A Satellite Symphony

In 1972, the Blue Marble — the first complete photograph of Earth as seen from space — ushered in a new and profound awareness of the fragile equilibrium that permits the existence of life on our planet. More than half a century later, a new space race appears to be gathering momentum, yet many of the existential dilemmas posed by that photograph regarding the relationship between the human species and its habitat remain unresolved.
A Satellite Symphony is a reflection on how space-based technologies, originally conceived for space exploration, have had their most significant impact here on Earth. The installation operates as an experimental and immersive documentary in which data science and remote sensing play equal roles. Drawing inspiration from Charles and Ray Eames’ landmark 1977 film Powers of Ten, it takes the Veneto region, particularly Venice and its lagoon, as the starting point for an exploration that traverses multiple scales: from the Earth’s core to the outer reaches of Earth’s orbit.
The Venice Lagoon serves as a compelling case study for space-based Earth observation capabilities, particularly through the European Space Agency’s Copernicus programme and its Sentinel satellites. The installation is built from storm-felled wood from Storm Vaia, linking physical materiality to data visualisations of the effects of extreme weather events.
A Satellite Symphony allows visitors to experience the extraordinary richness of data available to us thanks to orbital observation stations. It invites audiences to rediscover the sense of wonder and respect for planet Earth that was first evoked by the Blue Marble.