Google Nexus S Being Used In Space By NASA

A few Google Nexus S handsets were taken into space by the last manned space shuttle mission. These handsets were sent in the shuttle to observe how can human beings work and live together and interact with robots in space. The aim was also to see how robots can help humans in living and doing experiments. NASA also uses the Android phones to upgrade SPHERES. SPHERES stands for Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites. These are three volleyball sized satellites. When it comes to having a video coverage or sensor data recording, the place of astronauts is occupied by a couple of Nexus S units. Google has said that by using IOIO board or Android Open Accessory Development Kit (ADK), the smartphones will be able to command and control the movement of the SPHERES in the prospective time period. Diagnostics for the SPHERES are also run by the pair of Google Nexus S phones. The users of Android phones having Froyo or the upgraded version can also install the application. It is available in the Android Market and is free. This application is called the Sensor Data Logger. In the time-lapse mode, this application, the Sensor Data Logger, lets you gather measurements from available sensors at the same time as you record video or take photos. More detailed information about the use of smartphones in the space is given at the NASA website.