Rocket Lab's disco ball is a satellite made by CEO Peter Beck and named 'The Humanity Star.' According to The Verge, the spaceflight startup set three commercial satellites into orbit, but apparently "another satellite hitched a ride on the vehicle too."
The satellite is a 3-foot-wide sphere, composed from carbon fiber and sun panels that reflect sunlight. Rocket Lab's disco ball will orbit around the Earth and due to its highly reflective surface, it will be identifiable by the naked eye. The company announced that "everyone will be able to see the Humanity Star in the night sky."
Perhaps its shape, properties and given name are testimonials about faith in humanity's future in space, as well as a reflection of the innovative ambition within the spaceflight startup company.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Spherical Satellites
- Opportunity for using spherical satellite designs to create highly visible objects in space.
- Reflective Surfaces
- Opportunity to develop satellites with highly reflective surfaces for increased visibility.
- Visible Orbital Objects
- Opportunity to create objects in space that are easily visible to the naked eye.
Sectors Adopting This
- Space Technology
- Spaceflight startups can explore the use of spherical satellites and reflective surfaces for innovative space missions.
- Astronomy
- Astronomy enthusiasts and researchers can benefit from the increased visibility of orbital objects.
- Satellite Manufacturing
- Opportunity for satellite manufacturers to develop and produce spherical satellites with reflective surfaces.
