Ever wanted to take pictures and videos of Earth from space? Sony has launched the a7R IV nanosatellite into space, providing a user-controlled space photography service.
Star Sphere: Controlling a Sony Full Frame Camera from Space
Sony will launch star ball in spring 2023, offering a unique Space Photography Service where users can control nano satellites, with a full frame Sony camera and 28-135mm F4.
According to Sony, the Star Sphere is a unique experience in which you can fully operate a full-frame Sony camera in real time, capturing an “unprecedented view” of Earth from space. .
There will be full control over the camera’s shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, in addition to a virtual shooting simulator where creators can practice operating the camera, setting up their shots, and pre-booking sessions with a space camera.
Space Photography Tour vs. Premium Photo/Video Experience
Star Sphere will provide two Service “Spatial photography” option.
The “Space Photography Tour” will give creators the option to take their own photos in space, in predefined “highlights”, which are curated works by Sony or other partners. Other featured artists present. These curated featured photos can be considered “recommended” spatial compositions, to be presented in orbital flight paths and have been curated by Sony or other featured artists.
In contrast, Star Sphere’s “Premium Photo/Video Experience” offers creators a fully customizable photography experience in which you can plan your photos and videos in one of 16 funds. A 90-minute orbit around the earth that you can choose and customize. Full control over the time of day, shooting position and camera parameters, with an actual shooting time limit of 10 minutes, throughout a 90-minute orbit. The premium photo/video experience will also be set up to offer a choice between 50 stills or 30 seconds of video, with optional upgrades available for an additional fee. Pricing for the two services and available upgrades are still pending as of this writing.
Design and development
The Star Sphere Project is a collaborative effort between Sony Corporation, the University of Tokyo and JAXA. Sony developed the satellite mission, ground system and simulator software, in addition to operating and controlling the nanosatellite. The University of Tokyo has grown satellite engine room and propulsion systems, while JAXA provided technical support and project development, leveraging their experience in satellite development from a variety of other space projects.
The Star Sphere is part of Sony’s “Space Inspiration Project”, which aims to spark a new appreciation of our planet and provide spatial perspectives for everyone.
Will you become a Star Sphere crew member?
Are you excited to come up with and capture unprecedented works of our planet from space? Star Sphere is poised to be the first user-controlled space platform for photos/videos, with Sony sharing the following mission statement for the project on their Star Sphere website:
“Our dream is to change human values, society and the Earth for the better, by allowing people to explore space perspectives.”
Do you think this platform will give you a new appreciation for how you see our planet? Do you want to control the Sony space camera in real time? Share your views in the comments below!
