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Space Trash Signs
Privateer, 2024
The first constellations made from space debris.
More objects are being launched into space than ever, resulting in more trash in space than ever, which threatens the critical infrastructure that we all depend on, from communication to food production, and more. But people still don’t understand the threat because space debris is not visible.
Space Trash Signs — visualizing the consequences of space pollution with the first constellations made from space debris. Powered by millions of datapoints collected by Privateer, the constellations can be experienced through a website, AR apps, planetariums, and educational talks worldwide.
Millions of moving data points were scanned, and filtered by location, source object, and shape. The constellations were named according to the nomenclature used by the International Astronomical Union for star-based constellations. Thematic symbols were selected based on their canonical quality while maintaining an abstract layer, much like the familiar constellations.

The web-based virtual observatory brings outer space closer to the public. The neumorphic user interfaces draw inspiration from space monitoring equipment. Users can explore data such as origin, position, and even the estimated removal cost for each piece of debris. Along with an editorial on the whole topic, the website also provides users with ways to act.

Apparat by kimera was chosen to set all the text in this data-focussed story. The anchor points of Apparat were rendered using p5js to create Constellation type. Used primarily for special headings, this custom type has a visible skeleton consisting of connected dots.

Several elements were used to visualize the physical appearance of debris. The retention of bounding boxes in the images alludes to dimensionality in space while representing the tracking method. Further, the use of point clouds symbolizes the concept of debris fragmentation in the orbit.




Space Trash Signs were brought into the real world with an immersive planetarium screening. The experience was adapted for dome theaters with the Amateras Dome Player system. The initiative was also featured at Festival der Zukunft at Deutsches Museum which is the site of the world’s first projection planetarium.



From the launch of the first satellite to the development of space debris removal technology, the editorial section features a wide range of photography to help users engage with this complex subject. The gallery includes historical imagery, aerial photos of the planet captured by satellites, as well as images of debris in space.







The sonic identity designed by Jürgen Branz captures the ethereal feeling of outer space as well as the very real threat to it. Composed with a modulor synthesiser, the piece incorporates sounds of launching and crashing.
Inspired by our conversation with the European Space Agency, our collaborator and DOP Alex produced a Director’s Cut for the project.
BTS






Credits:
Serviceplan Innovation, Moby Digg, Owls Department, Peoplegrapher, Jürgen Branz, kimera, European Space Agency, Astroscale, Mediaplus Group, Peppercomm, Tom Kubik