Incredible! The $150 Space Camera: MIT Students Beat NASA On Beer-Money Budget

[samurai7]

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/09/the-150-space-camera-mit-students-beat-nasa-on-beer-money-budget?npu=1&mbid=yhp

You HAVE to see this picture! They put all this together with a camera, beer cooler, balloon, pre-paid GPS tracking cell phone, and duct tape.

The total tab? $148.00. :eek:

And it got them photos like this:

(Here also is the MIT student website on how they did it) http://space.1337arts.com/

[CaptPops]

NASA has a history of being behind the curve in inovation since the 60s. Back then, they were having a problem with pens leaking when used in space, so they spent 5 millions to overcome the problem. They wanted it to write upside down, and in sub-zero temps.
The Russians used a pencil.

[AeroEngineer]

NASA has a history of being behind the curve in inovation since the 60s. Back then, they were having a problem with pens leaking when used in space, so they spent 5 millions to overcome the problem. They wanted it to write upside down, and in sub-zero temps.
The Russians used a pencil.

a) That has nothing to do with the topic

b) its not even true.


To the OP: I saw that on makezine.com and immediately wanted to do it. If I ever get the opportunity, I'll definitely post my pictures!

EDIT: I don't know if dropping a Styrofoam cooler from 18 miles up into a potentially populated area is a good idea, though.

[LouC]

a) That has nothing to do with the topic

b) its not even true.


To the OP: I saw that on makezine.com and immediately wanted to do it. If I ever get the opportunity, I'll definitely post my pictures!

EDIT: I don't know if dropping a Styrofoam cooler from 18 miles up into a potentially populated area is a good idea, though.

Depends on the average IQ of said area of descent.

[LouC]

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/09/the-150-space-camera-mit-students-beat-nasa-on-beer-money-budget?npu=1&mbid=yhp

You HAVE to see this picture! They put all this together with a camera, beer cooler, balloon, pre-paid GPS tracking cell phone, and duct tape.

The total tab? $148.00. :eek:

And it got them photos like this:

(Here also is the MIT student website on how they did it) http://space.1337arts.com/

Cool post.

[LouC]

NASA has a history of being behind the curve in inovation since the 60s. Back then, they were having a problem with pens leaking when used in space, so they spent 5 millions to overcome the problem. They wanted it to write upside down, and in sub-zero temps.
The Russians used a pencil.

Wonder how much behind the curve NASA influenced the technology of their little project?

[AeroEngineer]

Wonder how much behind the curve NASA influenced the technology of their little project?

Well for one, they'd never be able to figure out where the camera landed if it wasn't for NASA.

[Vaard]

i dont see how they "beat nasa" with this.........


its not like they were able to sustain an orbit or provide the detail that nasa pics give.......


when they beat hubble for under $150, i wil; lbe impressed.....