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The space-launched satellite contains 400 balls that will turn into shooting stars if they burn in the atmosphere – and produce a spectacle for those who watch it
A. Imagine if, just before the start of fireworks on New Year's Eve in Copacabana, the organizers also offered their shows to the public. own shooting stars, to make the millions of tourists present even more bewildered? The same feature could be used by FIFA at the opening night of the next World Cup, for example, or by a rich romantic who wishes to make an unforgettable marriage request. As surreal as any such service may seem, it is about to be sold commercially.
This is what promises the Japanese start-up ALE, whose first micro-satellite was put into orbit last Friday (18) by the small rocket Epsilon-4 of Jaxa, the space agency Japanese. (between March and June).
Despite its small size (the micro-satellites generally do not have more than 500 kg), the miniature satellite contains 400 balls. They are made from a key chemical formula – the secret of meteor production capable of shining for several seconds and in different colors, depending on the chemical element used. The curious device is at an altitude of 500 kilometers, but its orbit is expected to drop a hundred kilometers over the course of a year.
According to ALE, its shooting artificial stars will shine so brightly that one can even see them from the big metropolis with a sky completely obscured by light pollution. like Tokyo and São Paulo. At first, the stock of bullets on board the satellite is enough to generate 20 to 30 events, each counting up to 20 meteors. But the company has already announced its intention to increase the offer by mid-year by planning to launch its second satellite in a private rocket.
The idea is that the two satellites act together or separately, anywhere in the world. Parameters such as location, color, speed and direction are customizable by the customer to provide the best show possible to those with their feet on the ground – and their eyes in the sky. No awards have yet been released for anyone with an interest in ordering a meteor shower to call his. But if fashion suits us, we'll know it soon.
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