Nasa: GoPro cameras capture stunning video of test launch

As dizzying as it is beautiful

Whoever's idea it was to strap GoPro cameras to a test launch rocket needs a promotion.

Stunning video has emerged of both the dramatic launch and separation of payloads during a recent experiment, funded by Nasa and carried out by UP Aerospace, a company that offers low-cost space access and payload transportation.

The miniature cameras capture the rocket's dizzying ascent before showing the moment various capsules are detached from space. Several different parts can be seen falling towards the Earth, made all the more dramatic by the video's high definition quality.

It is estimated that the commercial suborbital space rocket reached a maximum altitude of around 75 miles, with the test reported as an all round success.

"We had a great launch," said Paul De Leon, NASA Flight Opportunities Program campaign manager.

"All the payloads were exposed to the relevant environments that the researchers were seeking," he said.