Starfuel

Starfuel is a mixed reality experience of fueling a commercial spaceship at a spaceport near Earth. It takes place in a plausible future based partially on Gerard K O’Neill’s vision of human colonies in space. Specifically, the spaceport exists in one of Earth’s five “gravitationally static” Lagrange points. This explanation of planetary Lagrange points is thematically introduced to the audience via a “pre-flight safety video” before entering the mixed reality experience, adding to the greater story world similarly to how Epcot’s Soarin’ attraction at Walt Disney World immerses its audience before ever experiencing the main attraction. Furthermore, Starfuel itself is constructed using two emerging technologies each with their own set of cultural implications: virtual (or mixed) reality and 3D printing.

Capitalism in Space

Starfuel points towards the exciting venture of space exploration but not without the cost of capitalist ventures in the form of resource exploitation and consumerism. Starfuel also holds potential to open conversation on a variety of other issues associated with emerging technologies such as cryptocurrencies and effects of common gas station consumables (i.e. energy drinks - especially those with nootropics, electronic vaporizers, and fast-food) but with a fun outer space style. Starfuel could also expand on the vision of a more beautified and preserved method of other space exploration by mimicking rest areas and travel centers rather than gas stations.