Japan-based Astro Research Corporation is designing and launching custom 10-inch, solar-powered satellites. The cost: $860,000, which covers the cost of the satellite, launch and operational services, as well as a satellite launch field trip and a satellite location notification service, which favorably compares to current satellite development costs of between $10 and $20 million. The MySat satellites can be used for a number of purposes, including earth observation, component testing, disaster monitoring, remotesensoring, and even advertising. Once in low earth orbit, the MySat-1 will circle the earth about 14 times per day. Owners can also tune in to their satellite’s radio signal on a Web site to monitor its location and listen to it as it passes overhead. [via discovery news]