Rocket mapping takes flight with Christie RGB projectors

Header image and first two images in slideshow: Projection on rocket façade, credit ULA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla - Christie^® pure RGB laser projectors helped to mark the impending launch of United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket at Cape Canaveral with the first ever 3D projection mapping on an operational rocket by PaintScaping. Six 'all-in-one' 45,000 ISO lumen Christie D4K40-RGB projectors – provided by rental expert Nationwide Video – mapped the façade of the nearly 72-meter rocket, for a private event ahead of ULA’s launch for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).

“It was a pleasure to work with the latest and brightest RGB laser projector on the market for this unique project,” says Philippe Bergeron, President of PaintScaping, which created the eye-catching content for the event. “We have a long history of working with Christie and Nationwide Video, and it was a joy to team up with them once again. The imposing structure of the rocket drove the narrative of this once in a life-time video mapping opportunity, with the Christie projection helping to deliver the impact we required. It is always a thrill to share the power of 3D projection mapping, and we enjoyed the challenge of delivering on the client’s vision.”

The façade of the Delta IV Heavy – with its combination of even, uneven, curved and flat surfaces – presented a test for PaintScaping’s extensive skills on this largescale mapping. Previous PaintScaping projects utilizing Christie projection include Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna’s This is What You Came For music video, a BMW plug-in hybrid advert and the Aurora projection mapping show at San Diego Zoo.

“With enhanced color saturation, brightness and contrast, pure RGB laser technology is an ideal choice for impactful largescale projection. When combined with great talent and an exciting opportunity such as this, the pay-off is something special,” says Michael Bosworth, executive vice president, Enterprise, Christie. “The PaintScaping team has once again demonstrated its supreme expertise in the 3D projection mapping arena, and we’re proud to have played a part in achieving its ambitious plans for this stunning project.”

Christie D4K40-RGB’s compact all-in-one design and long-lasting, reliable light source is an ideal choice for projection mapping. It produces greater than 95% of the Rec. 2020 color space for rich, vibrant, true-to-life visuals, and features built-in warping and blending with Christie Twist. The powerhouse projector is also compatible with the Christie Mystique^® automated camera-based alignment software solution.