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\nThe photographer who took this enigmatic picture inside ESA\u2019s Maxwell Test Chamber \u2013 used for assessing the electromagnetic compatibility of entire satellites \u2013 has been shortlisted by the Sony World Photography Awards<\/a> for architecture and still-life photography.\n<\/p>\n \nOnce the chamber\u2019s main door is sealed, Maxwell\u2019s<\/a> 9 m-high metal walls form a \u2018Faraday Cage\u2019, blocking electromagnetic signals from outside. The \u2018anechoic\u2019 foam pyramids covering its interior absorb internal signals \u2013 as well as sound \u2013 to prevent any reflection, mimicking the infinite void of space. Then a satellite can be switched on to detect any harmful interference as its various elements operate together.\n<\/p>\n \nPortuguese-born Edgar Martins<\/a> collaborated closely with ESA to produce a comprehensive photographic survey of the Agency\u2019s various facilities around the globe, together with those of its international partners.\n<\/p>\n \nThe striking results were collected in a book and exhibition, The Rehearsal of Space<\/i> and<\/i> The Poetic Impossibility to Manage the Infinite<\/i><\/a>.\n<\/p>\n \nCharacteristically empty of people, Martin\u2019s long exposures on wide film possess a stark, reverent style. They document the variety of specialised installations and equipment needed to prepare missions for space, or to recreate orbital conditions for testing down on Earth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \nThe photographer who took this enigmatic picture inside ESA’s Maxwell Test Chamber – used for assessing the electromagnetic compatibility of entire satellites – has been shortlisted by the Sony World Photography Awards<\/a> for architecture and still-life photography.\n<\/p>\n \nOnce the chamber’s main door is sealed, Maxwell’s<\/a> 9 m-high metal walls form a ‘Faraday Cage’, blocking electromagnetic signals from outside. The ‘anechoic’ foam pyramids covering its interior absorb internal signals – as well as sound – to prevent any reflection, mimicking the infinite void of space. Then a satellite can be switched on to detect any harmful interference as its various elements operate together.\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n