News for hackers. Stuff that matters.
Re:SpaceX Punched a Hole in the Ionosphere by b33j0r on Friday July 28, 2023 @07:11PM (#36914644)
LEO is big, but only a few orbits are desirable and all circular orbits at the same altitude cross twice, by definition. It’s like slot cars, but much lower probability of an “intersection event.”

That’s fun! Of course, we do already have something analogous to FAA altitude separations. But that requires everyone everywhere to cooperate in real-time, and mandates some degree of maneuverability. I guess orbital decay is only a concern for aircraft when they aren’t trying to land.

What you have to watch out for is the eventual rise of the Kessler Cult, who (according to me) will seek to block all access to space intentionally ;)

Re:SpaceX Punched a Hole in the Ionosphere by ghaff on Friday July 28, 2023 @07:23PM (#36914743)
You also have people who would largely prioritize for astronomical observations over rural internet—perhaps because they think people should be living in cities anyway. I’m only being mildly sarcastic.
Re:SpaceX Punched a Hole in the Ionosphere by b33j0r on Friday July 28, 2023 @07:50PM (#36914992)
The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.

(They can just be awfully hard to count, no matter who counts.)

Re:SpaceX Punched a Hole in the Ionosphere by reaperducer on Friday July 28, 2023 @08:14PM (#36915212)
The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.

Glad to hear it! Because I know a large family that doesn't have a computer. I'll send you their address so you can mail them yours!

Re:SpaceX Punched a Hole in the Ionosphere by b33j0r on Friday July 28, 2023 @08:56PM (#36915593)
Sure thing comrade! I will wire you $400,000 rubles from the surplus!

To keep sanction pigs off, we will connect our accounts and you will first send me $3000 to bureau account details. Let milosh provide for sasha, as they say!

(Checks exchange rate between USD and RUBs)

[Pretense is dropped, chaos of North Koreans screaming at each other on the other end of the line. Then click.]

Re:SpaceX Punched a Hole in the Ionosphere by Eisenstein on Saturday July 29, 2023 @12:16AM (#36916845)
I have a couple extra. Will relatively recent mini-desktop with a consumer Intel chip, 4GB of ram, wifi, and a 128GB ssd do the job?
Re:SpaceX Punched a Hole in the Ionosphere by jpc0 on Saturday July 29, 2023 @03:33AM (#36917814)
These families surely own a smartphone? You know the powerful computer in your pocket you potentially used to browse this website.
Re:SpaceX Punched a Hole in the Ionosphere by reaperducer on Saturday July 29, 2023 @08:29AM (#36919621)
These families surely own a smartphone? You know the powerful computer in your pocket you potentially used to browse this website.

You think that all government, education, banking, employment, and healthcare web sites work on phones or have apps? That's adorable!

Re:SpaceX Punched a Hole in the Ionosphere by jpc0 on Sunday July 30, 2023 @03:33AM (#36928770)
Same can be said for actual web on desktop.

The fact is they have a device that connects to the internet, shifting the goalposts in the argument does not make that less true.

Re:SpaceX Punched a Hole in the Ionosphere by yellowapple on Saturday July 29, 2023 @09:30AM (#36920119)
Which is absurd when you consider where most professionally-done astronomical observations happen (hint: it ain't in cities, least of all ones with fiber).