An incredible series of images show Earth as never seen before.<br /><br />A tech company claim to be the first to send a 360 degree action camera into space.<br /><br />Chinese firm Insta360 have shown off breathtaking pictures snapped by cameras attached to a satellite launched 500km into outer space. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The engineers identified three obstacles to overcome before sending the 360 action camera into space. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />The project began in July 2021, from where it took 12 months to modify the action cameras, including six months of research and development.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Insta360 say they worked with partners Media Storm and SAR satellite company Spacety to fulfill the mission.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />"Luckily, both cameras and their sensors are still fully functioning and offer an incredible look at outer space.<br /><br />"This is the first time ever a 360 action camera has reached space, breaking new ground for Insta360."
