Innovative musical instruments designed for microgravity: Cosmical seeds

Ayako Ono, Irene Schlacht, So Negishi, Shin Fukudo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

A pair of musical instruments named "Cosmical Seeds" suitable for weightlessness, was selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to represent the theme of Cultural and Artistic Utilization of the International Space Station (ISS). The instruments were successfully launched on October 31, 2011; and NASA astronaut Daniel C. Burbank, Expedition 30 commander, operated and played the instruments on the ISS on February 10, 2012. The two pieces of music performed were a collaboration between an astronaut and ambient music specialists Akira Takahashi and Jaakko Saari. This paper will present: Motivation which led to the creation of the musical instruments The concept of the project The results of parabolic flight testing The results of the mission at the ISS Future possibilities The astronaut played the instruments along with music repeatedly for 15 minutes and improved his skills beyond what was outlined in the procedure manual. Taking movies and audio recordings was very successful, and the video will be shown at this session.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication63rd International Astronautical Congress 2012, IAC 2012
Pages11083-11087
Number of pages5
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Event63rd International Astronautical Congress 2012, IAC 2012 - Naples, Italy
Duration: 2012 Oct 12012 Oct 5

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC
Volume13
ISSN (Print)0074-1795

Conference

Conference63rd International Astronautical Congress 2012, IAC 2012
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityNaples
Period12/10/112/10/5

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