USM, PENANG, 22 February 2017 – ALE Co., Ltd is a technology company from Japan which has developed a technique of offering on-demand man-made ‘shooting stars’ for entertainment purposes, which could be seen on the ‘blank canvas’ of the night sky, hence the name “Sky Canvas”.

The Chief Executive Officer and founder of the company, Dr. Lena Okajima was at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) recently to deliver a talk on her ‘space entertainment’ innovation.

The company has collaborated with professors and students from Japanese universities as well as government and media agencies in developing the microsatellite, which will orbit the earth carrying special pallets that would be ejected while in orbit, and which would burn brightly as they descend into the atmosphere.

Speaking at the programme, Okajima said the substances that are used for this project are environment-friendly and wants everyone to enjoy the ‘shooting star’ show.

“Researchers involved in the project, utilising an undisclosed method, have so far created ‘shooting stars’ of various colours, and plan for a wider range of colours in the future,” said Okajima.

The artificial ‘shooting stars’ can be utilised as a spectacle for a grand opening or finale at festival celebrations and they are planning to have a showcase of this artificial ‘shooting stars’ at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

“When I was a student, I used to watch meteor showers with an astronomy friend and I told my friend that this can be recreated and that’s how I got inspired,” explained Okajima.

“I am so happy that my dream has finally come true, and I will be even happier if I can share it with everyone out there,” she said.

Text: Evelyn Esu Dass (Intern, USM School of Communication)