Down to Earth
Satellite Technologies, Industries, and Cultures
By James Schwoch, Lisa Parks | Publisher: Rutgers University Press
About the book
Down to Earth presents the first comprehensive overview of the geopolitical maneuvers, financial investments, technological innovations, and ideological struggles that take place behind the scenes of the satellite industry. Satellite projects that have not received extensive coverage—microsatellites in China, WorldSpace in South Africa, SiriusXM, the failures of USA 193 and Cosmos 954, and Iridium—are explored. This collection takes readers on a voyage through a truly global industry, from the sites where satellites are launched to the corporate clean rooms where they are designed, and along the orbits and paths that satellites traverse. Combining a practical introduction to the mechanics of the satellite industry, a history of how its practices and technologies have evolved, and a sophisticated theoretical analysis of satellite cultures, Down to Earth opens up a new space for global media studies.
Editions of Down to Earth
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780813552743
- EBook
- ISBN 9780813578545
Read an Excerpt
Down to Earth presents the first comprehensive overview of the geopolitical maneuvers, financial investments, technological innovations, and ideological struggles that take place behind the scenes of the satellite industry. Satellite projects that have not received extensive coverage—microsatellites in China, WorldSpace in South Africa, SiriusXM, the failures of USA 193 and Cosmos 954, and Iridium—are explored. This collection takes readers on a voyage through a truly global industry, from the sites where satellites are launched to the corporate clean rooms where they are designed, and along the orbits and paths that satellites traverse. Combining a practical introduction to the mechanics of the satellite industry, a history of how its practices and technologies have evolved, and a sophisticated theoretical analysis of satellite cultures, Down to Earth opens up a new space for global media studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Down to Earth about?
Down to Earth presents the first comprehensive overview of the geopolitical maneuvers, financial investments, technological innovations, and ideological struggles that take place behind the scenes of the satellite industry. Satellite projects that have not received extensive coverage—microsatellites in China, WorldSpace in South Africa, SiriusXM, the failures of USA 193 and Cosmos 954, and Iridium—are explored. This collection takes readers on a voyage through a truly global industry, from the sites where satellites are launched to the corporate clean rooms where they are designed, and along the orbits and paths that satellites traverse. Combining a practical introduction to the mechanics of the satellite industry, a history of how its practices and technologies have evolved, and a sophisticated theoretical analysis of satellite cultures, Down to Earth opens up a new space for global media studies.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Down to Earth?
Society and Social Sciences > Society and culture: general > Cultural and media studies > Media studies
Where can I read a sample of Down to Earth?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780813552743
Is Down to Earth part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series New Directions in International Studies
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Down to Earth?
James Schwoch, Lisa Parks
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Down to Earth is available as paperback(ISBN 9780813552743) and ebook(ISBN 9780813578545)
Where can I buy Down to Earth online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Down to Earth from below
Where can I buy Down to Earth?