Valve and Weta Workshop Send a Gnome to Space in Honor of Half-Life 2: Episode 2

In a move that combines technology, artistry, and nostalgia, Valve Corporation and design and manufacturing company Weta Workshop are teaming up to send a garden gnome into space as part of a charity mission. The gnome, affectionately named Gnome Chompski, will be launched by Rocket Lab on its 'rideshare mission' Flight 16 from Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand.

Gnome Chompski is not just any ordinary garden ornament. Its story dates back to the popular video game Half-Life 2: Episode 2, where players were tasked with carrying an innocuous-looking gnome across the game's world to reach a rocket ship. The achievement, known as 'Little Rocket Man,' has become legendary among gamers and remains one of the most challenging and iconic feats in gaming history.

The mission is more than just a nostalgic gesture, however. It serves as a way for Valve's Gabe Newell to raise money for the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of children's hospital Starship in Auckland, New Zealand. The unit provides critical care to children from all over New Zealand and beyond.

During the de-orbiting process, Gnome Chompski will burn up upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere by design, making this a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Weta Workshop, known for their work on films like Lord of the Rings and Avatar, has crafted a 6-inch titanium replica of Chompski, which will be carried onboard the rocket.

The primary objective of Flight 16 is to launch 30 satellites into a sun-synchronous orbit, but Gnome Chompski's presence adds an extra layer of excitement and whimsy to the mission. This remarkable collaboration between Valve, Weta Workshop, and Rocket Lab brings together cutting-edge technology, artistic expertise, and gaming nostalgia in a way that is sure to inspire and delight.

In conclusion, Gnome Chompski's journey into space marks a unique moment in gaming history, as well as a testament to the power of innovation, creativity, and charity. As the gnome hurtles through the atmosphere, it will remind us of the magic and wonder that can be achieved when technology and art come together for a greater good.

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