A Russian architect is building a giant NASA space blanket to protect Burning Man festival attendees from the sun

Shtanyuk estimates that acquiring space blankets for the project will cost $3,800.

Advertisement

The blanket will reflect up to 97% of radiated heat.

Advertisement

During the day, festival attendees will be able to gather under the blanket to cool down, nap, or dance.

The giant blanket's silhouette evokes images of waves, reminding attendees of Lake Lahontan, which existed in the area thousands of years ago, according to Shtanyuk.

Advertisement

NASA first developed the blankets in 1964, and the reflective insulators are frequently used in emergency kits. Long-distance runners rely on these blankets after races to prevent large swings in body temperature.

Shtanyuk tested a smaller blanket at a land-art festival in Russia last year. He estimates that transportation the giant version from Russia to Black Rock City will cost $3,500.

Advertisement