Ever imagined how our planet looks from space? Not that we don’t know already, but wouldn’t it be better if we could see the pictures in high-definition? Well, UrtheCast is in the process of making it possible for us to get a birds eye view of planet Earth right on our computer screens, something along the lines of Google Earth. The company will build two HD streaming video cameras to be installed on the Russian module of the International Space Station.

The Rutherford Appleton Labs in UK is developing the two HD cameras – a medium resolution camera to obtain images in three colors along with a swath of 45 kilometers and 5.5 meters resolution and a high resolution camera for recording videos at 3.25frames/second. The videos and images captured will be linked to stations across the globe and instantly available on the UrtheCast website.

Users can trace the path followed by the Space Station to estimate when it will pass over a particular location and search for a location or theme. Also, users can zoom in or out, rewind or fast forward cameras or move them virtually to obtain a specific view. The high resolution camera will also capture man-made objects and groups of people.

The website is claimed to be a combination of Google Earth and YouTube as it will provide users with images of Earth along with an option to search them. This user-centric website will be loaded with applications for smartphones and open Application Program Interface (API) which is for developers who wish to create and upload their apps on the website.

“The UrtheCast camera will support the ISS and continue to inspire youth to pursue advanced studies in space sciences and spark interest in science, technology, engineering and the environment. This unprecedented UrtheCast initiative is helping position Canada as a leading space-faring nation and driving science and innovation while actively inspiring young people across our country to take their place as members of Canada’s next space generation,” remarked Dr. Williams.

The low-orbit human-inhabited satellite ISS, a collaborative project of the Russian, Canadian European, Japanese, and U.S. space agencies, orbits Earth sixteen times a day at a speed of 26,000km/h and altitude of about 350km. RSC Energia, with whom UrtheCast has signed its contract, will install cameras on ISS and maintain them on behalf of the company.

The official launch of the project by UrtheCast will take place in Calgary on June 28 in the presence of Dave Williams, an accomplished astronaut from NASA.

Similar Posts:

• NAVTEQ Maps Now Power Panasonic New Digital Cameras
• Sony Projector Handycam HDR-PJ50 with anti-shake technology now in India
• Casio QV-R100
• How To Photograph Fireworks with Any Camera
• Inspan Genius G-Shot HD525 camcorder arrives in India