by Jay » Sun Aug 31, 2014 1:29 pm
Use the largest orbiting “object” as the standard. Start with the International Space Station (NASA’s ISS page says 419,455 kg). Add a docked Soyuz TMA-M (approximately 7150 kg) plus five crew members and all their food, water, oxygen and other supplies and equipment for a total of about 450,000 kilograms (says Wikipedia), then…
milli- = one thousandth = 450 kilograms;
micro- = one millionth = 450 grams (about a pound);
nano- = one billionth = 0.45 grams
and so on.
“Nanosatellite size 22” = 22 X 0.45 grams = 9.9 grams
“Nanosatellite size 44” = 44 X 0.45 grams = 19.8 grams
That puts the N-Prize restrictions right in the ballpark for nanosatellites (“N-sizes” 22 to 44)! All sales final. No returns. No exchanges.
Paul says the N stands for “negligible resources” and the nines, but I still say the N stands for nerd. If you don’t believe me, consider what I just wrote and you just read with genuine interest!
Jay