A group of very resourceful students at MIT recently launched a camera into space using just a helium-filled weather balloon and a styrofoam beer cooler at an amazing cost of only $150. The students were then able to successfully record some pretty cool images of space above Earth with their makeshift satellite’s camera.
Another amazing accomplishment was in retrieving the camera from its 28km fall. The parachute equipped beer cooler was able to deliver the camera back to the surface without any damage.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Space Exploration Democratization
- The ability for accessible and inexpensive space missions will allow more individuals and organizations to explore new possibilities.
- DIY Space Missions
- As the barriers to entry are lowered, makers, hobbyists and other non-traditional players could design and deploy their own missions for experimentation and exploration of space.
- Low-cost Space Tech Innovation
- The need for low cost and accessible space technology encourages development of innovative solutions in various industries.
Sectors Adopting This
- Aerospace
- Advancements in cheaper space exploration can help startups and companies in the aerospace industry to create cost-saving space programs.
- Education
- Low-cost space missions could offer learning opportunities for students in various educational institutions.
- Media and Entertainment
- As accessible space missions become more common, the media and entertainment industry can leverage this to create engaging content and experiences for their audiences.
