The Humanity Star, created by Peter Beck, the founder and chief executive of Rocket Lab, is currently moving through space and blinking as it orbits Earth every 90 minutes. The star has been compared to a disco ball, and is made of carbon fiber and reflective panels. It was built to reflect the sun’s light and “encourage people to consider their place in the universe,” according to The New York Times. But not everyone is pleased. Some astronomers believe that space is already polluted by artificial light, which makes it more difficult for astronomers to monitor cosmic events. Some people also think the reasoning behind the star is a little silly. “No matter where you are in the world, rich or in poverty, in conflict or at peace, everyone will be able to see the bright, blinking Humanity Star orbiting Earth in the night sky,” Mr. Beck wrote on the project’s website according to The Times.
How arrogant do you have to be to decide you could create a fake star that would inspire people more than an ACTUAL star. Or even a planet or the moon???? Publicity stunt. Bad bad bad. #fail #humanitystar https://t.co/QOHP6BDID8
— Jackie Faherty (@jfaherty) January 25, 2018
However, what the company has accomplished, sending multiple satellites into orbit on the second try from its own launchpad, is unprecedented.
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