PRESS RELEASE
The SpaceSelfie mission is Samsung’s latest out-of-this world technological feat with the Galaxy S10 5G
London, UK – 17th October 2019 – Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd today announced a bold, out-of-this-world mission as it launches the Galaxy S10 5G 65,000 feet above the earth to give consumers the chance to get their face in space.
Through SpaceSelfie, Samsung is demonstrating the pioneering spirit of its brand and setting a new standard for the potential of mobile technology. With over 200 hours at 65,000 feet above the earth, the S10 5G will showcase the strength of Samsung’s innovations and how it continues to design products that make what was previously impossible, possible.
“To celebrate that amazing things happen on Samsung screens we decided to take selfies to a new level and give people a chance to get their face in space,” says Benjamin Braun, Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung Europe. “We are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible and with SpaceSelfie, we will show that amazing things continue to happen using Samsung technology – even from the edge of space.”
How the Samsung SpaceSelfie mission will work
A super-pressure High Altitude Balloon half the size of a basketball court (10.5m x 18m) will ascend from a launch pad in South Dakota in the U.S., carrying a bespoke payload box in which the S10 5G is held, to reach up to 65,000 ft.
The payload has been designed to ensure the best quality photos are captured by factoring in the earth’s curvature and reflective light from the sun, whose solar energy powers both the payload and the S10 5G itself.
Back on earth, eligible consumers are in with a chance to receive a photo of their face in space by taking a selfie using their smartphone and uploading it to the Mission Control website.[1]
Two bespoke apps were developed to facilitate SpaceSelfie. The first is a ground control app created to send and receive selfies between Mission Control and the payload.
The second is an app specifically designed for the S10 5G, which communicates with the still camera on the rig, commanding it to take the photo of a selfie displayed on the device’s screen. The S10 app then tells the ground app to send the image back to earth and from there it is delivered direct to the consumer.
Preparing the S10 5G for flight
With the S10 5G, Samsung has created a phone so durable it can withstand the hostile conditions and pressure found at 65,000 feet above the earth, without insulation or casing.
The S10 5G was subjected to rigorous pre-launch testing and was able to withstand temperatures of up to -65°C. The S10 5G’s 6.7 inch Dynamic AMOLED display also proved its ability to perform in harsh environments, successfully avoiding any condensation or cracking at altitudes twice that of Mount Everest.
From power sharing capabilities to AI-powered performance enhancement and Intelligent Wi-Fi, the S10 5G is one of Samsung’s most intelligent, hard-working and durable devices, from the inside out.
To date, only space travellers have ever had the opportunity to take a selfie in space. Now, with Samsung, consumers will have the chance to see themselves in space, right from the palm of their hands.
Eligible consumers can submit their selfie via Mission Control. To be in with a chance to get your face in space, visit www.samsung.com/spaceselfie and upload your photo.
[1] Samsung Electronics (UK) Limited. UK and ROI residents aged 16+. Participants must enter between 16.10.19 and 31.10.19 for a chance to win. There are up to 65,000 space selfies (Prizes) to be won across a number of promotions being offered by Samsung companies globally. Prizes offered on a first come, first served and random basis during different phases of the promotion. See https://samsung-spaceselfie.com/gb/en/terms for further information and T&Cs.
