It was also interesting to note a growing wave of amateur space enthusiasts who are creating open source satellite and guidance plans and software and even making their own back-yard rockets!
Dr Baker reckons that costs can be cut if the launch rocket uses the satellite's guidance computer instead of having its own, and if the satellite's built-in rocket motor is bolstered to do the work now performed by a launch rocket's upper stage.
Cruise missiles have been fitted with satellite-based guidance systems making it possible to readjust their course in mid-flight and, in theory, to achieve pinpoint accuracy.
The company hasn't said which handset will be used in the satellite, but they chose Android because it allows engineers to easily modify the phone to do their bidding -- from controlling pulse plasma thrusters to handling the advanced guidance and navigation systems of the foot long satellite.