IDEA's Solar lamp glows like a Sputnik heatshield

While the original Sputnik burnt out after only 3 months in orbit, here's an homage that promises to be rather more resilient. IDEA, Japan's answer to you know who, is offering a 30cm tall (11.8-inches) self-sufficient ambient light that pretty much does its own thing. Integrated sensors detect when the light should be on, while inconveniences like power cords and on/off switches are completely done away with. The light's batteries are recharged by the sun at a rate of 2 to 5 hours sunlight for 8 hours operation, while its waterproof design means it can be dumped outside to collect rays during the day and even provide garden lighting at night. It's quirky, to be sure, but the obvious design cues taken from the Russian satellite should make true geeks smile with glee. You can find a gallery of the various color choices courtesy of Engadget Japanese below, and if you're passing by the land of the rising sun later this month you can snap up your very own solar light ball for ¥1575 ($16).

[Via Engadget Japanese]

[Carl @ Jul 2nd 2009 7:58AM]

Pretty neat, and for $16 not a bad deal. But I usually like to turn the light off at night.

[GingerFox @ Jul 2nd 2009 8:00AM]

Aww i like it, pretty much impractical but i like it.

[goomy @ Jul 2nd 2009 8:43AM]

I second that :) , nice looking

[GingerFox @ Jul 2nd 2009 9:19AM]

*but

*grumbles about not being able to edit comments*

[Parad0x @ Jul 2nd 2009 8:06AM]

I would love something like that just because. It really isn't very useful, but it is fun.

Or, I think I might build one if I have the time and tools lying around...

[Saad (the other one) @ Jul 2nd 2009 8:10AM]

"Solar Lamp" reads like an oxymoron.

[Rocketboy @ Jul 2nd 2009 8:34AM]

For $16, I could be tempted to find a use for it.

[Arno @ Jul 2nd 2009 8:41AM]

I want one!!

[Dayne @ Jul 2nd 2009 8:58AM]

Sputnik as a nightlight. I love it.

[silenceikillyou @ Jul 2nd 2009 9:12AM]

I must have one of these, even if I have to have it shipped from Japan.

[edgar wong @ Jul 2nd 2009 9:12AM]

i was expecting a much higher price. i though i misread and it said $116.

for $16 im going to get one and find a use for it :)

[twostepp82 @ Jul 2nd 2009 9:39AM]

I would like to give it a try. For $16, not bad. Is it available to purchase online with shipping to the US?

[gstar @ Jul 2nd 2009 9:22AM]

do want...

[Agent .25i @ Jul 2nd 2009 9:42AM]

The whole Sputnik thing could have been properly done, had the legs been attached at around the mid section of the sphere.
This seems more likely - We have a ball of light, add three legs. Oh, what does that sorta look like?

IDEA. Japanese, for Swedish Ripoff.

[Beaker.gj @ Jul 2nd 2009 10:51AM]

And for the true Sputnik look you need 4 legs instead of 3.

[windblownmonkey @ Jul 2nd 2009 10:07AM]

I can't find a way to buy one... anyone figure out where I can do this?

[Gregory Pius @ Jul 2nd 2009 10:49AM]

Gregory: Sputnik, which was never intended to reenter the atmosphere in working condition, didn't have a heat shield.

Casual Observer: Damn, Gregory, you sure are a geek.

Gregory: Yeah, I know. I can't help myself. :-) And I want one of those lamps.

[Gregory Pius @ Jul 2nd 2009 10:58AM]

Casual observer: You're wrong, Gregory. Sputnik -did- have a heat shield. See? http://www.russianspaceweb.com/sputnik_design.html

Gregory: Oh.

Casual observer: What do you think of that, huh? Not such an übergeek now, are you?

Gregory: Is that supposed to be an insult?

[vb @ Jul 2nd 2009 1:07PM]

Casual observer: Do you always talk to yourself?

Gregory: Yeah, pretty much

[Brandon @ Jul 2nd 2009 11:29AM]

Someone let me know when this was available for sale in the US?

[Haikibutsu @ Jul 2nd 2009 12:23PM]

I first read IKEA...

[Ocal5 @ Jul 2nd 2009 12:42PM]

It should mainly radio "bip bip bip"...

[Roland @ Jul 2nd 2009 2:53PM]

I want one it looks pretty cool and for $16 that's pretty cool, I wonder do they sell them online?

[Jason @ Jul 2nd 2009 4:25PM]

For a moment, I thought that said IKEA.

[Gert @ Jul 3rd 2009 3:02AM]

Awed by title....

Guess they dont pay you enough.