The Latest Stunt from Mark Rober: A Satellite Selfie
Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer and popular YouTuber, has raised the bar in the world of online stunts with an extraordinary offer: a selfie featuring yourself and the Earth, taken from a satellite. Partnering with Google and T-Mobile, Rober is set to launch a satellite that will capture photos of anyone's portrait displayed on a Google Pixel device against the backdrop of our planet.
Who is Mark Rober?
Mark Rober made headlines with his viral projects, including glitter bomb traps for porch pirates, the world’s largest Super Soaker, and a challenge course for squirrels. His inventive mindset and engaging presentation style have gained him millions of followers on YouTube.
How Does the Satellite Selfie Work?
If you want a unique keepsake, all you need to do is provide Rober with your location. He claims that the satellite will snap your selfie when it’s directly above your city. Rober will notify participants of the exact time, allowing you to step outside and be part of the moment in two ways: on the ground and in space!
Launch Details and Timeline
The satellite is scheduled for a launch aboard SpaceX’s Transporter 12 mission, taking place in January 2025. Following the launch, the satellite will start taking selfies a few months later. The anticipation is building, and fans are eager to participate in this out-of-this-world experience!
How to Get Your Free Selfie Code
Though Rober and T-Mobile advertise this opportunity as "free," there are some requirements to be aware of:
- You need to subscribe to CrunchLabs, which offers engineering build kits for kids. Annual subscriptions range from $25 to $80, based on the package selected.
- Existing T-Mobile customers can acquire a free code via the T-Life app.
- Customers with Google Pixel devices are also eligible for codes.
Codes can be redeemed starting December 3rd at spaceselfie.com. After uploading your selfie, you’ll receive an email to track when your cosmic photo will be taken.
The Technology Behind the Selfie Satellite
Rober has outlined the technical aspects of the satellite in a detailed YouTube video. The satellite features two cameras and two Google Pixel phones mounted on either side for capturing the perfect image and ensuring there is redundancy in operations.
The satellite utilizes a solar array for power, which charges a 120Wh battery pack. One unique challenge for the satellite lies in its operational position; it must orientate itself for energy collection, selfie capturing, and communication without propellers or thrusters. To address this, Rober’s team incorporated a flywheel mechanism inside the satellite to help manage its positioning dynamically.
Conclusion: A Unique Experience Awaits
This innovative stunt not only showcases Rober’s engineering prowess but also emphasizes the intersection of technology and fun. As we approach the launch date, the excitement around the satellite selfie continues to grow, making it a must-watch event for fans of science and creativity.
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