Google Street View is moving into space, or more exactly, aboard the ISS.
The latest update from Google Street View will allow anyone interested in taking a stroll or more likely drifting aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Thanks to this latest update, they will be able to access and explore the space laboratory just as they would any other place here on Earth, available in the system.
Astronauts have been continuously living, working, and studying aboard the ISS for 16 years now. Depending on future funding rounds, they will also continue doing so up until 2024. The space station is scheduled for decommission at that time.
Google Street View Cast an Eye Out in Space
Now, those wishing to take a closer look inside the ISS, but without leaving the comforts of Earth, or without the chance to do so in person can now turn to Google Street View.
This is the first time Street View leaves the planet. On board of the station, it will let viewers take a look at everything from the astronauts’ sleeping quarters to where they store their space suits. This is an even more detailed view of the station, which can already be explored thanks to several other services, games, and movies.
The ISS Street View also comes with an additional feature, as users will note little dots. These should be quite handy as clicking on them will launch notes. In turn, these will be offering explanations as to what everything does.
The information in these notes will vary. For example, one may point out the locations in which astronauts conduct scientific experiments. Or another will show what kind of food they like to eat. It even points out where they work, as staying fit is very important.
The ISS is constructed out of 15 connected modules. All of them are now more easily accessible thanks to Google Street View. This will also be offering a panoramic, 360 degrees view imagery.
Google collaborated with the Marshall Space Centre and NASA on developing a new technology which could create such data. This led to the appearance of the “gravity-free method”. It uses DSLR camera and equipment already on board the ISS to collect the needed images.
“We did a lot of troubleshooting before collecting the final imagery that you see today in Street View,” wrote Thomas Pesquet, an ESA astronaut aboard the ISS which helped with the development.
Pesquet first collected the photos in space and then sent them back to Earth. Here, they were stitched together and helped create the panorama.
Image Source: Wikimedia
Michael Turner
