A Chinese company called Insta360 has launched a 360-degree action camera into space. The cameras are attached to a satellite that is orbiting the planet. The cameras have captured incredible 360-degree views of the stars, the Milky Way, and Earth. This is the first time that a 360-degree action camera has been sent into space. It required a lot of preparation to get the X2 camera ready for the harsh environment of space.
According to the New York Post, Insta360 launched the satellites with the 360-degree action cameras attached about 310 miles into space on January 16, after beginning the project in July 2021. The firm worked with Media Storm and the SAR satellite company Spacety to make the goal of sending the cameras off the planet possible.
Over to Insta360 with the weather 🌪️
— Insta360 (@insta360) November 28, 2023
After months of modifying the 360 action cam to make it Insta-galactic ready, Insta360 X2 continues to weather storms 500km in outer space.
📸 Insta360 X2#Satellite #Space #Insta360X3 #Insta360X2 #ThinkBold pic.twitter.com/I1ZnhWI2nm
The news portal further said that the camera company spent 12 months, including six months of research and development, to modify its retail cameras so that they could withstand the intense environment out in space. The initial launch date was set for 2022 but was postponed due to the pandemic until the launch earlier this year.
Ground control to Insta360 🛰️
— Insta360 (@insta360) November 29, 2023
On a satellite floating 500km in outer space, two Insta360 X2 cameras orbit the Earth capturing 360 shots of the stars and our planet 🌎
Launched on January 16th, 2023, Insta360 dares to think bolder than ever before!
📸 Insta360 X2#satellite… pic.twitter.com/4fRtyQMDzu
"The project runs on hard work, but a fair bit of luck, too," Insta360 said. "Space can be unpredictable, and there is no backup hardware or software if the camera runs into any issues. Luckily, both cameras and their sensors are still fully functioning and offer an incredible look at outer space."
For a span of two years, these satellites, transporting the cameras in a continuous circuit around the planet, have been meticulously programmed. Upon completing their designated mission, they are set to depart Earth's orbit, ultimately meeting their fate by being incinerated into the expanses of outer space.
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