posted 05-02-2014 03:49 PM               

ISS HD Earth Viewing Experiment

The High Definition Earth Viewing (HDEV) experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) was activated April 30, 2014. It is mounted on the External Payload Facility of the European Space Agency's Columbus module.

This experiment includes several commercial HD video cameras aimed at Earth, which are enclosed in a pressurized and temperature controlled housing. Video from these cameras is transmitted back to earth and also streamed live on this channel.

While the experiment is operational, views will typically sequence though the different cameras. Between camera switches, a gray and then black color slate will briefly appear.

Since the ISS is in darkness during part of each orbit, the images will be dark at times. During periods of loss of signal with the ground or when HDEV is not operating, a gray slate or recorded video may be seen.

Analysis of this experiment will be conducted to assess the effects of the space environment on the equipment and video quality which may help decisions about cameras for future missions.

High school students helped with the design of some of the HDEV components through the High Schools United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) program. Student teams will also help operate the experiment.

For the real time ISS location plus the HDEV imagery, visit here.

posted 08-31-2019 03:07 AM               

Failure of the cameras (Update August 2019)

Unfortunately, after five years we have to announce the end of the HDEV experiment. Originally it should already be over in 2016 and we are pleased that we could inspire you far beyond with the live videos from the ISS. Of course, we will stay with you and continue to bring Earth observation with other great sensors from the ISS into your classroom.