Hiber satellite visualizations

I was blown away by the fact that there is a Dutch company that shoots satellites into space. Well, when I began this project it was still a dream but now that I write this text there are already two of those big boys in space. Not that big really, they are like serious shoebox size.

But the satellites are just a means to an end. The real product is the data connection to extreme and remote parts of the world. For buoys at sea or expeditions on Antarctica like in the movie. You know, exciting and dangerous places.

The project started out by making illustrations based on the 3D CAD models. Like it is almost always the case these CAD models are incomplete because of complexity or secrecy. So we use our brain to make the most logical solutions to make it look natural and professional.

When the 3d model is looking good shape wise the materials and textures are made. This is again a challenge when there is no real product yet soyou have to improvise and do some investigating to find some real world examples.

Last step is lighting and yes again you are confronted with a conundrum. There is only one light in space and it is the brightest light imaginable which makes it look ugly. Like a lot of times we don't want real realism but something that looks real while looking good. Now we have a nice illustration.

But now we have these supercool assets. Almost a shame to not use them for other communications. Of course, let's make some animations.

The movie was made to create continuing support for the project by everyone involved and make the whole idea a more visual experience. That is because developing the product is quite abstract and secretive. Also the launch, place in space and even the receivers on earth are all in unreachable places. That’s the whole point really. To have a nice animated movie is no luxury then.