This man built his own satellite to “take selfies with Earth” from space

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a selfie from space, former NASA engineer turned YouTuber Mark Rober is working on a new project that could make that dream a reality. Rober has built his own satellite, called SAT GUS, equipped with the hardware needed to take selfies from space.

Google is one of the partners supporting the SAT GUS project, and the satellite actually has a Pixel phone glued inside a radiation-resistant shell. In fact, the Pixel isn't designed to be used purely for taking selfies, but instead to serve as a high-resolution display that shows the image in front of the camera.

You can participate in the project through the Space Selfie website and take a selfie. The process involves uploading an image that is then sent to the SAT GUS satellite. The camera hardware on the satellite will take a photo of you with the Earth as a “background” and send it back to you.

The SAT GUS satellite will be launched into space on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Station in California (USA). According to the plan, the satellite is expected to be carried aboard the Transport 12 spacecraft in January 2025, and will start taking selfies in space after a few months of deployment in low Earth orbit about 600km above our blue planet.

You can submit any original photo for your selfie, as long as it fits the guidelines and you have permission to share it. It can be a photo of yourself, a group photo, or a photo with a pet.

The Space Selfie program is currently being marketed as “free,” but it will require an invite code. Some T-Mobile customers will be able to get the free code through the T-Life app on December 3. Select Google Pixel customers will also be eligible to receive the code via invite, according to the website (you can follow updates on the @teampixel Instagram account).

SAT GUS can take around 1,000 photos a day, and the limited slots will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. The satellite has two fixed solar panels that power a pair of 120-watt batteries. Rober notes that SAT GUS also has another camera and a Pixel phone set up to ensure that the selfie project doesn’t get derailed if something goes wrong with the main camera.

Leave a Comment

What Young Riders Should Know About Moving Their Motorcycles Across Cities

What Young Riders Should Know About Moving Their Motorcycles Across Cities

Long-distance travel can involve heavy traffic, changing weather conditions, and rider fatigue. If you are also dealing with the responsibilities of moving home, such as packing belongings or coordinating accommodation, a long ride may add unnecessary pressure to an already busy schedule.

Solving Microsoft Teams Shortcut Error Not Opening

Solving Microsoft Teams Shortcut Error Not Opening

Tired of Microsoft Teams shortcut error preventing you from opening the app? Follow our expert, step-by-step guide with the latest fixes for instant resolution. Works on Windows, Mac & web – no tech skills needed!

Solving Microsoft Teams Task Management Sync Error

Solving Microsoft Teams Task Management Sync Error

Tired of Microsoft Teams Task Management Sync Error halting your workflow? Follow our proven, step-by-step fixes to resolve sync issues fast and restore seamless task collaboration. No tech expertise needed!

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Wiki Error Formatting

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Wiki Error Formatting

Struggling with Microsoft Teams Wiki Error Formatting? This step-by-step guide reveals proven fixes for common wiki tab issues, ensuring smooth editing and collaboration in Teams. Get back to productive wikis fast!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Installation Error for Linux

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Installation Error for Linux

Struggling with Microsoft Teams installation error on Linux? Discover step-by-step fixes for Ubuntu, Fedora & more. Resolve dependency issues, crashes, and errors quickly with our ultimate guide. Get Teams running smoothly today!

Solving Microsoft Teams Error Page Not Loading

Solving Microsoft Teams Error Page Not Loading

Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Error Page" not loading? Get step-by-step fixes for desktop, web, and mobile. Solve Microsoft Teams Error Page issues quickly and resume seamless teamwork today.

Solving Microsoft Teams Error Screenshot Issues

Solving Microsoft Teams Error Screenshot Issues

Tired of Microsoft Teams "Error Screenshot" blocking your workflow? Get proven, step-by-step solutions to resolve screenshot errors in Teams instantly and boost productivity. No tech skills needed!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error U User

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error U User

Tired of Microsoft Teams "Error U" User blocking your chats? Get proven, step-by-step fixes to clear cache, reset, and restore seamless collaboration instantly.

Where are Microsoft Teams Registry Keys Located on Windows 11?

Where are Microsoft Teams Registry Keys Located on Windows 11?

Unlock the precise locations of Microsoft Teams registry keys on Windows 11. Step-by-step guide to find, access, and safely tweak them for optimal performance and troubleshooting. Essential for IT pros and Teams enthusiasts.

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Training Error Video Lag

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Training Error Video Lag

Tired of Microsoft Teams "Training Error" Video Lag ruining your meetings? Follow our step-by-step guide with the latest fixes for smooth video calls—no more frustration!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error occurred During Sign-In

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error occurred During Sign-In

Frustrated by Microsoft Teams "Error occurred" during sign-in? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to get back online fast. Clear cache, reset app, and more for seamless login. Works on Windows, Mac & web.

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Call Error Disconnecting

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Call Error Disconnecting

Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Call Error" Disconnecting? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes for call drops, network issues, and more. Get back to seamless meetings fast with our expert troubleshooting guide.

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error 2603: Login Loop Fix

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error 2603: Login Loop Fix

Stuck in Microsoft Teams Error 2603 login loop? Get proven step-by-step fixes to resolve the issue fast and restore seamless teamwork. Clear cache, reset, reinstall – all covered!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Voice Call Error

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Voice Call Error

Tired of Microsoft Teams voice call errors? Follow our step-by-step guide to troubleshoot no audio, echo, or call drops. Proven fixes for crystal-clear calls every time.

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Workflows Error Power Automate

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Workflows Error Power Automate

Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Workflows Error" in Power Automate? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to resolve connection issues, permissions, and more. Get your workflows running smoothly today!