A resourceful father and son team, Luke and Max Geisshuhler of Brooklyn, NY, have built a small spacecraft that reaches space and falls gracefully back to earth, recording the journey as it went in HD footage. This incredible feat showcases the ingenuity and determination of the duo, who managed to achieve this with limited resources and a lot of creativity.
Using a polystyrene case, a few pocket hand warmers, a weather balloon, and a GPS transmitter for recovery, they were able to send their homemade spacecraft to the edge of space. The entire journey was captured in stunning HD footage, providing a breathtaking view of the Earth from above.
The Journey to Space
The spacecraft was launched using a weather balloon, which carried it to an altitude of approximately 100,000 feet. As it ascended, the onboard HD camera captured stunning footage of the Earth below, the curvature of the planet becoming more pronounced as the altitude increased. The polystyrene case provided insulation, protecting the electronics from the extreme cold temperatures encountered at high altitudes. The pocket hand warmers were a simple yet effective solution to keep the camera and other equipment functioning properly in the harsh environment.
As the balloon reached its maximum altitude, it eventually burst, and the spacecraft began its descent back to Earth. The GPS transmitter played a crucial role in the recovery process, allowing Luke and Max to track the spacecraft’s location and retrieve it once it landed. The footage captured during the descent is equally impressive, showing the rapid approach of the Earth’s surface and the eventual landing.
Watch as the spacecraft lifts into space then falls back to earth capturing the trip on the installed HD video camera. The quality of the footage is fantastic considering the team’s budget. Well done, guys.
Challenges and Achievements
One of the significant challenges faced by Luke and Max was ensuring that the spacecraft could withstand the harsh conditions of the upper atmosphere. Temperatures can drop to as low as -60 degrees Celsius, and the thin air at high altitudes provides little protection from the sun’s radiation. The polystyrene case and hand warmers were essential in mitigating these challenges, ensuring that the electronics remained operational throughout the journey.
Another challenge was the recovery of the spacecraft. The GPS transmitter was vital in this regard, allowing the team to pinpoint the landing location accurately. Without this technology, the spacecraft could have been lost, and the incredible footage would never have been seen.
The success of this project is a testament to the power of creativity and determination. Luke and Max’s achievement has inspired many others to pursue their own DIY space projects, demonstrating that with the right approach, even seemingly impossible goals can be reached.
Via MAKE
This project by Luke and Max Geisshuhler is a remarkable example of what can be achieved with ingenuity, resourcefulness, and a passion for exploration. Their homemade spacecraft not only reached the edge of space but also provided stunning visual documentation of the journey, inspiring others to dream big and pursue their own adventures.
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
