I’m sure you’ve read about that group of MIT students who launched a digital camera into near-space just last month for what they called, “Project Icarus.”  Achieving 17.5 miles into the uppermost parts of the stratosphere, they were able to take remarkable photos that quickly swept the web; soon getting recognized on news networks such as CNN, FOX and ABC.

Inspired by the project, Nicholas Siemsen decided to take it upon himself to repeat the experiment.  Nick is a Financial Analyst who works right here in Fullerton at Raytheon; and the VitaminOC team sat down with him to find out more about his venture.

Just like project Icarus, Nick plans to launch a weather balloon into the sky with a camera and a cell phone that will track the balloon.  He estimates a total flight time of 5 hours,  3 hours going up, and once the balloon pops, it will take 2 hours coming down.  With the camera set to take a picture every five seconds, there is a lot of potential for some really amazing photos, which he admits was part of his motivation for taking on this project:

“I think is all springs from my fascination with photography.  …I was always interested in photography.  It’s one of my hobbies.”

Using the Project Icarus as a guideline, Nick said that he will be using most of the same materials.

• Sounding Balloon (350 grams) purchased from Kaymont
• Motorola i290 Prepaid Cellphone
• Canon A460 camera with CHDK

He was able to get some hookups on other material, such as foam (to build the unit) and helium (for the balloon) through some of his family and friends.  Although he is the head of this project, the few people helping him include his friend, girlfriend, and sister-in-law.

Nick told us that he doesn’t know where he will launch, but he favors the idea of doing so in a place like Downtown Fullerton or the beach so that he can get some photos of a popular and recognizable place.  Either way, he plans to put together a time-lapse video of all the pictures and share it with all of you!

Nick is very optimistic about his project and notes that his biggest concern is the recovery of the unit, saying that he hopes “it doesn’t fall on anything alive!”  And if all goes well, he told us that he plans to do several more.

Wherever the location might be the launch is set for Saturday, October 24th.  The VitaminOC team will try and get some pictures of it, and we will definitely keep you updated with his progress.

For details on Project Icarus, visit http://space.1337arts.com/