DJI Osmo Action 6 cameras record LandSpace rocket launch and recovery

Twelve unmodified DJI Osmo Action 6 consumer cameras were mounted on the first stage of LandSpace’s reusable Zhuque-3 rocket, marking the first time consumer-grade action cameras have recorded a rocket launch and recovery. The cameras documented the entire sequence, including ignition, liftoff, atmospheric transit, and the precision vertical landing.

To capture the mission, the cameras had to withstand extreme conditions, including aerodynamic heating that raised surface temperatures to between 400°C and 500°C, as well as intense, high-frequency vibrations. The devices also successfully recorded through the communication blackout zone by storing data internally.

The high-fidelity footage provides aerospace engineers with critical data to analyze the recovery process, assess the condition of the first stage, and replicate successful mission parameters. DJI also deployed a broader imaging ecosystem at the launch site, including the Mavic 4 Pro, Matrice 4TD, and the upcoming Osmo 360 II, to provide multi-angle coverage.