DJI Osmo Action 6 Survives Rocket Launch to Near-Space

DJI mounted an Osmo Action 6 camera to a LandSpace Zhuque-3 reusable rocket, capturing its ascent into near-space and vertical landing. The uncut nine-minute video, released on August 26, 2026, shows the August 19 flight from Jiuquan Spaceport in the Gobi Desert, northwest China. After two minutes of thrust, the camera recorded Earth's horizon before the main engines shut off, followed by a graceful descent and precise vertical touchdown. DJI claims this marked 'aerospace history,' with 12 cameras total on the rocket, providing first-person perspectives of China's first successful land-based orbital launch and recovery. The Osmo Action 6, a consumer-grade camera with no special modifications except housing, withstood extreme 500°C (932°F) conditions and intense vibrations, thanks to its stabilization algorithm. DJI also used other cameras from its ecosystem, including the Osmo 360 II, Mavic 4 Pro, Matrice 4TD, Avata 360, and Osmo Pocket 4P. The footage is valuable for aerospace engineers to review recovery processes and assess the rocket's first-stage condition. Despite its capabilities, the Osmo Action 6 is effectively banned in the U.S., though workarounds exist.