14 DAY TRIAL // Wow. This guy must have 30-40 vision to spot that iPod while glancing over some hi-res photos of the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The space shuttle is currently on low-Earth orbit, docked to the International Space Station, meaning that the iPod is still there.
The news comes courtesy of TUAW reader Walter who has spotted the Apple player while "perusing hi-res photos of the Space Shuttle Endeavour," the web site informs. Readers should also note this is not the first time an iPod has been in space either, as we have learned ourselves, while a number of precaution measures are also necessary. For example, the iPod's Lithium-Ion battery has to be replaced with specifically certified alkaline batteries.
More than that, once docked, crew members have to leave their iPods behind, as iPods haven't been certified as safe in Space Station-environment.
The same source also mentions the unmanned Jules Verne spacecraft launched earlier this month, tasked with docking with the ISS. The craft was also "equipped" with an iPod containing a special list of songs chosen by the winner of a 2007 contest, among other commemorative items.
Another iPod-in-space story was born as STS crew member Leland Melvin brought Christina McBride (as well as a few songs he'd composed himself) with him, on an iPod.
Of course, an iPod in space doesn't exactly make breaking news, but it's quite interesting to hear, lift an eyebrow and move one nonetheless. If every crew member was to disclose every brand of every item they bring on-board, we'd most likely be filling up pages with speculation on why Calvin Klein underwear feels better in zero gravity, or how Pepsi meets all the standards should green folks stop by for a drink.
Now, do be frank when you answer this question: would you have spotted the iPod with all that white around it?
Here's the originanl image (click to enlarge) without the iPod highlight.
