Video: "Hobo" Monkey Goes to the Edge of Space

Back in November of last year Australian indie band Skipping Girl Vinegar and a team of "cowboy scientists" joined forces to launch a stuffed toy monkey by the name of Baker to the edge of space. They attached a giant weather balloon to a model rocket and added a small video camera to catch all the action. The results can be seen in the video below, which shows Baker going up into the stratosphere for some spectacular views, before plummeting back to Earth where he was recovered – apparently little worse for wear.

Lucky monkey!

Video: We Are Living In The Future

I came across this video earlier today and thought that it showed an amazing blend of technologies. It is an 11-minute long tech demo of a Microsoft Surface-powered interface for exploring space. For those who aren't familiar with Surface, it is a touch based interface that is designed to be used on displays that are integrated directly into a table. In this case it results in something right out of Minority Report with some amazing results.

Anyone who is interested in technology and space will immediately want to place an order for this thing. Cost is rumored to be about $8000.

Video: The Entire Universe is Connected

Recently the famous astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson was asked what the most astounding fact about the universe was he gave the answer that you find in the video below. It is one of those things that will make you feel both incredibly humble and yet oddly comforted all at the same time. The images are simply breathtaking as well.

NASA Is Now Accepting Applications For New Astronauts

Okay, so who didn't want to be an astronaut when you were a kid? I mean, come on, it has to be the coolest job on, or off, the planet, right?!? Earlier today, NASA announced that it is seeking its next class of astronauts, which will lead us into the future of space exploration. You can read all about the process by clicking here or jump to the online job description, which can be found here.

The particulars of being an astronaut are actually quite interesting. The salary ranges from $64,724 - $141,715 per year, which seems on the low side considering the risks involved. On the other hand, I'd pretty much go up into space for free, so I wouldn't complain too much if they actually wanted to pay me too!

It should also be noted that the job does hinge on an extensive background check and medical examination as well. Mandatory drug-testing is also part of the requirements, as is frequent travel. If that "frequent travel" includes going into low-Earth orbit and long stays at the luxurious International Space Station, then count me in. The job description also offers info on the requirements, how candidates will be evaluated, the benefits plan for working at NASA, and exactly how you apply.

I know that the economy is rough right now and lots of people are looking for jobs. Perhaps adding "astronaut" to your resume will help open some doors down the line.

Video: Orbital TIme Lapse Shows Earth From Above

The video below was apparently shot from the International Space Station just last month. It is an incredible time lapse of the station floating over the Earth, giving us views of our little planet that have to be seen to be believed. Amazing stuff and a great way to start a new week.



Earth | Time Lapse View from Space, Fly Over | NASA, ISS from Michael König on Vimeo.