Digital cameras from Samsung have received final approval from Russia's Energia and were chosen as "outer space digital cameras" that can be used even in outer space. In a world first, the Samsung NV camera will be used by Energia at the space station as the world's #1 compact digital camera.

The outer space digital cameras from Samsung, 2 cameras including 1 DSLR camera and 1 NV camera plus batteries, etc., will be flying on the Soyuz spacecraft on April 8th and will delivered to the Korean astronaut Soyeon Lee as well as Russian scientists. The cameras will be used to record daily life in space for 10 days, and the camera's capabilities will be tested in the outer space environment for about 7 days.

So that they can be used in a space environment which is different from the earth, they will undergo rigorous quality testing. If the cameras have not been built with precise technology, they can not only easily break down in the weightless environment of space, they can also cause danger to the spacecraft and the space mission by releasing minute dust and electromagnetic waves.

To pass the complicated and rigorous test process, Samsung DSLR camera and NV camera underwent several rounds of document preparation work and a certification process starting in February of 2007 and lasting a year. It underwent an intense shock and vibration test for when the rocket launches, plus a test to check that it is electromagnetically safe and a 3 part safety equipment test for the battery as well as other tests to receive final approval from Russia's Energia.

A Samsung representative said, "On a historic day when a Korean takes flight into space for the first time, our company is proud that our technology is providing the first Korean digital camera in space."

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About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2007 consolidated sales of US$103.4 billion. Employing approximately 150,000 people in 134 offices in 62 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business, Telecommunication, Business and Digital Appliance Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs.