What is the Mandalorian helmet doing in space aboard a satellite?
Spoiler, it involves an Italian company, D-Orbit
On the occasion of the theatrical debut of the new film Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu on 20 May, a new project was announced involving the collaboration between The Walt Disney Company Italia and D-Orbit: the world-renowned Italian aerospace company.
According to reports, in fact, a replica of the famous Mandalorian helmet was launched into orbit with a real satellite and, specifically, on board Wayfinder: the 22nd commercial mission of ION Satellite Carrier, the 'taxi' with which the Como-based company takes its customers' satellites into space.
The replica was created from a 3D scan of the original specimen provided by Disney, the model was then machined from a 6000 series aluminium block and completed with the installation of electronic and optical components. Prior to launch, as expected for any commercial payload, the helmet underwent an environmental qualification process including vacuum chamber and vibration tests in order to simulate the expected launch conditions and stresses. The images were then taken by cameras installed on board the ION satellite, and designed by the company itself for its space missions. Before filming began, the technicians also carried out a series of checks to ensure that everything was working properly: from the framing of the helmet to the position of the camera as well as the quality of the video. The integration of the helmet within an already scheduled commercial mission avoided a dedicated launch and no new separate objects being released into orbit, so it is a choice in line with the principles of space sustainability.
Even the choice of the helmet as the protagonist of the mission is not accidental, in fact, in the Mandalorian culture it represents identity, belonging and loyalty to a code, so taking it into space means transforming it into a powerful metaphor: going beyond known limits without forgetting who you are. A tribute consistent with the spirit of the new Star Wars adventure signed by Lucasfilm.
