Artificial meteors: The next big thing in space entertainment?

• Author:
• Author name

  Quantumrun Foresight
• December 7, 2021

Insight summary

Imagine the night sky as a canvas for a spectacular light show, made possible by artificial shooting stars. This fusion of space technology and entertainment could redefine our relationship with the cosmos, inspiring a new generation of space enthusiasts and reshaping industries. However, it also presents challenges, from navigating complex regulations to addressing environmental concerns, requiring a careful balance between innovation and sustainability.

Artificial meteors context

Dr. Lena Okajima, CEO of Astro Live Experiences (ALE), is on a mission to transform the night sky into a canvas for spectacular visual displays. Her ambitious project involves the creation of artificial shooting stars, a concept that merges space technology and entertainment. To achieve this, a satellite must be launched into Earth's orbit, carrying with it a payload of 400 non-toxic pellets. These pellets are engineered to simulate the behavior of meteor particles, which ignite and disintegrate upon entering Earth's atmosphere, creating a fiery spectacle that we recognize as shooting stars.

The pellets are not just designed to burn up like meteors, but they also have the unique feature of glowing in various colors. This feature is achieved through the use of different materials in the pellets, each emitting a distinct color as it burns. The result is a dazzling light show that spans a 200-square meter area of the sky, a spectacle that promises to be unlike anything we've seen before. This endeavor is not just about creating a novel form of entertainment, but it also represents a new way of interacting with and experiencing the cosmos.

The journey to realize this vision has not been without its challenges. The ALE-2 satellite, launched in December 2019, was unable to fulfill its mission due to a technical issue that prevented the release of the pellets. However, ALE plans to launch the improved ALE-3 satellite in 2023. If successful, this could mark the beginning of a new era in space entertainment.

Disruptive impact

The trend of launching man-made objects into space for non-essential purposes could redefine the way we perceive and interact with space, transforming it from a distant, abstract concept into a tangible part of our everyday lives. This shift could inspire a new generation of space enthusiasts, encouraging more young people to pursue careers in space-related fields. However, it also raises ethical questions about our responsibility to preserve the natural beauty of the night sky and the potential impact of these activities on astronomical research.

For companies, this trend could open up a whole new industry centered around space entertainment. Businesses might see opportunities to create unique experiences that were previously unimaginable, from space-based advertising to celestial events for special occasions. However, they would also need to navigate the complex regulatory landscape that governs space activities. Stricter regulations could be imposed to manage the increasing number of objects in space, which could pose challenges for companies in terms of compliance and operational costs.

For governments, the rise of non-essential space launches could require a re-evaluation of existing space policies. They might need to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and ensuring the sustainable use of space. This balance could lead to the development of more comprehensive guidelines on what is permissible in space, taking into account not just safety and debris management, but also the environmental and cultural impacts of these activities. Furthermore, governments might need to invest more in space traffic management systems to mitigate the risk of collisions and to monitor compliance with these regulations.

Implications of artificial meteors

Wider implications of artificial meteors may include:

• Artificial space entertainment being incorporated into high-profile events such as the Olympics ceremonies.
• Film CGI being replaced by live space effects.
• Data collected from the launches being used to determine what other materials are resilient in space.
• A more scientifically literate society inspiring future generations to pursue careers in STEM fields.
• Governments establishing international collaborations and treaties to manage the increasing commercial use of space, leading to a more globally unified approach to space governance and policy.
• A shift in tourism patterns with more people traveling to locations with optimal viewing conditions.
• Advancements in related fields, such as materials science and aerospace engineering.
• The need for skilled workers to design, build, and operate the technology for creating artificial meteors.
• Higher levels of greenhouse gas emissions and space junk, leading to potential environmental impacts that need to be mitigated through sustainable practices and technologies.

Questions to consider

• Would you watch a man-made meteor shower? Why or why not?
• What other forms of space entertainment are possible?