Advanced High-Altitude Imaging System: An Overview of Our Stratospheric Camera Rig
Our engineering team led by engineer Maxime Dehaye has made a groundbreaking leap in high-altitude imaging. We have developed a remarkably lightweight rig capable of sending four cameras into the stratosphere, enabling unprecedented panoramic photography and videography of the Earth from near-space environments.
Engineering a Stratospheric Marvel
Our ultra-light rig, designed by a dedicated team of engineers, can ascend to an altitude of 105,000 feet (approximately 32,000 meters) with the help of a giant helium-filled balloon. This rig is not just another high-altitude device; it is a robust system equipped to handle extreme conditions. Capable of carrying either compact GoPros or heavier DSLRs, the rig ensures versatility in imaging capabilities.
Built to Withstand Extremes
The journey to the stratosphere is no small feat. The rig faces temperatures plummeting from 64°F (18°C) to a frigid -11°F (-24°C) and wind speeds reaching up to 224 mph (360 km/h). To survive these harsh conditions, the rig includes dual GPS trackers, an onboard computer, four cameras, and a parachute that deploys automatically when the balloon bursts. This intricate setup guarantees not only the safety and recovery of the equipment but also the quality of the data collected.
A Flight into the Unknown
Each flight lasts approximately two hours, a brief yet crucial window during which the rig ascends to the stratosphere, captures images, and then descends back to Earth after the balloon bursts. The descent is carefully controlled by the deployed parachute, ensuring the rig’s safe landing and the preservation of the valuable footage.
Navigational Precision
Our engineers harness real-time online wind and atmospheric data to calculate and predict the trajectory of the balloon with remarkable accuracy. This precise planning is essential for successful launches and recoveries, particularly given the unpredictable nature of high-altitude winds.
Panoramic Data Capture
Throughout its journey, the rig’s cameras capture panoramic photos and videos during both ascent and descent. This provides our Visual Effects (VFX) team with hundreds of gigabytes of high-resolution, 360° panoramic data from various altitudes. The rich detail of these images allows us to create extensive virtual libraries of environments found in the clouds, at the edge of the atmosphere, and within the stratosphere itself.
Cinematic and Scientific Contributions
Our technology has not only pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of high-altitude imaging but has also made cinematic history. The short film « ASTRONAUT, » produced by STOYFILMS and directed by Steven Liszka, is the first short film ever shot in space, utilizing footage captured by our camera-equipped rigs. Launched in various locations across Europe, including France and Sweden, these rigs have provided breathtaking views that contribute to both scientific research and filmmaking.
The development of our Space rig opens up new horizons for observing and understanding our planet. By combining innovative engineering with advanced cinematic techniques, we provide a unique tool that captures the beauty and extremity of the Earth’s upper atmosphere. As we continue to refine and deploy these rigs, we look forward to expanding our visual and scientific exploration of the space that lies just beyond our world.