Int-Ball is a bit larger than a softball, can float and maneuver by itself but also be controlled remotely, can take high resolution images and videos, and is not related to Hello Kitty. Int-Ball was delivered to the ISS in early June and is designed to allow ground-control to increase the monitoring of ISS equipment and activities while decreasing time demands on human astronauts. Int-Ball moves by turning on small internal fans and sees with a camera located between its two dark eyes.
•The recorded images and videos can be checked in real time by flight controllers and researchers on the ground, and then be fed back to the onboard crew.
•The camera adopts existing drone technology and its exterior and inner structures were all manufactured by 3D-printing.
Info via APOD & JAXAhttps://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap170725.html
http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/kiboexp/news/170714_int_ball_en.html
Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojFNo19HYSo
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