If you’ve ever searched a Google “street-view” image of your home (and lets be honest, we’ve all done it), you’ve probably found a less-than-perfect, pixelated image that resembles Lego building block than an actual home. When UrtheCast founder, Scott Larson, partnered with the RSC Energia to provide online users with a near-live HD video feed of of Earth from space, he had a vision of creating a tool that would change the way we look at the Earth.  By working with renowned aerospace partners from across the globe, UrtheCast is building, launching, installing, and operating two cameras on the Russian segment of the International Space Station.

After having the opportunity to speak with Larson briefly during his case workshop at the Enterprize Canada Conference, I was inspired by how, in a matter of years, UrtheCast would change not only the way users interact with each other by integrating social media platforms on the HD video feed, but how we interact with the natural resources around us.  By creating a way for environmental organizations to virtually monitor the melting of arctic glaciers or the deforestation of the Amazon, UrtheCast is single-highhandedly raising awareness of environmental issues in real time.

As a self-declared sustainability enthusiast and marketing student, I believe whole-heartedly that UrtheCast is setting a precedent for social enterprise by integrating technology and social media in such a way that addresses existing world issues to a mainstream audience.  For more information, check out their blog for updates on UrtheCast’s voyage to the International Space Station:

http://www.urthecast.com/blog/home/