How an astronaut became a flying tripod to capture 3D space footage
In short: To capture the first 3D 360-degree video on the International Space Station, Paolo Nespoli had to abandon traditional filming. By strapping a camera to his head and a laptop to his back, he transformed himself into a mobile, weightless tripod to document life in microgravity.
In late 2017, Italian astronaut Paolo Nespoli embarked on a unique project to create the first 3D 360-degree video aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Collaborating with National Geographic, Nespoli aimed to capture cinematic footage for the series One Strange Rock. The original plan was to place a camera at Node 2, the intersection of the Japanese and European laboratories, to act as a 'fly on the wall' while recording astronauts at their workstations. However, the location proved too quiet, as the crew was often busy elsewhere.
To solve this, Nespoli embraced the 'Spider-Man factor' of microgravity. He moved away from fixed mounting points and instead strapped a Vuze VR Camera to his head, with a laptop computer attached to his back to provide power. This unconventional setup allowed him to float through the station, moving from the U.S. module to the Russian module while continuously changing orientation. This method allowed him to demonstrate how astronauts navigate without a floor, often choosing to walk on the ceiling or the sides when it is more convenient.
This mission was part of a broader effort to document life on the ISS. During his MagISStra mission from December 2010 through May 2011, Nespoli used the European Space Agency's (ESA) Erasmus Recording Binocular (ERB-2) to transmit the first 3D images live from space. His work provided a rare perspective on the various phases of astronaut life, including scientific experiments, physical training, and educational activities, offering a sense of what it truly means to fly through the station.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Visit the ISS in 3D with Paolo Nespoli
- Also: Exclusive: How We Made the First 3-D 360 Video in Space
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