Google sends Android into Space

Google attached Nexus S phones running Android to weather balloons in order to capture data about how the Nexus S's sensors (GPS, gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer) perform in extreme temperatures, high wind speeds and changes in pressure.

The Android character was attached to the payload and was filmed by the Nexus phone at 100,000 feet. Google explained, "We secured a nylon load line to the cooler and attached to it a radar reflector, a parachute, and finally, a weather balloon.

Every payload had an APRS transmitter attached to a GPS that was known to work at high altitudes, as well as batteries for power. The remainder of each payload was different for each balloon: some had digital cameras taking pictures and some had video cameras mounted at various angles (up, down, and at the horizon)."

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