Fractionated Spacecraft
image: darpa.mil
Remember how interchangeable parts revolutionized manufacturing in the early 20th century? I do. Also, Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin and Lincoln was shot in a log cabin.
Well, since the 1980s the world’s smartest and handsomest scientists have been pushing to implement such an idea onto our aging satellite and spacecraft systems.
Fractionated spacecraft are all the buzz in the aerospace industry [pdf]. To oversimplify the concept for the purpose of entertainment in an otherwise dry blog entry, fractionated spacecraft are like Ocean’s 11. Instead of sending one big monolithic satellite to do the job, you send a bunch of smaller specialized components, like Matt Damon and an Asian guy who does acrobatics.
Genetic Algorithms in 400 Words or Less
image: Fox
I’m a Genetic Algorithm fanboy. Maybe it’s Hollywood’s fault. They’ve spent billions of dollars on CGI and Shia LeBoeuf only to horrify and deter Americans away from autonomous technology forever. This only fuels my interest.
I think the biggest hurdle for most GA newbies is comprehending of the concept. We’re breeding mathematics here people. Getting beyond that opens up a world of creepy potential.
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