His experiment aims to test the communication capacities of small spacecraft , as well as determine how long they can stay in orbit and how well their electronics hold up in the harsh environment of space . Amateur space enthusiasts are mounting spaceflight missions funded by online supporters . The first of these is a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in late 2014. Cornell graduate Zac Manchester will launch his crowd-funded micro satellite project in December .
Amateur space enthusiasts are mounting spaceflight missions funded by online supporters . The first of these is a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in late 2014. Cornell graduate Zac Manchester will launch his crowd-funded micro satellite project in December .