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Greetings from Catellite!

Peering from the beyond the Kármán line...

Satellites dancing and whirling from above

Weaving an embrace of guidance and security

Casting spotlights on the grand stage of the Orion Arm.

From what was known as the centre of the universe to the humble worshipper of the sun, from Spaceship Earth to the Gaia principle, this little Catellite would like to add one more title to the Earth's impressive canon: what I call Puppet Earth.

As we continue to build and launch outward of our planet, we cast beams and signals to understand what lies above and around us. Satellites help to guide us in the present and future (including weather forecasting and updates), share entertainment and track threats (reconnaissance and early warning). I see these beams and signals between satellites and Earth as our strings, a marionette under the rhythms of gravity. We become increasingly dependent on these structures that we may not think of on a daily basis.

However, this may change very soon.

Since the "Sputnik Moment" of October 4th, 1957, outer space increasingly became to be understood as a site of fear, anxiety, desire and drive to explore what lay beyond, but also to defend ourselves in response to a new potential of military activity. Sputnik 1 was a satellite but also a display of ICBM technology (Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles) derived from the Soviet R-7 programme. Technology has always been dual use; the ability to help or harm.

We've seen testing of nuclear weapons in high altitude and ASATs (anti satellite weapons). We've seen treaties and accords (legally and non legally binding) in order to create channels for co-operation to preserve outer space as a peaceful domain, to protect celestial bodies and to prevent arms races.  Now, in 2026, the US has admitted to its deployment of on-orbit weapons as a deterrence measure and multiple space faring countries are increasing their counterspace capabilities. 

Tangling, jamming or even severing the strings on puppet Earth through non kinetic attacks becomes increasingly plausible and dangerous.

So, Catellite asks: what will happen during the next act?