Plataforma Cero of LABoral presents Orbitando Satélites / Orbiting Satellites — a critical and artistic investigation of satellites :: May 10-14, 2011 :: LABoral Centro de Arte y Creación Industrial, Los Prados, 121, 33394 Gijón (Asturias) Spain.

Orbitando Satélites proposes an exercise in the visualisation and investigation of these “rarae aves” that operate in habitually imperceptible frequencies and distances. We listen to them with DIY antenas and radios, showing how to locate them and observe them with free hardware and software.

In the tradition of the independent groups involved in the creation of free/libre infrastructures the meeting unites amateurs and experts, from various countries and cultures, to develop a declaration which poetically sketches this occult ring that surrounds us.

Trying to invert the logic of the panopticon, we observe the satellites that are observing us, exploring their political dimensions as an opaque system of control as well as a potentially liberating force. Using visualisation and play techniques we investigate the poetics of satellites, developing new astrologies and detailed mythologies.

And, finally, we design our own communications / observation satellite, to be launched in July 2011 by balloon, around the same time as the inauguration which will visualise our investigation.

Some key themes and topics:

▪ Satélites and micro-satélites.
â–ª Dispositives of power y contra-power.
▪ Listening to satélites. Satellite Hacking,
▪ The Astrology y Astronomy of satélites
â–ª Celestial voices, Satelite soundart
â–ª Design of open source satelite with radio & wimax
â–ª Estratoferic baloons, Drones and Kites
â–ª Arduino in space.
â–ª Space politics.
▪ Satélite Tracking and Radiofrequencies
â–ª GNU/Radio USRP Software Defined Radio
â–ª Calculating & charting celestial mechanics
â–ª Orbital Dreams
â–ª ……

With:

â–ª Politics and Poetics of satélites. MSST, Joanna Griffin, Reni Hoffmuller…
▪ de/Construction of a satélite. David Pello
â–ª Listening, Spotting y Sousveillance. Alejo Duque