What is Lunar Codex Programme?

Spearheaded by Samuel Peralta, the Lunar Codex programme is an ambitious initiative that seeks to etch human creativity into the very fabric of the moon. This extraordinary project aims to create a collection of diverse art forms that will serve as a timeless record of the boundless imagination and artistic prowess of humanity.

Preserving Artistic Legacies

At its core, Lunar Codex is an extraordinary collection of art destined for the moon. This repository of human creativity transcends cultural barriers and embraces the work of 30,000 artists, writers, filmmakers, and musicians from 157 countries. Together, they weave a mesmerizing tapestry of ideas, emotions, and cultural insights that will resonate with future generations.

Safeguarding on Lunar Shores

To ensure the artwork’s preservation and safe journey to the lunar surface, Lunar Codex is ingeniously stored on memory cards or engraved onto NanoFiche—a state-of-the-art film-based microfiche technology. These innovative means of storage guarantee the durability of these priceless artistic expressions against the harsh lunar environment.

A Capsule Collection

The Lunar Codex collection is thoughtfully organized into four capsules, each containing an eclectic mix of artistic masterpieces. From vivid images and thought-provoking books to soulful podcasts and captivating movies, Lunar Codex encompasses the full spectrum of human creativity.

The First Voyage: The Orion Collection

The first capsule of Lunar Codex, aptly named the Orion collection, has already embarked on its lunar voyage. As part of NASA’s Artemis 1 mission, the Orion collection circled the moon, paving the way for future lunar art installations. The subsequent months will witness a series of lunar landers transporting the remaining Lunar Codex capsules to designated lunar locations, including craters at the moon’s South Pole and the lunar plain known as Sinus Viscositatis.

Celebrating Artistic Brilliance

Among the artistic brilliance included in Lunar Codex is “New American Gothic” by Ayana Ross, a stunning piece that earned the prestigious 2021 Bennett Prize for female artists. Additionally, the collection features the captivating woodcuts and linocuts of Oleysa Dzhurayeva, a gifted printmaker who left Kyiv following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Lunar Codex also commemorates the art of Connie Karleta Sales, an artist and poet living with an autoimmune disease that affects her spinal cord and optic nerves—a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2023

Category: Science & Technology Current Affairs