A live view of Earth will soon be streaming live on computer screens all over the world. Vancouver-based company UrtheCast (pronounced “Earthcast”) is developing the first ever ultra-HD video stream of our home planet, as seen from cameras on the International Space Station.
What can we expect from this live stream of Earth?
UrtheCast currently has two cameras installed on the ISS. One is an ultra-HD video camera, while the other is a medium-resolution still imager. The live feed should offer a clear, sharp image in full color. Everyone with an internet connection will be now be able to see and monitor our planet live. In the long run, we can expect Urthecast to have a very democratic effect on Earth observation, as anyone behind a computer screen will be able to view the live feed. The company may be positive towards things like education, scientific research, environmental monitoring, and even disaster relief or humanitarian efforts.
When can we expect the live stream of Earth to begin?
According to UrtheCast’s CEO and co-founder, Scott Larson, live video will begin to be transmitted from the ISS to UrtheCast’s web platform this summer. The company has signed a brand partnership with PepsiCo, and will be providing the beverage giant with ultra-HD footage of Earth for its Pepsi Challenge very soon.
How did the idea for the UrtheCast come to life, and what does its future hold?
The spark that started the idea for the company happened while the co-founder and president, Wade Larson, was working for another company. That company had been approached by the Russian Federal Space Agency about a partnership to place cameras on the International Space Station. It decided not to pursue the idea, which is how Wade ended up picking it up. He and his brother, Scott, started the company out of his basement once they gathered up the necessary seed money. Now, UrtheCast is serving clients like the UN, climate change scientists, and Pepsi. The company has been nominated for the Emerging Company of the Year award at the BCTIA Technology Impact Awards. UrtheCast will get two more sensors on ISS sometime in 2017.
