Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 15 hours ago
See @DeepSpaceExplorationSociety for more!
GPS Antenna Relocation Project Update
Rick shared photos of a GPS antenna relocation at the Deep Space Exploration Society site, which was moved 700 feet away from the trailer to improve its position relative to the 60-foot antenna. The University of Texas team was impressed with the new location, and Rick noted that the site's unique horizon views and nighttime sky visibility make it a popular spot for photography. Michelle suggested creating a panoramic photo to better communicate the site's layout, and Rick agreed to ask the team to consider capturing such a photo.
Open House Planning and Updates
Rick and Michelle discussed plans for an open house event, tentatively scheduled for late September or early October, despite concerns about costs. Rick noted that the previous open house had significant expenses but at least part of the event managed to break even due to a successful barbecue. Rick also updated on recent infrastructure improvements, including the installation of fiber optics, which was completed in a different manner than anticipated due to the use of mole machines instead of trenching. The fiber optic lines now provide internet access to various buildings on the property, and a trailer used for overnight stays is up for sale. An additional fiber optic line was run for DSES site use by the utilities team using the mole machine. There was a small cost for this, but it achieves an important infrastructure goal for the site.
Raspberry Pi 5 for Drift Scans
Rick discussed the setup of a Raspberry Pi 5 computer with a 1 TB solid-state drive for hosting the drift scan experiment on a 60-foot dish. He explained that the computer will be used to conduct drift scans in a safe range of plus or minus 20 degrees, starting with plus or minus one degree. Rick emphasized the importance of the buddy system when working at remote sites due to safety concerns, and mentioned ongoing work to bond ground connections in order improve lightning protection and noise.
See @DeepSpaceExplorationSociety for more!
GPS Antenna Relocation Project Update
Rick shared photos of a GPS antenna relocation at the Deep Space Exploration Society site, which was moved 700 feet away from the trailer to improve its position relative to the 60-foot antenna. The University of Texas team was impressed with the new location, and Rick noted that the site's unique horizon views and nighttime sky visibility make it a popular spot for photography. Michelle suggested creating a panoramic photo to better communicate the site's layout, and Rick agreed to ask the team to consider capturing such a photo.
Open House Planning and Updates
Rick and Michelle discussed plans for an open house event, tentatively scheduled for late September or early October, despite concerns about costs. Rick noted that the previous open house had significant expenses but at least part of the event managed to break even due to a successful barbecue. Rick also updated on recent infrastructure improvements, including the installation of fiber optics, which was completed in a different manner than anticipated due to the use of mole machines instead of trenching. The fiber optic lines now provide internet access to various buildings on the property, and a trailer used for overnight stays is up for sale. An additional fiber optic line was run for DSES site use by the utilities team using the mole machine. There was a small cost for this, but it achieves an important infrastructure goal for the site.
Raspberry Pi 5 for Drift Scans
Rick discussed the setup of a Raspberry Pi 5 computer with a 1 TB solid-state drive for hosting the drift scan experiment on a 60-foot dish. He explained that the computer will be used to conduct drift scans in a safe range of plus or minus 20 degrees, starting with plus or minus one degree. Rick emphasized the importance of the buddy system when working at remote sites due to safety concerns, and mentioned ongoing work to bond ground connections in order improve lightning protection and noise.
