Space Launch Adventure Recap

Overview

This narrative details the journey and challenges of launching a 1.2 million pound, 22-story rocket into space, which includes a $5 million satellite designed to take space selfies.

Objectives

• Successfully launch the satellite into space.
• Ensure the satellite survives the launch and activates "selfie mode."
• Keep the promise of offering free satellite selfies globally.

Key Milestones

1. Rocket Launch Success

   • Escape Earth's gravity.
   • Ensure no part of the satellite's 7,836 components breaks as there is no way to fix it once in space.

2. Satellite Activation

   • Boot up and transform into selfie mode.
   • Survive the violent launch process.

Challenges and Events

• Launch Party: Held with subscribers close to the launch site.
• Launch Concerns: Concerns about fog obscuring visibility during live streaming.

Launch Day

• Clear Skies: Unlike usual foggy conditions at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
• Nerves and Anticipation: High emotions due to stakes involved.

Successful Launch Highlights

• Rocket's Ascend: Festive atmosphere with activities like fire breathing.
• Stage Separation and Landing: Successful booster recovery with sonic booms.

Next Steps

• Confirm SATGUS's entry into orbit.
• Crucial for sending images back to Earth.

SATGUS Challenges

• Initial failure to establish communication due to satellite tumbling.
• Use of torque rods to stabilize the satellite.
• Successful deployment of antennas and contacts with ground stations.

Final Success

• Camera and screen deployed on SATGUS.
• First successful live video feed from space.
• Free space selfies now accessible to all.

Other Noteworthy Mentions

• Camp CrunchLabs: An 8-week virtual space-themed summer camp to inspire young engineers.
• Sponsors: T-Mobile and Google Pixel played vital roles in supporting the mission.

Conclusion

The mission involved not only technical challenges but also marked a personal and emotional achievement, promoting the power of engineering and human creativity. Free space selfies symbolize a leap in accessibility to space-inspired experiences.