The Alouette I was the first Canadian satellite and was launched on September 26th, 1962. The launch made Canada the third nation, after the USSR and the United States, to design and construct its own satellite and cemented Canada’s reputation as a space-faring nation. Alouette`s mission lasted for 10 years before she was deliberately switched off on September 30th, 1972. She remains in orbit – as a derelict – to this day. In this piece, Alouette`s circuits inexplicably come alive after remaining dormant for over 30 years. As she becomes aware once again of her orbit and proximity to earth she hears a mysterious voice from deep space. The voice calls to her soothingly until its intentions are revealed to be malicious once it threatens to literally pluck her from the sky (ie. “Je te plumerai”). Alouette panics and sends out desperate pleas for help but she can`t fight the forces pulling her to her doom. She careens to the ground below, exploding in a fiery heap. The piece closes with the last gasp of life from her circuits before they are silenced forever.
