Unit9 and Samsung take consumers to the edge of space

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd has announced an out-of-this-world mission as it launches the Galaxy S10 5G into the stratosphere to give consumers the chance to get their face in space.

For the past five decades, Samsung has provided consumers with the latest innovations in screen technology: from Curved TVs, to dual edge display and foldable smartphones. Now, working alongside innovation partner Unit9 and aerospace partner Flightline Films, Samsung is taking its technology to the edge of space and giving consumers the chance to get their very own ‘SpaceSelfie’ on a Samsung screen.

Through SpaceSelfie, Samsung is demonstrating the pioneering spirit of its brand and setting a new standard for the potential of mobile technology. With over 200 hours at the edge of the world’s atmosphere, the S10 5G will showcase the strength of Samsung’s innovations and how it continues to design products that make what was previously impossible, possible.

“To celebrate that amazing things happen on Samsung screens we decided to take selfies to a new level and give people a chance to get their face in space,” says Benjamin Braun, chief marketing officer, Samsung Europe. “We are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible and with SpaceSelfie, we will show that amazing things continue to happen using Samsung technology – even from the edge of space.”

A super-pressure High Altitude Balloon half the size of a basketball court (10.5m x 18m) will ascend from a launch pad in South Dakota in the U.S., carrying a bespoke payload box in which the S10 5G is held, to reach up to 64,900 ft.
The payload has been designed to ensure the best quality photos are captured by factoring in the earth’s curvature and reflective light from the sun, whose solar energy powers both the payload and the S10 5G itself.

Back on earth, consumers are in with a chance to receive a photo of their face in space by taking a selfie using their smartphone and uploading it to the Mission Control website.
Two bespoke apps were developed to facilitate SpaceSelfie. The first is a ground control app created to send and receive selfies between Mission Control and the payload.

The second is an app specifically designed for the S10 5G, which communicates with the still camera on the rig, commanding it to take the photo of a selfie displayed on the device’s screen. The S10 app then tells the ground app to send the image back to earth and from there it is delivered direct to the consumer.

With the S10 5G, Samsung has created a phone so durable it can withstand the hostile conditions and pressure found at the edge of space, without insulation or casing.
The S10 5G was subjected to rigorous pre-launch testing and was able to withstand temperatures of up to -65°C. The S10 5G’s 6.7 inch Dynamic Amoled display also proved its ability to perform in harsh environments, successfully avoiding any condensation or cracking at altitudes twice that of Mount Everest.

Anyone can submit their selfie via the online Mission Control.