Espace Ballon

Reopened in 2024, Espace Ballon invites you to discover the balloon adventure from every angle. Learn about the 1st non-stop world tour of the Breitling Orbiter. From Icarus to Piccard, let yourself be carried away by the history of the lighter than the air.

The team there was kind enough to let me participate with a short film entitled, "Human Debris in Space 1957-2024" that explores some specific events over the last 60 years of space exploration and the altitudes at which they occurred.

View Film

The Evolution of Space Debris

The 90-second video, displayed on a 50" 4K screen, showcases the accumulation of human-made objects in Earth's orbit from 1957 to 2024. Visitors can observe the growth of satellites and debris over time, with color-coded objects representing different types of space hardware. The visualization aims to raise awareness about the increasing complexity of space exploration and the potential environmental impact of orbital debris.

Highlighting Significant Milestones

Throughout the video, important space missions and events are highlighted using annotations and visual cues. These milestones include the launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, in 1957, the first human spaceflight by Yuri Gagarin in 1961, and the ongoing deployment of large satellite constellations like Starlink and OneWeb. By emphasizing these key moments, the installation provides context for the evolving landscape of space exploration.

Engaging and Informative Experience

Designed to be both engaging and informative, this customized Keep Track visualization helps visitors understand the highest altitudes humans have achieved - space! The installation complements the museum's narrative on balloon flight and atmospheric exploration, offering a unique perspective on human activity beyond Earth. The video is available online for those unable to visit the exhibit, making this knowledge accessible to everyone while promoting a deeper understanding of our relationship with the final frontier.