Reflect Orbital
Reflect Orbital
This project is all about big mirrors in space. Reflect Orbital develops satellites that unfold into big mirrors that reflect sunlight to any place on Earth. We helped visualize how a large network of these satellites can illuminate specific areas on Earth on demand.
This project is all about big mirrors in space. Reflect Orbital develops satellites that unfold into big mirrors that reflect sunlight to any place on Earth. We helped visualize how a large network of these satellites can illuminate specific areas on Earth on demand.
Assets
Assets
We started the project by converting the satellite CAD models to a format suitable for animation. In the process we removed sensitive parts and made modification to the model where needed. A second big asset for the renders is the Earth. We continue to develop our space models to push realism further.
We started the project by converting the satellite CAD models to a format suitable for animation. In the process we removed sensitive parts and made modification to the model where needed. A second big asset for the renders is the Earth. We continue to develop our space models to push realism further.
Dynamics
Dynamics
We faced two animation challenges that needed creative solutions. The first one involved unfolding the mirrors. We experimented with several techniques to achieve the look we needed. The second challenge was creating a network of hundreds of satellites that could point to areas on Earth that we wanted. This involved setting up a custom modular system that allowed us to change orbits, number of satellites, and the targets on Earth.
We faced two animation challenges that needed creative solutions. The first one involved unfolding the mirrors. We experimented with several techniques to achieve the look we needed. The second challenge was creating a network of hundreds of satellites that could point to areas on Earth that we wanted. This involved setting up a custom modular system that allowed us to change orbits, number of satellites, and the targets on Earth.
UI Animation
UI Animation
In addition to a set of 3D renders, we created 2D user interface overlays that displayed possible telemetry data for the satellite network.
In addition to a set of 3D renders, we created 2D user interface overlays that displayed possible telemetry data for the satellite network.
Solar Farm Animation
Solar Farm Animation
Next to the renders in space, Reflect Orbital also wanted to show what it would look like if an array of satellites pointed to a solar farm in the desert.
Next to the renders in space, Reflect Orbital also wanted to show what it would look like if an array of satellites pointed to a solar farm in the desert.