Incredible images show Earth as never seen before

A tech company claim to be the first to send a 360 degree action camera into space.

Chinese firm Insta360 have shown off breathtaking pictures snapped by cameras attached to a satellite launched 500km into outer space.

The equipment blasted off on 16 January and is now orbiting the planet, capturing incredible 360 views of the stars, the Milky Way, and Earth.

Insta360 say they have achieved "the first fully exposed camera in space", a feat which required a lot of preparation to get X2 ready for the harsh environment.

The engineers identified three obstacles to overcome before sending the 360 action camera into space.

The two Insta360 X2 cameras had to be modified to withstand extreme heat and cold, radiation, and the extreme shock and vibration of rocket launch.

The project began in July 2021, from where it took 12 months to modify the action cameras, including six months of research and development.

The solar-powered satellite was initially scheduled to launch in 2022 but had to be postponed due to COVID-19. One year later, Insta360 X2 was able to take off.

Insta360 say they worked with partners Media Storm and SAR satellite company Spacety to fulfill the mission.

The company commented: "The project runs on hard work, but a fair bit of luck, too. Space can be unpredictable, and there is no backup hardware or software if the camera runs into any issues.

"Luckily, both cameras and their sensors are still fully functioning and offer an incredible look at outer space.

"This is the first time ever a 360 action camera has reached space, breaking new ground for Insta360."