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(we will be adding more to the FAQ page over the next few days and weeks, check back to see if your questions are answered)
CosmoCam is a new internet interactive video system that will allow people anywhere to access the spectacular vistas from the edge of space. Click on the question to get more details on the system.
- Can I use CosmoCam from home or school?
Yes! CosmoCam is designed especially for operation via the internet from desktop and mobile computers.
- How do I sign up for using CosmoCam?
Signing up is easy! Go to the Sign-Up page and click on the intrument of interest (i.e. videocam or telescope) and you will be prompted to enter your email address and name. Please be sure to enter the correct email address as this will be the only way to contact you! Your name will be added to a list of prospective users from which a few will be randomly selected to give CosmoCam a try.
- Does CosmoCam generate interesting data along with the video?
Yes! CosmoCam has a number of temperature sensors, a pressure sensor and a 3-axis accelerometer to monitor the system state of health during flight. All the data is sent down to the ground station and will be included in the control web page (we will also attempt to include it in the viewing page as well) for all to see.
- How often does CosmoCam fly?
CosmoCam is new. We have flown three times in 2005 and expect to fly at least two more times during the coming year. The frequency will, of course, depend on the popularity and funding for missions.
- What does CosmoCam fly on?
Currently CosmoCam piggybacks on much larger NASA science balloon payloads. These are high altitude balloon missions that operate in the upper stratosphere (20-25 miles!). The parent payloads are large (sometimes 6500 pounds!) and are leading edge astrophysical or atmospheric research missions. Check out our past mission pages for video clips taken during the flights.
- Is CosmoCam a NASA project?
Not exactly. CosmoCam has been developed by a private enterprise, Rocket Science, Inc., that provides onsite contract engineering support for other NASA projects. NASA's Exploration of the Universe Division at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland has provided non-monetary support for some of CosmoCam's development.
- Can I learn about the science behind the payloads that CosmoCam rides on?
Yes, we post the project website of the particular science mission that CosmoCam will ride on. So far the Principal Investigators (PI) have been happy to include CosmCam as it allows people to see what they are doing and learn more about these science machines.
