How Do Satellites Work? | Neil deGrasse Tyson & Guests Explain...

How do satellites work? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice discuss CubeSats, space lasers, cyber security and the future ecology of low Earth orbit with Vice President of Raytheon Intelligence & Space, Sandy Brown, and associate professor of aeronautics and astronautics, Kerri Cahoy. Could someone hack into the JWST? Learn about commanding and controlling satellites, and how their functionality is more than just the satellite itself. What are the ground systems for JWST like? Can you protect a satellite against an asteroid? Is it better to have many small satellites or a few big ones? We discuss satellite constellations and how they are not actually constellations. Should we be worried about crowding in low Earth orbit? Find out about satellite sensors and steering mechanisms. How do satellites impact our lives everyday? Next, we speak with Kerri about testing new tech in space, thermodynamics, and the difference between aeronautics and astronautics. Why make a satellite smaller? Find out why satellites are like Boston cream-filled donuts. Could you use the pressure from light to sail in space? What kind of fuel do satellites use? Learn about the MIT STAR Lab and how Kerri helps people communicate using optical lasers. What if you destroyed your airplane after every flight? We discuss the costs of sending something to space. How does JWST help us characterize exoplanets? We explore the far off solar systems and the planets around them. All that, plus, what are some advancements in satellite tech that would change everything? NOTE: StarTalk Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Get the NEW Cosmic Queries book (5/5 ⭐s on Amazon!): Support us on Patreon: FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: Twitter: Facebook: Instagram: About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #neildegrassetyson 0:00 - Part 1 w/ Sandy Brown 1:28 - Digital and Mission Solutions 2:47 - Ground Systems 3:55 - JWST & Raytheon 7:00 - Cybersecurity 8:33 - Satellites in Orbit 13:11 - Public vs Private Use of Space 14:13 - Sandy Brown’s Background 15:17 - Systems Engineering 17:24 - Raytheon’s Hidden Contributions 19:00 - Raytheon Intelligence & Space 20:03 - Part 2 w/ Kerri Cahoy 21:03 - Aeronautics vs Astronautics 21:45 - STAR Lab 24:28 - Why Are Satellites Small? 26:09 - Maneuvering Satellites 28:15 - Hydrazine 29:19 - Satellites & Weather 31:51 - Cost of Putting Things Into Orbit 34:50 - Exoplanets 37:37 - Kerri Cahoy’s Background 39:20 - Advancements in Satellite Technology 41:40 - Industry vs Academia 43:58 - Closing Notes