9 votes

Does Art Belong in Space?

9 comments

  1. yellow
    Link
    It would probably be best if these sorts of things weren't done, and the fact that another so soon after Humanity Star is being made seems disturbing. While I don't think aesthetic satellites will...

    It would probably be best if these sorts of things weren't done, and the fact that another so soon after Humanity Star is being made seems disturbing. While I don't think aesthetic satellites will take off, they are clutter.

    The other thing is, how is this the first art in space? How is Humanity Star not purely art? Its meant to be seen to remind people about where we are in the universe. From the ground they won't even be different in appearance. I don't like Humanity Star, but it is art.

    6 votes
  2. Neverland
    Link
    I like the idea of temporary art in space that is visible from earth, until I give it more thought. The problem with this precedent is that advertising is the next logical step. A constellation of...

    I like the idea of temporary art in space that is visible from earth, until I give it more thought. The problem with this precedent is that advertising is the next logical step.

    A constellation of reflectors showing the Coca-Cola logo would just be a few years away. Let’s avoid that please.

    4 votes
  3. Eylrid
    Link
    There's already plenty of things in the night sky to look up at with wonder, things that actually have something interesting to say about them. Seeing the ISS reminds us of the power of...

    Orbital Reflector encourages all of us to look up at the night sky with a renewed sense of wonder, to consider our place in the universe, and to reimagine how we live together on this planet

    There's already plenty of things in the night sky to look up at with wonder, things that actually have something interesting to say about them. Seeing the ISS reminds us of the power of international cooperation to advance science. Seeing Mars encourages us to think about going there. Seeing the stars reminds us how big the universe is and how small we are in it. Seeing orbital reflectors doesn't encourage us to do anything but say "Oh, look something shiny."

    3 votes
  4. patience_limited
    Link
    I suppose I'd be happier if it was a publicity stunt to call attention to the degradation of yet another commons. We've already got an orbital debris field that's making it increasingly difficult...

    I suppose I'd be happier if it was a publicity stunt to call attention to the degradation of yet another commons.

    We've already got an orbital debris field that's making it increasingly difficult to keep any functioning equipment in space.

    2 votes
  5. [5]
    demifiend
    Link
    Didn't we decide that art belongs in space when we attached this plaque to the Pioneer probes?

    Didn't we decide that art belongs in space when we attached this plaque to the Pioneer probes?

    1 vote
    1. yellow
      Link Parent
      In the article, there is a quote (from trevor I assume) that it will be "first satellite to exist purely as an artistic gesture." That plaque is attached to a satellite that does other things.

      In the article, there is a quote (from trevor I assume) that it will be "first satellite to exist purely as an artistic gesture." That plaque is attached to a satellite that does other things.

      4 votes
    2. [3]
      spctrvl
      Link Parent
      Little different, the article title is kinda clickbaity. This is literally just a giant mirror in LEO, designed to be seen from the ground. It's not so much art in space as art that uses space as...

      Little different, the article title is kinda clickbaity. This is literally just a giant mirror in LEO, designed to be seen from the ground. It's not so much art in space as art that uses space as its medium, and those opposed to it are opposed mostly on the grounds of light pollution and taking up a useful orbit. That said, it's going to decay in a few months anyway, so I don't see the harm. Permanent art installations in the night skies will require rather more discussion.

      4 votes
      1. [2]
        demifiend
        Link Parent
        I can understand the concern with light pollution, but so much of it seems to come from our 24/7 capitalist economy that a single satellite that doesn't have a permanent orbit seems less...

        I can understand the concern with light pollution, but so much of it seems to come from our 24/7 capitalist economy that a single satellite that doesn't have a permanent orbit seems less significant. But it's easier to object to a single satellite than an entire global economy.

        1. spctrvl
          Link Parent
          Difference is, you can get away from terrestrial light pollution by just going to a remote locale. Can't do the same for satellites. That's the big concern.

          Difference is, you can get away from terrestrial light pollution by just going to a remote locale. Can't do the same for satellites. That's the big concern.

          1 vote