Dropping a GoPro from the Space Station: A Detailed Analysis

Imagine having the chance to drop your GoPro from the International Space Station (ISS). Would it continue to function? Would it return to Earth, or simply become part of the growing debris field in orbit? Let's dive into the details of this intriguing scenario.

Initial Conditions and Environmental Impact

Operational Limits of a GoPro in Orbit:

First, the GoPro would not operate. It is not designed to function in a zero-gravity vacuum environment. Without adequate cooling, some components would overheat and irreparably damage themselves. This highlights the critical design considerations for equipment intended for space missions.

Orbital Trajectory and Space Debris

Integration with Orbital Space:

If the GoPro were to detach from the ISS, it would join the thousands of other satellites and pieces of space debris orbiting Earth. Relative to the ISS, the GoPro would float next to you, assuming no external force is applied. It would require a significant velocity (several dozen meters per second) to de-orbit and return to Earth. Otherwise, it would remain in orbit, potentially posing hazards to future missions.

Returning the GoPro to Earth: A Complex Process

Retrieving the GoPro:

To bring the GoPro back to Earth safely, several critical steps would be necessary. These include:

Deploying a thruster to slow the GoPro's velocity, reducing its speed to prevent dangerous atmospheric re-entry.

Equipping the GoPro with a heat shield to protect it from burning up during re-entry.

Implementing a recovery system to ensure a soft landing, as the GoPro would enter the Earth's atmosphere traveling at approximately 17,500 mph (28,160 km/h).

Employing a guidance system to control its trajectory accurately.

Without these systems, the GoPro would continue to follow the same orbital path as the ISS until influenced by external forces like atmospheric drag, which would eventually lower its orbit and lead to re-entry.

Depicting GoPro in the Orbital Environment

Orbital Mobility and Observation:

If one were to deploy a GoPro while outside the ISS in a space suit, the GoPro would float alongside you, traveling at an astonishing speed of 17,000 miles per hour (approximately 27,000 km/h). However, this high velocity would not cause it to drift away, as it would remain in close proximity due to orbital mechanics. The experience captured by such a device would offer a unique perspective on the environment beyond Earth's atmosphere.

This detailed analysis not only addresses the technical challenges but also the potential benefits of using a GoPro in the extreme conditions of space orbit. While it may not be a practical device for routine operations, the concept opens the door to fascinating explorations and future technological advancements.