A Temporal Map in Geostationary Orbit: The Cover Etching on the EchoStar XVI Artifact
J. M. Weisberg, T. Paglen

TL;DR
This paper describes the design and scientific content of a temporal map etched onto the cover of the EchoStar XVI artifact, a long-lasting geostationary satellite serving as a message to future civilizations.
Contribution
It introduces the concept and details of the temporal map etched on the artifact, including star charts and pulsar timings, as a novel form of interstellar message.
Findings
The temporal map includes star charts and pulsar data.
The pulsar sample contains 13 objects, 5 with highly stable spin periods.
The paper discusses potential future uses of the data by scientists.
Abstract
Geostationary satellites are unique among orbital spacecraft in that they experience no appreciable atmospheric drag. After concluding their respective missions, geostationary spacecraft remain in orbit virtually in perpetuity. As such, they represent some of human civilization's longest lasting artifacts. With this in mind, the EchoStar XVI satellite, to be launched in fall 2012, will play host to a time capsule intended as a message for the deep future. Inspired in part by the Pioneer Plaque and Voyager Golden Records, the EchoStar XVI Artifact is a pair of gold-plated aluminum jackets housing a small silicon disc containing one hundred photographs. The Cover Etching, the subject of this paper, is etched onto one of the two jackets. It is a temporal map consisting of a star chart, pulsar timings, and other information describing the epoch from which EchoStar XVI came. The pulsar…
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