The idea is to track animals on the move with a network of wearable sensors that can send real-time data through the ISS.
Boaty McBoatface’s new mission is more serious than its nameBefore the system could be switched on, researchers and volunteers had to outfit different animals across a variety of species withcontaining sensors that could record information on the animal’s GPS position, movement, and its surrounding environment.
The battery, which enables measurements and data transfer, can be recharged through the solar cell atop the plastic housing. Two antennas jut out from the transmitter: a 200mm long one for radio transmission, and a 50mm long one for GPS.whenever the space station comes within radio range. Each data packet is usually around 220 bytes and can be relayed in 3.5 seconds.