Japan develops world’s first satellite which could fire artificial ‘shooting stars’ into the sky

A Japanese company is gearing up for the world’s first artificial meteor shower as it will send a satellite into space to produce a galaxy of shooting stars into Earth’s atmosphere.

Tokyo-based startup Astro Live Experiences (ALE) has created a micro-satellite which will be placed into Earth’s orbit and release 400 tiny pellets which replicate shooting stars as they hit the planet’s atmosphere.

The satellite, known as ALE-2, will also be able to produce different colours.

CEO Okajima Lena said: “With this launch, we are a step closer to realise the man-made shooting star. Please look forward to the world’s first demonstration we are aiming in 2020, which will be a major milestone for ALE.

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“I’m pleased to have Rocket Lab for a partner, they have 100 percent mission success heritage for their customers.”

Once ALE-2 is in Earth’s orbit, ALE will begin conducting “operational tests” on the satellite, with plans for the ‘meteor display’ to take place in early 2020.

ALE said on its website: “Finally, in 2020, we will demonstrate the world’s first man-made shooting star. Details of the demonstration location are currently under consideration. We will announce this as soon as it is confirmed.”

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