NEWS  Photography  March 3, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Samsung recently embarked on a mission that saw four Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphones ascend to the edge of space aboard stratospheric balloons. The objective? To capture breathtaking, literal out-of-this-world photographs of the western United States.

Each of the four identical contraptions comprised a lightweight, carbon fiber framework housing a core flight computer and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, the tech giant's latest flagship smartphone unveiled in January. Lifted by hydrogen-filled stratospheric balloon canopies, these rigs soared to altitudes exceeding 120,000 feet, providing a vantage point unmatched by conventional aerial photography.

While the stratosphere technically falls short of the cosmos, its elevation far surpasses the realms accessible to commercial aircraft, offering a perspective akin to that observed by the U2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance aircraft, known for its high-altitude missions. At nearly 23 miles above Earth's surface, the curvature of our planet becomes distinctly discernible, setting the stage for captivating imagery.

Before launch, Samsung meticulously crafted and refined two variants of the carbon fiber skeleton, ultimately selecting a design replicated across all four rigs. Strategically chosen launch sites—Los Angeles, Las Vegas, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the Grand Canyon—ensured a diverse array of landscapes for the Galaxy S24 Ultra to capture, putting its imaging capabilities to the ultimate test.

Between January 25 and 31, 2024, the ambitious endeavor unfolded swiftly, with teams executing planned flights and capturing footage within a week. Leveraging a mix of wide-angle, 5x zoom, and primary cameras, the smartphones delivered over 150 high-resolution photographs showcasing the awe-inspiring vistas of the western United States.

As the mission reached its zenith, it was time to return to Earth. Venting hydrogen gas and deploying parachutes, the rigs descended at a gentle five miles per hour, meticulously tracked and safely retrieved by the vigilant teams.

Samsung's foray into stratospheric photography represents a convergence of technological innovation and artistic exploration, offering a glimpse of our planet's majesty from a perspective few have experienced. As the boundaries of possibility continue to expand, ventures like these remind us of the boundless potential of human ingenuity to unveil the beauty of our world in unprecedented ways.

 IMAGES CREDITS: SAMSUNG