First satellite launched in Japan's 'man-made meteor shower' project

A Japanese firm has launched a test satellite in their mission to create “man-made to order” meteor showers.

Start-up ALE have blasted the rocket into space as an experiment for their “space entertainment” programme, which is the first of its kind.

They have been working on the project for ten years and are hoping to hold the first shower over Hiroshima, Japan, next year.

The satellite was on the small-size Epsilon-4 rocket that was launched from the Uchinoura space centre by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency on Friday morning.

ALE’s CEO Lena Okajima said: “Just a few days ago, I witnessed our completed satellite being mounted onto the rocket that will eventually take our satellite into space.

“The completed satellite was absolutely gorgeous, mounted majestically on the rocket and when I realized that would soon travel to space, it seemed surreal.

“We have come a long way, but there is still a long path ahead for us.

“My emotions are swaying between the accomplishment of completing our satellite, and a sense of responsibility for all the tasks that lie ahead of us.

“Looking back, it strikes me how many people have assisted in achieving our goals, into making our dream a reality.

“From the bottom of my heart, I am truly grateful for everyone who has lent us a hand, and for our supporters who stand alongside us in ALE’s vision.

“The launch of the Epsilon Rocket is the biggest milestone for ALE yet, and I sincerely hope that the launch will be a success.

“Lastly, I hope that our man made meteors will help reveal new discoveries in science, and that it will gather and entertain people under the night sky.”