Alexander Lewis 
Feb 15, 2024
Private astronaut Marcus Wandt has offered a mesmerising glimpse of a thunderstorm captured from the vantage point of the International Space Station (ISS), showcasing the awe-inspiring power and beauty of nature's fury from above.
In a dramatic video shared online, Wandt presents a breathtaking spectacle of flashes amidst billowing clouds, depicting the intensity of what appears to be a formidable storm. Reflecting on the experience, Wandt describes thunderstorms as both formidable and captivating phenomena, even when observed from the vastness of space.
The encounter with the storm occurred during Wandt's involvement in the Thor-Davis experiment, aimed at testing a novel camera concept for enhanced observations of thunderclouds from space. Additionally, the experiment explores the potential impact of upper atmospheric lightning on greenhouse gas concentrations.
The innovative setup comprises a Davis 346 neuromorphic camera paired with a Nikon D5 DSLR camera, both controlled by an AstroPi unit powered by a Raspberry Pi computer board for optimal functionality in space.
Wandt, a member of the Axiom-3 crew, embarked on a mission organised by Axiom Space, marking the first all-European private mission to the ISS. Following a stay of just over two weeks, the crew returned to Earth on February 9, after engaging in various scientific experiments conducted in microgravity conditions.
Throughout his mission, Wandt gained renown for his keen eye and photographic prowess, capturing stunning images of Earth's natural wonders from the ISS. Despite occasional obstructions caused by thunderclouds, Wandt skillfully documented his experience, providing a unique perspective on life aboard the space-based laboratory.
For those curious about life aboard the ISS, numerous videos created by astronauts offer insights into daily activities, from exercising in orbit to more mundane tasks like grooming, dining, and using facilities in a gravity-defying environment.
