For the first time in the history of mankind, 8k ultra high definition videos could be transmitted straight from space. Yes! Space enthusiasts can now easily view fast-moving video feeds of researches and an astronaut’s daily life from the International Space Centre and European Space Agency in a never before seen 8k video resolution. The project was handed to RED, a digital cinema company. They used specialised Helium 8k camera, which is capable of shooting videos up to around 8192 x 4320 pixels or 8K.
Behind the camera, was the very team that bought innovation to the earlier cameras used in space: high definition (HD) cameras, 3D cameras, as well as the 4k version. With the televisions and phones still operating at around 2K video resolution, the NASA 8K video resolution surely brings a change in view.
In a recent interview, Dylan Mathis, communications manager for the International Space Station Program at NASA’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston have recently stated that “This new footage showcases the story of human spaceflight in more vivid detail than ever before. The world of camera technology continues to progress, and seeing our planet in high fidelity is always welcome. We’re excited to see what imagery comes down in the future”.
The daily life of the cosmonauts would be available for screening indirect 8k resolution. Experiments such as advanced DNA sequencing in space with the BEST investigation, studying dynamic forces between sediment particles with BCAT-CS, learning about genetic differences in space-grown and Earth-grown plants with Plant Habitat-1, observing low-speed water jets to improve combustion processes within engines with Atomization as well as out space activities such as exploring station facilities such as the MELFI, the Plant Habitat, the Life Support Rack, the JEM Airlock and the Canadarm2 are also available to the viewers for screening.
The orbiting station is soon going to celebrate its 18th anniversary of human existence in space and the 20th anniversary of the launch of the first two space station elements on Nov. 20 and Dec. 4, 1998, respectively. These proceedings will soon be shot in NASA 8K video resolution for viewers around the world. The new camera on board was commissioned to be delivered by the SpaceX cargo resupply mission under the Space Act Agreement between Nasa and RED.
We’re excited to embrace new technology that improves our ability to engage our audiences in space station research. Each improvement in imagery fidelity brings that person on Earth closer to the in-space experience, allowing them to see what human spaceflight is doing to improve their life, as well as enable humanity to explore the universe. – said David Brady, assistant program scientist for the International Space Station Program Science Office at Johnson
The international movie hits like The Hobbit trilogy, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2, and television programs such as Stranger Things, Maniac, and Lost in Space was covered by RED.
With this update, viewers can now easily see footage from the space stations directly on their computer screens. For best viewing, screens capable of screening 8K is suggested for the best experience, but other viewers can still have a near 8K viewing owing to imageries being shot at a higher fidelity and then converted down.