The ISS has begun broadcasting video of Earth from space in the highest quality 4K, which allows even the smallest details to be seen clearly. This is made possible by a set of Ultra High Definition 4k cameras developed by Sen, a company that specialises in space broadcasting. The new equipment was delivered to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024. Now, once installed and set up aboard the ISS, these cameras broadcast live spectacular views of Earth and space to the world via the company’s YouTube channel.
The London-based company aims to make the space experience accessible to everyone. Their goal is to convey a vibe usually available only to astronauts, known as the view effect. Apollo 14 mission lunar module pilot Edgar Mitchell described it as an ‘instant global consciousness’ accompanied by a desire to change the world. Sen wants everyone to experience this incredible perspective.
SpaceTV-1 cameras were delivered to the ISS in March 2024 as part of the CRS-30 cargo mission aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The kit was installed on the Bartolomeo platform on the Columbus module, which is owned by the European Space Agency (ESA). The system consists of three cameras, each providing a unique view of Earth and space.
The first camera has a wide-angle lens and captures a panoramic view of the Earth’s horizon. Sometimes elements of the space station appear in the frame. The second camera focuses directly on the planet’s surface, showing an area of about 240 by 180 kilometres. The third camera is aimed at the ISS docking port to which the Harmony module is connected.
In 2024, the company began testing the system, broadcasting images of Hurricane Milton in October and dozens of videos of different parts of the world. The broadcast is now running almost continuously, although there are occasional ‘dead spots’ and a tuning process that can cause the signal to be temporarily interrupted or broadcast in a recording.
Now everyone can see the beauty of our planet and experience the unique perspective of space.
Earlier we reported on how astronauts observe the aurora borealis from an altitude of 400 kilometres.
According to Space
