DSN Pulse
Monitoring the heartbeat of deep space exploration
data viz
experience
prototyping
fabrication
The Pulse is a data-driven light sculpture that visualizes live communication between over 30 interplanetary spacecraft and NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN). NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) operates an international network of giant radio antennas to communicate with spacecraft exploring our solar system and the universe beyond. The Pulse monitors data transferred on the DSN and transforms these messages into streams of light, allowing viewers to experience the heartbeat of space exploration in a tangible way.
My Role
I collaborated with The Studio at JPL to create a traveling version of The Pulse for a series of public exhibitions. I built and tested several prototypes, optimized the hardware/software, and worked with a team of fabricators to bring this magical experience to more people.
The heart of NASA's Deep Space Network resides at JPL's Space Flight Operations Facility (aka Mission Control)
Attendees of the 2016 Annual Meeting of the Division for Planetary Sciences in Pasadena, CA were the first to experience The Pulse's public debut.
I also installed the sculpture at Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex, home to one of the three giant radio antennas that make up NASA's Deep Space Network.
