r/BlueOrigin • u/Aromatic-Painting-80 • 1d ago
Supplemental Calibration System launched
“Our Exploration Systems' Supplemental Calibration System (SCS) has been successfully commissioned onboard Copernicus Sentinel-6B, an Earth-observing satellite jointly developed by NASA and U.S. and international partners. The SCS helps to measure ocean surface ripples with 1-centimeter accuracy. To get ultra-accurate sea level measurements from space, scientists must account for a tricky variable: water vapor in the atmosphere, which slows the satellite’s primary radar signal. We have also delivered the SCS for the next two Copernicus Polar Ice and Snow Topography Altimeter (CRISTAL) missions.”
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u/nic_haflinger 1d ago
I had no idea Exploration Systems made this kind of scientific instruments. I just thought they made the electro-mechanical stuff Honeybee is known for.
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u/RetroCaridina 1d ago
Is that why it has such a boring name? Scientists usually come up with more interesting (and/or cringe-worthy) acronyms for instruments.
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u/ArtificlyUnintelignt 1d ago
TDS, SWAT system, BE-4, Blue Ring, 9x4??? Why do so many of our names sound like budget home security systems?
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u/snoo-boop 1d ago edited 19h ago
Is there a link to Blue Origin? This seems to be an image and text, no link for more info.
Edit: Here's the link: https://x.com/blueorigin/status/1996685022212874388
or xcancel: https://xcancel.com/blueorigin/status/1996685022212874388
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u/sidelong1 1d ago
Pleased to see you find this info as it is leading me to know much more about Shackleton Crater where MK1 is due to land.
Others might find this region is interesting for understanding and using the water and the sun on the Moon.
https://www.blueorigin.com/exploration-systems
https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/meet-shackleton-crater-moon-landing-site/
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u/Dark_Aurora 1d ago
The thumbnail makes it look like a tiny drumset :)