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THE BALLISTIC QUARTET

Four works of art to be executed in space and on planets other than earth
by MILO DUKE

These works utilize existing rocket technology and are intended to stimulate the imaginations and energies of human beings as we evolve into space. Ad astra per aspera.

Low Earth Orbit
This proposal is respectfully and humbly submitted
to those citizen rocketry enthusiasts who are currently attempting
to achieve low-earth orbit.

A symbolic and practical payload for low-earth orbit missions would be a cardboard model of Buckminster Fuller's Dymaxion Projection. The Dymaxion Projection is an icosahedron (a regular solid formed from twenty equilateral triangles) with a map of the earth on its surface.

The Dymaxion Projection represents the surface features of our planet in two dimensions with the least possible distortion, and forms an elegantly abstracted three-dimensional simulacrum of Earth. In the Western tradition, the icosahedron has been heavily freighted with meaning since the time of Pythagoras. In the Indian Tantric traditions, the icosahedron is the three-dimensional form of the Sri Yantra--the most holy of mandalas. The Dymaxion Projection represents a symbolic fusion of advanced thinking from two different terrestrial cultures, and is therefore a beautiful and meaningful payload for low-earth orbit missions,

The practical considerations are its small size and light weight. Funds could be raised by offering to inscribe contributor's names on the inside surface of the Dymaxion Projection model.

Sequin on the Moon
"...and they'll splash at a ten league canvas
with brushes of comet's hair."
Rudyard Kipling

The "sequin" is a field of aluminum powder fifty kilometers in diameter spread very thinly over the surface of the moon. The purpose of the field is to raise the albedo of the area covered by the field above that of its surroundings, thereby making it visible from Earth with the naked eye. The site is Tranquillity Base in the Sea of Tranquillity; the place where humans first landed on the Moon. The aluminum powder is the payload of a rocket launched from Earth. The "sequin" is installed on the surface of the Moon by the detonation of a shaped-charge explosive device, many kilometers above the surface, which will give an even dispersal of the aluminum powder. It will land on the surface as lightly as a kiss. For millennia thereafter, humans will look up at the Moon and know that we have touched its surface.

The project begins with the establishment of a subscription fund to finance the mission, hopefully achieving broad-based citizen and corporate support.

The Martian Challenge
"Because it is there."

The Martian Challenge is a long term work that may require centuries to complete. Its purpose is to serve as a challenge to the imagination and the human spirit of adventure as we explore space.

This project takes advantage of the unique linear arrangement of three enormous volcanoes in the Tharsis region of the planet Mars. A spacecraft will enter a Martian orbit that will take it directly over Arsia Mons, Pavonis Mons and Ascraeus Mons. As the spacecraft passes over the volcanoes it will release three titanium tetrahedra (regular solids formed by four equilateral triangles, one meter per side), which will descend by parachute into each summit caldera. A fourth tetrahedron will remain on Earth, displayed on a pedestal that has spaces reserved for the other three. Each tetrahedron has a single Latin word inscribed on each of its four sides. The three on Mars are inscribed with the words ad, astra and per respectively, and the terrestrial tetrahedron is inscribed with the word aspera. The work is complete when the tetrahedra are returned from Mars and reunited with the terrestrial tetrahedron. The completed inscription will read ad astra per aspera -- to the stars through hope.

The project begins with the establishment of a subscription fund dedicated firstly to launching the Martian mission, and secondly to funding a prize for the person or persons who accomplish the task of reuniting the tetrahedra on Earth. The task of reuniting the tetrahedra involves the difficult challenges of interplanetary travel and exploration and it will probably be several centuries before it is even attempted by private citizens. If the technological-industrial civilization that launched the original mission is still thriving, the initial fund should have grown manyfold and be a worthy reward to the winner.

MIMAS
"...and they shall beat their swords
into plowshares."

This work is a ring-shaped trench, 100 kilometers in diameter, excavated on the icy surface of Mimas, the innermost of Saturn's moons. The site is the giant crater Hershel, 130 km. in diameter and almost centered on Mimas' leading face. The advantage of the crater Hershel as a site for this work is the beauty and symmetry of its location. A spacecraft that is inserted into Mimas' orbit around Saturn, just ahead of the moon itself, will be directly above the crater. From this position the spacecraft can excavate the ring with elegant precision by gently propelling many small thermonuclear explosive devices down to the moon's surface.

The use of nuclear explosions to create works of art in space will be a dramatic statement by humanity that our physical power is no longer a danger to ourselves.

These ideas are presented in their most preliminary form. Art in space, like all other human activity in space, is in its infancy. Therefore, commentary about these concepts, or about any other concepts concerning art in space, is most welcome. Please contact me at milo@miloduke.com