Fake meteors could be the fireworks of the future

Japan – Space entertainment company Astro Live Experiences (ALE) is creating artificial meteor showers on demand.

Last week, the company sent seven micro-satellites into space in the first test of a service that will provide on-demand shooting stars to paying customers. The satellite mimics meteors by releasing small particles that burn brightly in the atmosphere, before falling towards the ground and disintegrating. According to the company, the particles are non-toxic, making them a more sustainable alternative to fireworks.

With the aim of eventually selling the experience to music festivals, cities and theme parks, ALE has scheduled its first celestial show over Hiroshima in early 2020.

A number of start-ups are experimenting with the night sky as a canvas for new technologies. Russian company Start Rocket wants to use it to display ads, while a Chinese company has proposed an artificial moon to illuminate the streets of Chengdu.