It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since United Catalysts began to actively work on making the Skywheel Satellite a reality. In 2009, we laid the foundations of the project: creating Space For Vision, our non-profit entity and holding our first successful fundraiser, meeting with aerospace engineers about design and launch options, and connecting with leaders and practitioners of spiritual traditions around the world. The year culminated in our participation in the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Melbourne Australia. There, we participated in events held by spiritual and cultural leaders, and made contact with many new friends that we will be working with in 2010.

This year, we will be inviting religious and cultural leaders to work with us more closely, creating an advisory panel to help organize the sacred text for the Skywheel Satellite. We will also be working on a series of art prints, and a limited edition Parliament-inspired art book as part of our fundraising endeavors. And last but certainly not least, we will be working with aerospace designers and engineers to finalize the satellite design, launch plans and budget.

Also this year, we are raising funds to support our interfaith work with spiritual leaders, and the beginning stages of satellite design/construction. To this end, we have established a United Catalysts Etsy shop, with all proceeds to directly fund the Skywheel Project:

Check out and shop at our Etsy site and support the Skywheel Project:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/unitedcatalysts

What's New in the Skywheel Project:

Summer 2009

We have had many exciting adventures since we first announced the launch of the Skywheel Project this Spring. Here are some of the highlights:

In June, we met with aerospace engineers from Microcosm Inc., in the first round of satellite design, function, orbit, and launch planning. We found that we can launch the Skywheel 1,000 kilometers above the earth, so that it remains in orbit for at least 1,000 years. It will be able to be seen with the naked eye in areas with low light pollution, and can be tracked with a website satellite tracker, so you can find out when it will pass over any point in the world. We can even make it appear to "blink" as it spins, so you know it's working.

Throughout the past months, we have made contact with many faith and interfaith groups who are excited about participating in the project. We have received submissions of sacred text from many individuals looking to contribute something meaningful from their spiritual practice. You can send your suggestions of sacred text and symbols to be considered for inclusion by emailing them to us at: info@skywheel.org

This July, Kim Garrison traveled to San Franciso, CA to give a short presentation on the Skywheel Project at the Interfaith Chapel in the Presidio. The response was overwhelming and inspiring. You can view a video of this presentation by clicking the link to the left.

Our summer fundraising efforts for the project include the making of Skywheel T-shirts, as well as several other United Catalysts designs. T-shirts are available for $20 each. Click the link to the left to access the site. All profits from the sales will be used to fund this year's expenses of the Skywheel Project. Donations can also be made at any time through the Skywheel website.

We thank you for your support of this unique gift to the world.

2009 Events

Sunday, August 9, 1pm. Skywheel Talk at Gallery Eleven Seven in Downtown Long Beach. All are welcome. 117 Linden St, between 1st and Broadway.

Sunday, October 18th, 5pm. Wine Tasting and silent auction fundraiser for the Skywheel Project in Santa Ana, Ca. More information to follow.

Saturday, November 21, 6pm. Skywheel Talk at Orange Coast College Art Gallery. More information to follow.

December 2-9. Steve Radosevich, Kim Garrison, and Rachel Hillberg will represent the Skywheel Project at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Melbourne, Australia.

Make a donation to the Skywheel Project.