Donald W. Reynolds Center for the Visual Arts
E. L. Wiegand Gallery
160 West Liberty Street, Reno NV 89501
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MEDIA CONTACT:Amanda Horn, Senior Vice President, Communications(o) 775.398.7228 / (m) 775.636.2567 / amanda.horn@nevadaart.org

ORBITAL REFLECTOR STATUS REPORT
Reno, Nev. (January 18, 2019) – Trevor Paglen, the Nevada Museum of Art, art enthusiasts, and sky watchers
across the globe remain anxious to see Orbital Reflector in the night sky. Unfortunately, the wait continues. OnDecember 3, Orbital Reflector launched into low Earth orbit on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 64 satellites.
This launch, dubbed the Spaceflight Industries SSOA SmallSat Express, was the largest satellite launch in US
history. A division of the United States Air Force known as CSpOC is faced with the task of properly identifying
each of those satellites so that they can be tracked as they orbit the earth. Six weeks post-launch, that task is still
not complete; only half of the satellites from the launch have been properly identified. Many of the satellites thatlaunched together remain in a cluster and until they separate it is difficult to correctly identify each one. With thegovernment shutdown, we have no indication of how much longer it will take until the NORAD ID number become
available.
Both the unprecedented launch and prolonged government shutdown also present other challenges. Prior to theholidays, we had been working very closely with the FCC and other relevant space-related authorities to deploy
the balloon at the right time for a safe trajectory. The FCC had asked us to wait for their go-ahead before wedeploy the balloon. Since the government shutdown began, communication with the FCC has been suspended, as
they are not operational at this time. Of course, we want to ensure the safest possible mission both for Orbital
Reflector but also for our neighbors in space (including the ISS!). As Trevor Paglen has stated, “Space is hard!”
Despite these challenging circumstances, the Orbital Reflector engineers continue to communicate with thesatellite, and all systems appear healthy. The team is hopeful that the satellite can withstand the wait during theunforeseen government shutdown. Time will tell.
If you have downloaded the mobile application Star Walk 2 to your phone, you can search for Orbital Reflector.
You will see all the information about the satellite in the app. Though it appears to be tracking, that information isnot live. It will activate when the tracking information becomes available, as will the customized star map on theOrbital Reflector website.
Trevor Paglen and the Nevada Museum of Art deeply appreciate the support, patience, and enthusiasm thatproject donors, fans, and the watchful public have expressed as news of this historic project continues to unfold.
####The Nevada Museum of Art is the only art museum in Nevada accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). A
private, nonprofit organization founded in 1931, the Reno-based institution is supported by its membership as well assponsorships, gifts and grants. Through its permanent collections, original exhibitions and programming, and E.L. Cord
Museum School, the Nevada Museum of Art provides meaningful opportunities for people to engage with a range of art andeducation experiences. The Museum’s Center for Art + Environment is an internationally-recognized research centerdedicated to supporting the practice, study, and awareness of creative interactions between people and their environments.
The Center houses unique archive materials from more than 1,000 artists working on all seven continents, including Cape
Farewell, Michael Heizer, Walter de Maria, Lita Albuquerque, Burning Man, the Center for Land Use Interpretation, Ugo
Rondinone, and Trevor Paglen. Learn more at nevadaart.org.