Researchers from Surrey Space Centre (SSC) and Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd  developed STRaND-1 during the last academic year to demonstrate how off-the-shelf components can be crafted into a viable satellite.

SSC’s Dr Chris Bridges, STRaND-1 lead researcher, explained that smartphone components such as sensors, video cameras, GPS systems and Wi-Fi radios, are just as advances as those found on existing satellite systems but at a fraction of the size, weight and cost.

He said: “Because many smartphones also run on free operating systems that lend themselves to online software developers, the creators of applications for smartphones could feasibly develop apps for satellites.

“If a smartphone can be proven to work in space, it opens up lots of new technologies to a multitude of people and companies who usually can’t afford it. It’s a real game-changer for the industry.”