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"The FlatSat CTF Event occurs with FlatSat hardware and a virtual/simulated space environment." For the uninitiated: when an operator builds a satellite they u
by saul_goodman 6y ago
"The FlatSat CTF Event occurs with FlatSat hardware and a virtual/simulated space environment."
For the uninitiated: when an operator builds a satellite they usually build at least 3 or 4 of the same bird for every one they launch. This includes the initial "FlatSat" which is a fully working prototype but built onto a flat proto-board rather than the launched form factor, this makes troubleshooting easier in the initial stages. Later on these development prototypes can also be used to troubleshoot problems that occur in space.
So somewhere there is an Air Force warehouse packed to the gills with all the development and flat-sats that were never intended to fly. Although obviously they would never use real hardware on an event like this for a number of reasons, if they did it would only be for old hardware that's been retired. But still an interesting idea.