In Orbit
Explore the growing issue of space debris, simulate the challenges of navigating a cluttered orbit, and emphasize the need for solutions.
Teaser text
An interactive journey
Together, we depart on a journey around earth‘s orbit. We discover how mankind began to explore space and learn how many everyday applications satellites have today. But what happens to the satellites when they stop working properly? The answer is as simple as it is problematic: they remain in their orbit.
These useless satellites — i.e. defective or technically obsolete ones — are an alarming sight. Over the years, several thousand of these have accumulated, along with fragments or debris from collisions, burned-out rocket stages, empty fuel tanks and other junk left behind during space missions. They form a belt of debris around earth, making space travel increasingly hazardous.
By integrating live data into our projection, you can see how many objects are actually buzzing over our heads at any given time. You can not only witness this as a viewer, but experience it for yourself: the cluttered orbit makes it increasingly difficult to steer your own spaceship and avoid collisions in the process.
Detailed description & notes
The visitors depart on a journey around earth‘s orbit. They discover how mankind began to explore space and learn how many everyday applications satellites have today.
In interactive and cinematic sequences they also discover what happens to the satellites when they stop working properly. They can not only witness this as a viewer, but experience it for themselves: the cluttered orbit makes it increasingly difficult to steer their own spaceship and avoid collisions in the process.
This show is controlled by a timeline.
To start the show simply click on the play button.
Controller
Player number – The respective rocket with this number on the dome.
Player color – The color in which the lettering is displayed corresponds to the color of the player’s rocket.
INFO – Displays the info about the control again.
START – Returns one’s rocket to the starting point at the zenith. This can be used especially well if you get lost.
SIGNAL – Your rocket lights up and produces a small firework of sparks. This is also handy when you get lost.
Joystick – Is used to control your rocket on the dome. The navigation is relative to the dome: Steer upwards to the zenith, downwards to the horizon. Steering to the right or left you can circle the dome. Orientation is easier if you fly into the area directly in front of you.
Timeline
Timecode | Scenario | Interaction |
00:00 | Welcome | – |
00:30 | Narrator starts by explaining the basics on how this event works | – |
00:50 | Login (QR/Web/Connect) QR code and URL appear, Moon and Mars can be pushed around | Visitors can log in via the QR code or URL and appear as rockets on the dome. The aim is to familiarize themselves with the controls. |
03:50 | Planets disappear, a countdown (circle) appears around QR Code—10 seconds left | – |
04:00 | Launch sequence „Lift off“ | – |
04:30 | Satellites in everyday life Icon hotspots appear on the horizon Satellites can be pushed around | Visitors can fly their rockets to the hotspots and learn more about different applications of satellite technology |
07:25 | History Different icon hotspots appear on the horizon Satellites can be pushed around | Visitors can fly their rockets on the hotspots and learn more about various historical events |
12:00 | Basics of orbital mechanics | free movement of the rockets is possible |
16:00 | Quiz different questions are shown, each with 4 possible answers after approx. 30 seconds the question will be solved | Visitors can fly their rockets to the answer they think is correct |
17:00 | Current developments Statistics | free movement of the rockets is possible |
18:00 | LIVE Data | – |
20:00 | Collision hazard
| free movement of the rockets is possible |
22:30 | Collision dodging The more space debris, the more difficult it becomes | Visitors must try not to collide with the increasing number of space debris |
27:00 | Orbit as a resource | – |
29:00 | Solution approaches | – |
31:50 | Finding objects almost invisible pieces of space debris appear sparkling is a hint Circled parts have been found | Visitors have to fly over them to “discover” the parts |
36:00 | Outlook | – |
37:00 | Closing credits | Soccer |
Fact sheet
SHOW EDUCATION
Languages German, English
Duration 42 minutes
Recommended age 10 onwards
Recommended number of players 10 – 100
Credits
Concept Sebastian André, Michael Scholz
Programming Sebastian André, Dominic Kossinna
Graphics Julia Klein, Lina König, Sandra Schön
Project management Judith Gieringer
Narration & text Julia Klein, Andreas Mayer, Tilman Weigele
Narrator Sasha Goguel (EN), Michael Krüger (DE)
Music Andreas Pfeiffer, Sivan Talmor, Yehezkel Raz, Jonny Hughes, Be Still The Earth, Stanley Gurvich, Stafano Mastronardi, Veshza
Sound effects Marc Fragstein
Trailer Julia Klein
In cooperation with German Aerospace Center Stuttgart, Carl-Zeiss-Planetarium Stuttgart