Ever wanted to take a space selfie? Now you can

Imagine a selfie with Earth as the backdrop—not a digitally generated image, but a photograph taken in orbit. This is the concept behind the Space Selfie project, launched by CrunchLabs, an initiative founded by Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer and YouTube content creator.

What is the Space Selfie project?

The project aims to send participants' selfies to space, display them on a satellite-mounted phone, and capture a photo with Earth in the background before sending it back to the participant.

Mark Rober, who has a history of innovative and entertaining engineering projects, has partnered with T-Mobile, Google Pixel, and SpaceX to make this vision a reality, according to an article by The Verge on the matter.

The satellite, named SAT GUS after CrunchLabs' squirrel mascot Phat Gus, is equipped with two Google Pixel phones and an array of cameras, explained Rober in a YouTube video. The satellite is designed to orbit Earth at an altitude of 60 kilometresrs, capturing photos with its expansive solar-powered system.

The satellite uses a flywheel mechanism to adjust its position for solar energy collection, photo-taking, and data transmission, a feat of engineering that ensures functionality in the harsh environment of space, explains official sources.

How to participate?

To participate in the Space Selfie project, individuals must obtain a unique code. This code is available to CrunchLabs subscribers, donors who contribute $30 or more to fund STEM kits for children in need, as well as select T-Mobile and Google Pixel customers.

Participants can upload their selfies to a dedicated platform, which is said to formally open in early December 2024. Once the satellite is operational, the uploaded selfies will be displayed on one of the Pixel phones aboard SAT GUS, photographed with Earth in the background, and transmitted back to participants, according to CrunchLabs.

As per The Verge article, the satellite is scheduled to launch in January 2025 aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter 12 mission. After entering orbit, it will begin processing and capturing selfies over several months. Participants can even request that their selfies be taken while the satellite is positioned over their specific location.

CrunchLabs has stated in its official webiste the educational and inspirational goals of the project, viewing it as an opportunity to engage people with the possibilities of science and engineering. The company also seeks to use the project to support underprivileged children by providing STEM education kits through organisations like FIRST Robotics.

While the project is free for eligible participants, space is unpredictable, and there is no guarantee of complete success. Technical challenges or unforeseen events could impact the mission. Nevertheless, the team promises to keep participants informed about the satellite's progress and their photos, says CrunchLabs.