Homespun Space Exploration

That’s what I’m talking about.

Some guy named Luke Geissbuhler did a project with his kids in which they launched a probe in the form of a foam capsule containing a video camera, an iPhone, and some hand warmers into space using a weather balloon.

The spacecraft achieved 100,000 ft before the balloon popped and the package returned to Earth via parachute.  It landed successfully near the launch site and they recovered it using the GPS locator from the cell phone.  It brought us all some great video footage that I think rivals what I’ve seen on launch cameras mounted on the space shuttle.

Kudos to Luke Geissbuhler for providing this spectacular learning opportunity for his kids, publicizing space exploration in such a marvelous and resourceful way, and reminding us all just how easy, inexpensive, and available spaceflight technology really can be in our time.

The ranks of space explorers just received some new members.

I’ll order the T-Shirt from your Brooklyn Space Program website, Luke and I’ll send you a free copy of my book too. 

I’m glad to see you got your camera and iPhone back.  🙂

I’ll be in touch.

Related Articles

• Dad & Son Launch iPhone Into Space Awesome Footage (man-over-board.com)
• Father and Son Launch iPhone Into Space [VIDEO] (mashable.com)
• Dad and son send HD camera into space with iPhone (news.cnet.com)
• Brooklyn Dad and Kid Send iPhone Into Outer Space (nymag.com)
• Space video shot with HD camera and a balloon (newslite.tv)
• Homemade spacecraft reaches 100,000 ft, films the whole way (geek.com)

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~ by Bill Housley on October 18, 2010.