include everything from tools lost during missions to satellites.

Therefore, Sebastian Delmont knows that this issue is currently a very big problem in space, so he concludes: “In particular, When this satellite collapses into orbit, it enters the atmosphere and completely collapses. It is so small that you can not see it. “Most likely he will become a shooting star, but he is so small that I do not think I can see him except with a good telescope.”

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