![]() ![]() The remainder of each payload was different for each balloon: some had digital cameras taking pictures and some had video cameras mounted at various angles (up, down, and at the horizon). Every payload had an APRS transmitter attached to a GPS that was known to work at high altitudes, as well as batteries for power. We secured a nylon load line to the cooler and attached to it a radar reflector, a parachute, and finally, a weather balloon. We then worked with UCSC student Greg Klein to prepare each of the payloads, which were housed in foam coolers. Going forward with other similar projects we have an open environment that we can modify at any level necessary. ![]() How did we get our little Android commanders that high up? Well, first the Android platform provides a robust development environment and Nexus S has a great set of embedded sensors, both of which made it easy for us to write the apps we needed for this project. Take a look at unaltered footage of an Android at over 100,000 ft above the Earth’s surface: Sending the balloons up also gave us an opportunity to capture some stunning imagery and videos of Earth. We also couldn’t resist what looked like a great way to spend a weekend. We took some cues from others who have sent homemade weather balloon rigs far up, and we wanted an opportunity to collect some interesting data about the sensors in Nexus S – GPS, gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer. Recently, we travelled to Ione, CA and sent seven payloads up, up, and away into near space, each equipped with a Nexus S. ![]() Well, we wanted to do a little exploring of our own, so we decided to venture into near space, with the help of some Androids. And Google Sky Map lets you explore the skies right from your Android device. Google Earth lets you explore the planet in detail, complete with trees and oceans. Google Maps lets you find your way all around the world. It’s no surprise that some of our favorite products are built to let you explore the world in ways never before possible. Here at Google, we’re all about exploration. ![]()
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