After Chris Hadfield’s stunning photographs, videos and messages from the ISS have reignited public interest in space, many are likely wondering if that appetite can be sustained. Seattle-based Planetary Resources are hoping so, and have launched a new Kickstarter that is hoping to get even casual astronomers pointing a camera towards the far-reaches of space.

The proposed ARKYD telescope - around 1,000 times smaller than a space shuttle - will orbit Earth at a speed of about 5 miles per second. Data will be downloaded to a centre in Seattle, or more if the funding campaign manages to surpass its initial goal of $1,000,000 (approx. €770,000). Those funds will be put towards launching and supporting ARKYD, as well as developing the applications and educational programmes associated with it.

The unique aspect of the project is that photographs captured through the telescope will be partially controlled by the general public. Planetary resources are hoping to ignite interest in the project by offering ‘space selfies’, in which people can upload photos of themselves to ARKYD and then have ‘a picture of the picture’ taken in orbit. People who pledge $25 (just under €20) or over to the campaign will be the first in-line for a ‘space-selfie’. It's estimated 150 portraits will be captured and transmitted back to Earth every day, and around 3,000 people have already opted to join the 'first come, first served' queue (including those opting for the more expensive high-resolution option).

However, the project team also have much grander goals that merely offering people the chance to indulge in some atmospheric narcissism. Interested parties will also have the opportunity to gain temporary access to the telescope’s main observation feed, or even point the telescope at a celestial body of their choice and receive a photograph of the view. One of the team’s ultimate goals is to give students greater access to space technology, and generally to add to the existing knowledge base about our Universe. ARKYD will also play a role in the monitoring for potentially dangerous asteroids.

With over half of the funding goal reached over two days, it looks like the public appetite for ARKYD is strong. You can watch the project team lay out their plans in the video below: