Under One Sky - The Humanity Star When Rocket Lab’s Electron vehicle made its first orbital flight last week, not only were three cubesats deployed but also a satellite with a purpose to “encourage people to consider their place in the universe.” The previously-unannounced satellite - dubbed the Humanity Star - is a meter-wide geodesic sphere with 65 reflective surfaces. Rocket Lab’s CEO, Peter Beck, conceived the project to encourage dialogue on Humanity’s fragile place in the Universe and the importance of life itself. “My hope is that everyone looking up at the Humanity Star will look past it to the expanse of the universe, feel a connection to our place in it and think a little differently about their lives, actions and what is important.” said Beck in a statement following launch. “You may just feel a connection to the more than seven billion other people on this planet we share this ride with." Deployed in a circular orbit by Electron’s previously-unannounced kick-stage, the Humanity Star will be visible to the entire planet’s population. A tracking page has been set up to view the satellite passing overhead. Beck estimates the Humanity Star will orbit the earth for 9 to 12 months before reentering. P/c: Rocket Lab/Humanity Star Track the Humanity Star at the webpage here.
