Press Releases

Name: Personal Liberty Vs. Safety and Celebration in Space
Start: 2025-08-18T19:00:00+00:00
End: 2025-08-18T20:30:00+00:00
Location: Zoom

SRI Press Releases (NOTE: not press releases from other organizations – put those under ‘News’)

Jun

2025

PRESS RELEASE: “Space Renaissance for All Gallery” aboard The Exploration Company’s Nyx capsule: Launch of “Mission Possible”

Press and Public Infonote For immediate Release (22 June)

–o– rescheduled 23 June same time –o–

The Space Renaissance 4 All Gallery (www.sr4allgallery.com) is an international initiative, to carry a Science-Technology-Art-Partnerships payload into lowEarth orbit, where it will circle the planet before returning for scientific study and public engagement. The Gallery is inside Nyx capsule of The Exploration Company that is scheduled to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Base, California on 23 June 2025 23:15 CEST, orbit Earth, reenter the atmosphere and return intact — making its payload available for scientific and technical evaluation, museum exhibitions, and public outreach.It was initiated by LUNEX CEO and SRI President Prof. Bernard Foing (former ESA Chief Scientist and lead of first ESA lunar mission SMART1) . “This is not just a technological mission. It is a Space Renaissance for All statement,” said Prof. Bernard Foing. “Together with MoonMars and our partners, we are creating a human-centric space future that carries our stories, our knowledge, and our spirit.”

“We have developed a space payload to celebrate the values and goals of SRI Space Renaissance, LUNEX and partners. It is using spare from ISS Expose astrobiology tray own 2009-2010” says Bernard Foing. “The gallery contains: Science samples from NASA Ames and Universities (astrobiology, soils and rocks from Earth, meteorites from Moon, Mars, asteroids); Artscience pieces from ArtMoonMars, MoonGallery, MoonMars Museum, SRI; a Digital library of documents, images and music; a Tribute to 40 partners of Space SDG18 and LUNEX.”

“It is really exciting, for us of Space Renaissance International, to see this beautiful program coming to its goal: reaching orbit and re-entering to Earth on a critical test mission! Space Renaissance 4 All was of great inspiration also during the 3rd National Congress of Space Renaissance Italia, that we celebrated a few days ago in Catanzaro, at the Magna Graecia University!! Thanks to all participants, to the Exploration Company and all the Sponsors of this fantastic venture into space! Long live to Space Renaissance, long live to Space Art and Space Artists!“ says Adriano V. Autino, SRI CEO and Founder.

Each sample fits within a cylinder slot of 10 mm diameter by 8 mm depth. The Space Renaissance for All Gallery carries samples from partners that collaborated with EuroMoonMars, also science, cultural and artefacts supporting space4All SDG18 initiative. The SR4AG was assembled in LUNEX/SRI NL, delivered in Dec 2024 to The Exploration Company and in Nyx capsule for ”Mission Possible” launch planned on 22 June 2025 with SpaceX from VandenBerg Base in California. This is a precursor step of an approach to go to space , and then to the surface of the Moon with future Moon landers.

Science and Astrobiology Experiments

The science experiments included as part of the Space Renaissance 4 All science payload represents a collection as diverse as the space sector. Some samples soils and rocks were from extreme places of Earth. It also contains meteorites coming from Moon, Mars, asteroids that will experience space for another time !

“The Space Renaissance for all mission plants the seeds for broader access to space, be it for art or science; a new era of access to space has begun—an era open to anyone, from traditional space faring nations to nascent start-ups” says Dr. Heather Smith, Space Renaissance 4 all Science lead.

This flight test will determine the feasibility of using aerogel as structure for housing electronics. If successful, aerogel as a light-weight, thermal insulator, would expand our ability to support electronics in highly thermal variable environments, such as the Moon. This portion of the payload was developed through a collaboration between NASA Glenn Research Center and NASA Ames Research Center. The Arabidopsis Thaliana seeds, have decades of flight experience as the model organism, data from these seeds form the foundation for plant space science. Raphanus Sativus, radishes, are a fast-growing root vegetable high in anti-oxidants. Pumpkin seeds were chosen because they are large edible seeds high in vitamin C. Hibiscus Syriacus was chosen as the payload for the COSPAR Panel On Exploration (PEX). The Hibiscus Syriacus- the Rose of Sharon, represents “the eternal blossom that never fades , similar to humankinds’ innate curiosity to explore. The Hibiscus Syriacus has been carried and cared for by people traveling and establishing communities through-out migration for centuries. Our humankinds’ migration path continues we journey from Earth to establish communities on the Moon. The Hibiscus Syriacus is the National Plant of South Korea- the home of the newest space agency formed- KASA (Korea AeroSpace Administration).

Space Renaissance ArtScience Samples

ArtMoonMars programme of cultural and artistic activities was started in 2010 in collaboration with ESA ESTEC and number of partner institutions, with more than 55 events (workshops, space artscience classes, public events, sessions at international conferences) and exhibitions. Previous artscience work have been displayed in galleries on Earth, as well as in space (Moon Gallery test flight to ISS in 2022, MoonMars Museum on Firefly Blueghost lunar lander in 2024.

The Space Renaissance for All Gallery contains some 20 Artscience pieces from ArtMoonMars, MoonMars Museum, Space Renaissance Art chapter, ArtEO, MoonGallery and a Digital library of documents, images and music.

Artscientists contributors to gallery include Eva Petric, Eanna Doyle, Brigitte Havan Odum, Jun Sato & Ruta Stankeviciute, Mary Kuiper, Sabine Heinz, Danielle Futselaar, Ghanim Alotaibi, Caroline Gueye, Jean-Marie Havan, Ravi Kapur and Fransisca Tan (coordinators/curators) with Anica Huck, Daniel Rosero, Sock Redding for ArtEO, and MoonMars Museum by Marieke Feenstra and Johanna Nyqvist with VAVortex, Ali Sabet, Marieke Feenstra, Francis & Odile Crick, Johanna Nyqvist, Shira Pugatch, Hesling Reidinga, Montreal.ai, Gordon Benjamin, Ruben Hale, Mary Kuiper, Micha Klein, Rainbow Mosho, Visheh, The Fabricant, Melissa Marcello, Joep Swagemakers, Frank NFT, Milana Juventa, MidiPunkz, Houston Vandergriff, Aloha Humanz, Paladin Punks, Sketchlight, Neuropila, Bernard Foing, IrishNFTgal, 3d Philisopher, FAmused, Naastaaraan, Lucia PV, Secret Proyect, Moma Postcard, Nata Erdem, Choen Lee, Ramadzo, Mitochondralorian, Vanessa Camacaro, 0xWolfgang, Shlomovaart, Klaw Machine, Filip Persson, 500k, Mustafa Aydin, Paul van Hoeydonck, VAVortex AI Art Community; Web Horizon, Token Pecock, Roberto Oz, Pop AI, CryptoL3mon, Maurice, Marcus Feather, Nuwan Shilpa, Martha/Urban Dragons, Anna/ Mixed AI Art, Iban Broker, Andrea Blacker, Shadowbean, Nancy Kilmer, Carmen van Horn, Mumzels, Mike E Angelo, Johnny MEMonic, Lucid Jordan, Lady Leah, Kassi, Feather Frogs, Collina Cleo, Ilkes Orbit, Curly P, Sinisa Koprivjnak, Kira Risugawa, Ethereal Fairie, NFT Portal, Felix Thelen, Chazz Gold, Nexus 8, Avia Mommy, Kar 1212m2, Collection Tazi, Adriano V. Autino and the Moon Walkers Jazz Band, Benedetta Cattani Ecosmic.

As part of the Space Renaissance 4 All Gallery (www.sr4allgallery.com), the MoonMars Museum contributes four dedicated payload slots featuring cutting-edge, miniaturized art-science artefacts. “These are developed in close collaboration with advanced technology partners NanoFiche, sPhotonix, and Printoptix, making it possible for cultural storytelling in a very small form factor with high-precision optics, data preservation, and microfabrication” says Marieke Feenstra, founder of MoonMars Museum. “We wanted keeping the footprint of the MoonMars Museum small and at the same time creating a big impact for future generations to come.” “Each of our four payload slots are bridging the original moonlanding on March 2, 2025 on a NanoFiche inside the lifeship payload on the Firefly Blue Ghost moonlander to future endeavors of the MoonMars Museum. Together with our technical partners, we are forging a poetic and scientific bridge between Earth and orbit.”

Public engagement & Space Renaissance Tribute to 40 partners of Space SDG18 and LUNEX

One plate of the gallery carries 20 slots with polished glass disks coated recto-verso with 40 logos as tributes to partner institutions, universities, movements and societies:

Organisations: Space Renaissance International, Space4All, LUNEX, ILEWG, EuroMoonmars, UN, IAA, ESA , SBIC, NASA Ames, NASA, COSPAR
Foundations: EuroSpaceHub, Space SDG18, AATC, Mars society, NSS, IAF, Space Campus NL, NVR, ICEE Space, MoonMars,IMA, ArtEO, Imperative Space, SpaceLand, MoonVillage Association
Universities: Leiden U, LiS Leiden Instrument Makers , ISU, TU Delft, InHolland, Latvia U, Fotonika LV, CSUG Grenoble, Padova U, IPSA FR, U Iberoamericana Mexico
Companies: SpaceX, Blue Origin, Nanofiche, SPhotonics, Void&Visual, PrintOptix

Background information and Links

LUNEX is a society and research foundation created in 2001 to promote space research and exploration. EuroMoonMars is an ILEWG LUNEX programme in collaboration with space agencies, academia, universities and research institutions and industries. The programme includes research activities supporting Moon and Mars Missions for data analysis, instruments tests and development, field tests in MoonMars analogue, pilot projects, training and hands-on workshops, technical visits and outreach activities. The ILEWG LUNEX

https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/leag2024/pdf/5005.pdf https://euromoonmars.space/

Space Renaissance International (SRI) is an international non-profit organization based in Europe, with members and supporters all around the globe, dedicated to getting humanity off-world, not just astronauts engaged in pioneering exploration, but humanity, en masse: because it is a natural progression in our development as a species.

Space Renaissance – Space Renaissance – Civilian Space Development https://spacerenaissance.space/

Launch event on 23 June and public engagement

The Spare of the Gallery was shown at many events around the world since December 2024 when the flight payload was delivered to The Exploration Company. Many friends and public could hold it to celebrate Space 4 All.

The Exploration Company is organizing launch events in Munich, Paris, Bordeaux , Turin, Houstonon 22 June from 21h CEST for a launch window starting 23h15 CEST

Space Renaissance is organizing on 23 Jun from 23h00 CEST a YouTube livestream link: https://youtu.be/xp1AwpEniU0 During the live, we will re-broadcast the launch from the launch web facility. https://www.facebook.com/events/699436863008279/

Contact: Bernard Foing (SRI/LUNEX, foing@strw.leidenuniv.nl), Marieke Feenstra (marieke@MoonMars.com), Riccardo Puglia (The Exploration Company)

Space Renaissance for All Gallery: Science and Artscience (top), Tribute Space4All (bottom)

Credits: LUNEX Space Renaissance (Marieke Feenstra & Bernard Foing)

SR4All Integration in Holland, Delivery to TEC in Dec 24, TEC booth Salon du Bourget June 25

Credits: Space Renaissance LUNEX (Bernard Foing)

Quotes and informations from contributors to “ Space Renaissance for All Gallery”:

“A unique feature of the Space Renaissance 4 all payload is that it is equal parts art and science. Both areas equally contribute to our lives on Earth. It is refreshing that they equally contribute to this flight project.” says Dr. Heather Smith, US, Space Renaissance 4 all Science lead.

“Meeting NASA’s critical deadline was a proud moment for our team. From design to delivery in under 24 hours, we proved that our high-velocity mass customization can make spaceflight-ready hardware possible on demand—helping turn this international multi-faceted space experiment into reality.” – Dr. Doug Milburn, ProtoSpace Mfg Vice-President and Co-Founder

“Ageha Petit, a tiny swallowtail with a mass of 0.1g, composed of deployable wings and a pillow-shaped transparent body, represents a module composed of photovoltaic tarps and an inflatable habitation capsule, providing hope for human presence on the moon and Mars among young generations across the globe” say creators Jun Sato & Ruta Stankeviciute (Japan)

“We are thrilled to see rocks from Failaka Island — a place rich in history and culture — journeying into space as part of the Space 4 All gallery. This extraordinary project is a celebration of global creativity, unity, and the boundless potential of human imagination. As these stones travel beyond our planet and return, they carry with them a message of hope, connection, and a future where art knows no limits.” says Ghanim Alotaibi, Advance Space Civilization Initiative – ASCI, SRI board member from Kuwait.

“The inclusion of artists from ArtEO.earth (the data arts initiative from Imperative Space) onboard Space4All, marks a milestone where creative vision meets space technology and data, uniting art and discovery for everyone.” says Ravi Kapur, UK, Director of ArtEO & Managing Director, Imperative Space. https://www.arteo.earth/

MoonMars Museum Sends 4 Cultural-Scientific Payloads with Space Renaissance for All Gallery into Orbit on “Mission Possible” with The Exploration Company

The 4 MoonMars Museum Payloads Include:

MoonMars NanoFiche Layer – Developed using NanoFiche ultra-dense data storage technology, this 9mm disc contains a nanoscale archive of high-resolution imagery and texts from the Mare Crisium Collection. The same archive was sent to the Moon aboard the Firefly Blue Ghost Moonlander on March 2, 2025 as part of the Lifeship payload, marking a major milestone in digital cultural preservation on the lunar surface. This Earth-orbiting version enables parallel access and research, while a digital twin remains permanently accessible to the public inside the MoonMars Museum Metaverse.
sPhotonix Crystal Glass: 5D Digital Archive – In collaboration with sPhotonix, this unique artefact stores five-dimensiona laser-etched data within a 9mm glass disc. The content: digital documentation of the Chauvet Cave paintings — some of the earliest known human artworks — preserved for eternity in crystalline form. This payload inaugurates a new theme for the MoonMars Museum: documenting the deep past of human creativity as we look toward the future. It also serves as the artistic prelude to a planned future lunar mission themed around artforms throughout the ages.
Lunar Legacy MicroSculpture – Designed with Printoptix, this optical 3D micro-sculpture celebrates the MoonMars Museum’s distinction as the first museum to place artwork on the

Moon, via the Firefly Blue Ghost mission. At the center is a miniature version of “The Fallen Astronaut”, originally placed on the Moon in 1971 by artist Paul van Hoeydonck — making this a historic return and tribute.

Surrounding the central piece are six additional nanoprinted artworks:

“Pillman” by Micha Klein
A gold-toned MoonMars Museum “symbolic reliquary”
“The Nest” by Mary Kuiper “This Cocoon shaped Nest made of hair from different hors breeds for the SRI4All Gallery, is to remind future generations about the human urge to leave the nest and expand their horizon into the universe.” says Mary Kuiper, NL, ArtMoonMars and MoonGallery artist

Bruce Ha, Nanofiche founder, says: “Nanofiche was created to transcend time. With this mission, it continues to transcend space. Proven on previous lunar missions, NanoFiche technology permanently preserves art, memories and knowledge, engineered to endure extreme conditions in space. Tasked with protecting civilization’s memories, we strive forward with purpose, precision, and preservation beyond Earth.”

Ilya Kazansky, sPhotonix CEO & Founder, says: “This is the first space mission for Paleolithic Stone Age cave paintings as they orbit the earth in our durable 5D Memory Crystal. We can only imagine how our forebearers would look into the night sky and wonder. Now, through our world breaking nanotechnology, their paintings are not only preserved forever, they are preserved in outer space too.”

Nils Fahrbach, Printoptix CEO & Founder, says: “At Printoptix, we’ve invested years of focused innovation and determination to push the boundaries of what’s possible with micro-optics. Seeing our 3D‑printed micro-sculptures find a place in the MoonMars Museum and the SR4ALL gallery is a powerful tribute to our craft. These intricate structures, crafted with nanometer-scale precision, are not just 3D-printed optics and structures – they’re reflections of the curiosity and dedication of everyone who made them possible. Out in space, they hint at what’s next for art, technology, and exploration.”

Eva Petric, ArtMoonMars artist from Austria, Slovenia and New York, says: “The EARTHLING Tattoo SEAL is a 3D embodiment of my artwork Stem Cell Potential — a form translated into a lace-like structure that visualizes the deep interconnectedness within and between us. It serves as a symbolic blueprint of our emotional Earthling existence.” Come to our event

Space Everywhere: “Space in the City” Festival in Vienna next week June 24, Vienna’s Karlsplatz , From orbit to Vienna’s Karlsplatz: a journey through space, art, and connection.

“The story of Stem Cell Potential began in 2015, when I was invited to participate in a Moon simulation mission organized by ESA (European Space Agency). There, I experienced first-hand the profound sense of isolation that can occur in space — an emotion that inspired me to propose two artistic projects aimed at preserving human connection during long-duration space missions. One of these was the lace figure Stem Cell Potential, envisioned as a tattoo — a constant, intimate companion for astronauts. Like a contemporary Earthling emoji, this tattoo would serve as a quiet reminder of their identity as Earthlings, reinforcing their bond with Earth even while far from it. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the visionary Dr. Bernard Foing, and to all the fellow artists and scientists who continue to explore the unknown with courage and creativity.”

Additional info

Who is sending out the press release? Prof B Foing, to be reported by SR4All partners
When will it be sent out? 21 June 4 pm
Who will it go to? To distribution list, and media
What is the social media plan? Started since delivery of Gallery and events worldwide
How can everyone view the launch, the public etc.? launch webcast, 5 events in Munich, Paris, Bordeaux, Houston, Turin
What # and @ are being used for social media? Lunex, Space Renaissance, MoonMars
Who else is being invited to see the launch? Open invitations at 5 sites
What videos/images are being taken and recorded for use? in www.sr4allgallery.com
Can we provide our tags etc.? please send tags to Bernard Foing and Marieke
Which persons of influence will Bernard and The Exploration Company send this information to? Many, agencies, organisations, academia , your network
What is Bernard doing with the papers ? Who is it going to? IAC SR4AG abstract will be presented at Sydney on 30 sept-2 Oct , also as part of Keynote talk by B Foing

Follow the livestream of the launch, Sunday 23 June 2025, from 22:30 CEST, on the Space Renaissance YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/xp1AwpEniU0

May

2025

Space Renaissance Italia announces its third National Congress, “Cislunar economy and civil space development, the key role of Italy”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Catanzaro, 26 May 2025

After the 2014 congress at Politecnico, Milano and the 2018 congress at INAF, Bologna, Space Renaissance Italia announces its third National Congress, “Cislunar economy and civil space development, the key role of Italy”, which will take place under the High Patronage of the European Parliament on 13-14 June 2025 at the “Magna Græcia” University, Catanzaro.

In a world marked by economic and environmental crises and horrible wars, the civilian space development is a fundamental strategy to relaunch the evolution and really sustainable development of civilization. Reusable launchers, now a reality for a decade, have drastically reduced the costs of space missions, opening the market to new opportunities and new entrepreneurial initiatives.

Italy, historically a protagonist in space research, contributes with advanced technologies at 360°, from the ISS to the Lunar Gateway, up to the development of safe human space habitats.

This Congress will address key issues such as: sustainable terrestrial and space energy supply, orbital data centers, human rights in space, orbital debris, and the role of civilian space development as a tool for peace.

In its capacity as observer at COPUOS (Committee for the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, United Nations, Vienna) Space Renaissance proposes an 18^th Sustainable Development Goal: “Space for All, on Earth and Beyond”, to be integrated into the UN 2030 agenda. The ARTEMIS Consortium and the International Lunar Research Station are also proposed to plant a UN flag on the Moon, during the next lunar missions, next to the national flags.

Link:

Presentation Manifest of the Congress: https://spacerenaissance.it/sritac-3-3zo-congresso-nazionale-di-space-renaissance-italia-universita-magna-graecia-catanzaro-13-15-giugno-2025/
Registrazione: https://spacerenaissance.space/registrazione-3-congresso-sr-italia/

Contacts:

Miriam Viscomi – viscomi@spacerenaissance.it +39 334 2436256
Natale Viscomi – viscomi@spacerenaissance.it +39 345 5317221
Adriano V. Autino – autino@spacerenaissance.org +39 335 8244435

Feb

2025

Space Renaissance International at COPUOS SciTech SubCommittee, February 2025

Space Renaissance International (SRI) has participated, as an observer, in the 62^nd session of the COPUOS Scientific & Technical SubCommittee, in Vienna, from 3 to 14 February 2025

Our delegation was composed of Adriano V. Autino, Bernard Foing, Marie-Luise Heuser, and Werner Grandl.

Autino has given a technical presentation, on February 7^th: 3xE Energy Economy Environment. The presentation discusses the issue of the skyrocketing global energy demand, due to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, web communication, electronic money, and electrical mobility. Both fossil and renewable sources, together, are not sufficient to pair the demand. The proposal advanced by SRI – to relocate big data farms in space – was very well received, and some promising partnerships are now going to be initiated.

Prof. Foing has given a Technical Presentation as well, on February 11^th, providing a detailed panoramic of the SRI mission and activities, a comprehensive illustration of the rationales and expected outcomes of the Space 18^th SDG, to be added to the U.N. 2030 17 SDGs. The Space Renaissance Art Gallery – a collection of miniaturized artworks that will fly into orbit in June 2025 – was illustrated. Last, information was given about LUNEX Analog Training programs, which are going on in many countries.

Grandl presented, on February 12^th, his concept of an industrial plant to be built in L5 Lagrange Point of the Earth-Moon system. The case has been discussed in detail, illustrating the lunar and asteroid materials that may be processed in a Lagrange Space Factory. Orbital Debris might be reprocessed as well, to get new raw materials for industrial production.

SRI, also in the name of the Space 18^th SDG Coalition, marked a meaningful presence at this important meeting of the UNOOSA/COPUOS Scientific Technical Subcommittee.

The three presentations are visible on the UNOOSA TV website [1], and on the Space Renaissance YouTube channel too:

Adriano V. Autino – 3xE Energy Economy Environment [2]
Bernard Foing – Space Renaissance, Space 18th SDG, Space Renaissance 4 All Art Gallery, LUNEX [3]
Werner Grandl – Building a Lagrange Space Factory in L5 [4]

Released on Planet Earth – 13 February 2025

About Space Renaissance International:

Space Renaissance International (SRI) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the peaceful civilian development and further exploration of outer space for the benefit of all humanity. SRI advocates for space philosophy and sustainable space development as key factors in addressing global challenges and securing a prosperous future on Earth and Beyond. For more information about Space Renaissance International and its initiatives, please visit https://spacerenaissance.space.

[1] https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/stsc/2025/index.html

[2] https://youtu.be/7DDCFVrn6sA

[3] https://youtu.be/un0NxvZK8qo

[4] https://youtu.be/idNaBmz2zyU

Contacts:

International: Adriano V. Autino – adriano.autino(at)spacerenaissance.org
USA: Robert Katz – rsk(at)win.ngo

Pdf version.

Jan

2025

THE SPACE RENAISSANCE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY MOURNS IRVING TIFFANY

— Press release by Space Renaissance International – January 20^th 2025 —

The Space Renaissance International community is mourning our dear Member Irving Tiffany, who passed away on New Year’s Eve on 31 December 2024.

This is the note that his daughter Sharla has written to us:

“I know that being a part of SRI was very important to Dad and was nearly the only thing he insisted I try to schedule his many doctor’s visits around the past couple of years. Thank you very much for allowing him to be included in an organization that was so involved in the future of the human race. It very much aligned with everything he stood for and believed in.”

Irving was a supporter and a member of SRI from the very beginning, in 2008. From the 3^rd SRI World Congress, in 2021, he was also one of the Directors in our Board.

We will miss you very much, Irving. Have a safe trip, wherever you are now headed, among the stars!

A memorial webpage will be published soon. Whoever wants to send us a thought, please write to info(at)spacerenaissance.org

January 20^th 2025

Contacts:

International: Adriano V. Autino – adriano.autino(at)spacerenaissance.org
USA: Robert Katz – rsk(at)win.ngo

Pdf version.

Oct

2024

PRESS RLEASE: SPACE RENAISSANCE INTERNATIONAL (SRI) CONGRATULATES SPACEX AND ELON MUSK ON THE SUCCESS OF THE 5TH STARSHIP FLIGHT

SPACE RENAISSANCE INTERNATIONAL (SRI) CONGRATULATES SPACEX AND ELON MUSK ON THE SUCCESS OF THE 5TH STARSHIP FLIGHT

Space Renaissance International congratulates SpaceX and Elon Musk on the success of the 5th Starship flight. The catch and recovery of the booster has advanced reusability to a new level. Thanks to SpaceX the world now has an economical reusable launch system more powerful than the famed Saturn V to advance human settlement of the Solar System. 13 October 2024 was truly a historic day!

Released on Planet Earth – 15 October 2024

About Space Renaissance International:Space Renaissance International (SRI) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the peaceful civilian development and further exploration of outer space for the benefit of all humanity. SRI advocates for space philosophy and sustainable space development as key factors in addressing global challenges and securing a prosperous future on Earth and Beyond.

For more information about Space Renaissance International and its initiatives, please visit https://spacerenaissance.space.

About Space 18^thSDG:

The Space 18^th SDG initiative, led by Space Renaissance International and the National Space Society, is spearheading and accelerating global efforts to establish a new Sustainable Development Goal focused on sustainable civilian space development and leveraging space technologies to accelerate the achievement of the existing 17 SDGs. This proposed goal recognizes the critical role of space in overcoming global challenges and ensuring a sustainable future for humanity both on Earth and beyond.

Join the Alliance of the 103 Co-promoters: https://spacerenaissance.space/sign-the-18th-sdg/

Also download a pdf version of this release.

Sep

2024

PRESS RELEASE: Artificial Intelligence does not experience the Overview Effect! A final recommendation from the A Space 18th SDG for the Future Summit

Artificial Intelligence does not experience the Overview Effect!

A final recommendation from the A Space 18^th SDG for the Future Summit
—— For Immediate Release ——

The Overview Effect, the profound shift in human perception that occurs when one sees Earth from the outside, has the power to foster peace and global brotherhood. This underscores the urgent need for an increasing number of people, not just machines, to venture into space.

The concept encapsulated in the title above is the culmination of a two-day discussion held in New York under the auspices of the Summit of the Future. The Space Renaissance International and its 102 allied organizations, the Space 18th SDG Coalition, played a pivotal role in organizing these two events.

The first event^[1] took place at the United Nations Plaza 777, NYC, in the heart of the U.N. Headquarters Plaza, thanks to the generous hosting of Henk Rogers^[2]. Approximately 50 participants, both in person and virtually, engaged in a robust discussion on the necessity of amending the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The key proposal was the addition of an 18th SDG, with a specific focus on Civilian Space Development. This discussion was furthered during a Side Event^[3] at the Consulate General of Jamaica in NYC, organized and hosted by Dr. Claire Nelson^[4]. Robert Katz^[5] and Adriano V. Autino^[6] expertly co-chaired both events.

The passionate discussion—which included addresses by Frank White, Bob Zubrin, Paul Werbos, Rick Tumlinson, Gary Barnhard, and Sian Proctor^[7]—allowed us to update our political focus on the Space 18th SDG campaign. We want to forward the following final recommendations to the United Nations 79^th General Assembly.

As representatives of the Space 18^th SDG Coalition of over 100 Non-Governmental Organizations^[8], we declare and affirm that the question of what future we wish to see come to pass must be addressed both individually and in all our communities of interest. Regardless of our distinctions, as humans, we must find ways to engage in this question and articulate what we are willing and able to do to make it so at every level. The Space environment affords humanity a wealth of resources, including energy, materials, and the understanding necessary to build and maintain habitable worlds. We must become the best stewards of our mother planet and life as we know it in its myriad and manifold forms. We must lend our efforts to achieving a realized archology that implements our evolving understanding of the relationships between humans, the cosmic natural environment, and the built environment so that we not only survive but thrive as a species. We must not wait for the future; we must build it!

Our civilization recently passed 8 billion citizens and is facing the biggest global crisis of all time.

Energy demand is growing exponentially worldwide, driven by a growing standard of living and the fielding of new technologies, such as Electric Mobility, Global Communication, Artificial Intelligence, Electronic Money, and related supercomputers. Access to rare earths – increasingly needed to craft electronic components and batteries – is now added as a cause of conflicts on Earth to the more traditional access to oil and other resources. The “Green Transition” was based on the hypothesis that the energy demand would decrease. While the use of renewable sources is growing, the use of fossil fuels is growing too, and all the power sources together are still insufficient to meet the ramping energy demand! For that reason, the Green Transition strategy has proven itself utterly insufficient to the needs of humanity today.

Space can solve the energy problem and the new needs generated by the electronic society in an equitable manner, making it truly available for all: rare elements and many valuable resources can be found on the Moon and Asteroids. And, by progressively moving industrial development into outer space, the energy demand on Earth would be halved in perspective. Big servers can be located in orbit, on the Moon, and at Lagrange points, directly fed by solar power. We assert that the only way to achieve the 17 SDGs is to add an 18^th SDG, focused on civilian space development, as the true enabler of sustainable development.

Situational awareness in the cosmos. Several speakers underlined the philosophical concept that the Earth is in space, it has always been in space, and will always be in space, and that we are immersed in a cosmic, not simply a planetary, ecosystem. Philosophical, intellectual, and scientific awareness must be enhanced and duly disseminated to public opinion by proper outreach.

The Overview Effect, as explained by Frank White – one of the leaders of the Space 18^th SDG movement – had perhaps the highest number of references during the two days. The need to institutionalize this concept’s value and define it as an educational matter emerged from the discussion. By seeing planet Earth from outside, astronauts saw their perception of the world completely changed: no borders can be seen from outer space, our mother planet appears like a small fragile ball floating in the infinite universe, wars appear genuinely absurd, and spending 2.5 trillion dollars per year for weapons systems targeted to death is seen as a totally insane choice, in comparison to what can be done for life, with even a tiny part of that budget. Experiencing the Overview Effect should be declared to be a Human Right. It is worth noting that the overview effect is not just a creature of intellect, natural or artificial; it is a visceral understanding of our species’ context. However, it has the tremendous power to quickly change human mentality toward a more mature worldview, enabling ethical evolution, new civil brotherhood and sisterhood, and even a new space romanticism.

Being AI machines “intelligent” but not sentient, so far, they cannot experience the Overview Effect. We don’t know if and when AIs will become sentient. For sure, humanity cannot wait for that moment, which could eventually result in the achievement of a strong partnership between AIs and humans (noted Frank White), before start expanding into space. Humanity dramatically needs the benefit of the overview effect, to boost ethical evolution today. Therefore, we urgently need an increasing number of humans to start traveling and living in space.

Inclusivity and democratizing access to space. We must ensure that developing countries will not only benefit from space development, e.g., the incoming cis-lunar economy but that all peoples of planet Earth will have equal top opportunities and engage as they can at any level. We must help brilliant minds build space capacities wherever they are since no borders or ethnic/social differences are visible from orbit or beyond.

Space for peace and social and economic growth. Civilian Space Development will make resource wars obsolete, thanks to the great abundance of resources in the solar system. The space tradition, from Soyuz-Apollo to MIR to the ISS, brings forward a history of collaboration and friendship among space explorers of different countries, even when their nations are in conflict on Earth.

Civilian Space Development will trigger a new industrial renaissance, generating millions of new jobs and business opportunities on Earth and in outer space. This will include economic growth, technological innovation, social equity, and cultural/ethical evolution. Space 4 All means equal opportunity for all countries, whatever their social and economic conditions.

Space for Earth’s Environment. By expanding civilization into outer space, the Earth’s environment will be relieved, in perspective, from the burden of industrial development on its carrying capacity. A space circular economy ecosystem, technologies, and methodologies developed by space communities will be useful on Earth, supporting zero waste, oxygen, water cycle, 100% recycling, and advanced agriculture.

Space for Earth’s Youths. Kicking off civilian space development before 2030 will give younger generations a new perspective, giving them big projects worth their engagement, commitment, and brain power. Expansion of civilization off-world offers a grand new deal of inspiration and hope for the future, the awareness that a positive future still exists and might well be a “Golden Age.”

The Space 2030 Agenda. The U.N. Space 2030 Agenda should be amended, adding a fifth Overarching Objective, focused on civilian space development and creating space communities, as a shared goal that must be realized. We must identify and catalyze the confluence of interests between nation-states and their respective space agencies, commercial enterprises, and Non-Governmental Organizations, embodying them in outcome-driven projects. The Space 2030 Agenda shall become the strategic document to instruct the necessary milestones to be achieved during the 2025-2030 five-year period, instilled with the ethos that a combination of cooperation, collaboration, and competition best serves success. We must seek to architect, engineer, and implement anthropologically sound space infrastructure as a realized archology for settlement purposes and to become the best stewards of our planet Earth and life as we know it. Among the most relevant and urgent themes are the recovery and reuse of orbital debris, propellant production from extraterrestrial materials, simulated gravity, and the protection of human life in space.

Join the Space 18^th SDG Coalition!

Want to discuss this article? You can do it on the Space Renaissance Open Forum.

[1] See the day-long recorded video: https://youtu.be/rFyAqmb4yhs
[2] Henk Rogers – International Moonbase Alliance, one of the Space 18^th SDG Coalition partners – hosted the event
[3] Here’s the recorded video of the 75 minutes forum: https://youtu.be/vqDpn6v7S-A
[4] Dr. Claire Nelson, The Futures Forum, one of the Space 18th SDG Coalition partners
[5] Robert Katz, CEO and Founder of the World Innovation Network
[6] Adriano V. Autino, CEO and Founder of Space Renaissance International, founder and coordinator of the Space 18^th SDG Coalition.
[7] Sian Proctor is the first African-American woman commercial Astronaut. Proctor went to space as a commercial astronaut and pilot of the Crew Dragon orbital spaceflight mission Inspiration4, which launched on 15 September 2021.
[8] https://spacerenaissance.space/the-space18sdg-proposer-organizations/

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Sep

2024

PRESS RELEASE: Space 18th SDG Coalition Calls for Global Action at its United Nations Workshop

Space 18th SDG Coalition Calls for Global Action at its United Nations Workshop

Hybrid Workshop – 19 September 2024

—— For Immediate Release ——

The Space 18th SDG Coalition, a global alliance of 96 space-stakeholder organizations, announces its second annual workshop, addressing our urgent need for space development at United Nations Plaza on September 19, 2024. Diverse acclaimed speakers and chairs, leading interactive sessions, will focus on the crucial role of Civilian Space Development in securing a sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all.

The coalition is diligently preparing to inform the debates and outcomes of both the upcoming United Nations Summit of the Future (SOTF) and the United Nations 79^th Session of the General Assembly (UNGA79). Therefore, Adriano V. Autino, Coordinator of the Space 18^th SDG Coalition and Founder of Space Renaissance International (SRI), officially launched public registration and invited all the planet’s stakeholders to attend:

A Space 18^th SDG for the Future

September 19, 2024
9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
777 U.N. Plaza – New York, NY 10017

This represents the first of a two-part series proudly headlining the United Nations-declared World Space Week. Part 1, above, assimilates and synthesizes the recommendations from the Space 18th SDG Coalition and the global community. Then on October 10, 2024 at 9:00 AM, during a Space 18th SDG for the Future event, the final Space for the Future report will be released through a virtual/remote webinar.

SRI, in behalf of the Space 18^th SDG Coalition, celebrates its newly minted observer status from the recent 67^th Session of the United Nations Committee for the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). The 19 September event will be hybrid, with both in-person and virtual/remote access all day. It features two main sessions:

Session 1 – 9:00 AM US EDT – Space Symposium for the Future

Adriano V. Autino of SRI moderates prominent and accomplished keynote speakers:

Adriano V. Autino (SRI) – opening
Claire A. Nelson (The Futures Forum)
Robert Zubrin (The Mars Society)
Frank White (Human Space Program)
Paul Werbos (Lifeboat Foundation, NSS)
Gary Barnhard (Space Development Foundation, NSS)
Ben Gamble (AstroBen Podcast)
Ryan Laird (Green Orbit Digital)
Constance Erlanger (GoKnown)
Renato Frota (Space For Progress)
Marie-Luise Heuser (SRI)
Werner Grandl (SRI)
Jerry Stone (SRI)
Thomas Matula (SRI)
Ghanim Alotaibi (SRI)
Bernard Foing (SRI)

Session 2 – 2:30 PM US EDT – Space Workshop for the Future

Robert S. Katz of World Innovation Network (WIN) facilitates five consecutive, hyper-focused interactive tracks:

Track Chair

Space 2030 Agenda–Critical Review Gary Barnhard (Space Development Foundation)
Space for Peace Alma Okpalefe (World Space Week)
Space for Economic & Social Growth Victoria Ustimenko (Preto Business)
Space for Young Generations Ghanim Alotaibi (SRI)
Space for Earth’s Sustainability Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom (SpaceBase Limited)

The entire day is dedicated to dissecting and debating the critical issues faced by civilization, requiring concrete actions before 2030. The year 2025 is specifically a crucial year. The United Nations community will perform two major reassessments: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (17 SDGs issued in 2015) and the Space 2030 Agenda (issued in 2021).

This 2024 collaborative event will be laser-focused on delivering actionable recommendations via a detailed Space for the Future report to inform the Summit of the Future’s Pact of the Future. Adriano V. Autino similarly welcomes all stakeholders to that follow-up event, on the final day of World Space Week, when the Space for the Future report will be released: October 10, 2024 at 13:00 UTC.

The Space 18th SDG Coalition recently conducted a comprehensive review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and advanced a fundamental amendment to add an 18^th SDG. This new SDG will focus on Sustainable Civilian-led Space Development. SRI is concurrently preparing a similar time-sensitive review of the U.N. Space 2030 Agenda. While U.N. COPUOS will be holding a review of the Agenda next year, the Space 18^th SDG Coalition is working to widen this discussion and bring it to society at large.

All are invited to attend:

A Space 18^th SDG for the Future

September 19, 2024
9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
777 U.N. Plaza – New York, NY 10017

To attend in person: https://spacerenaissance.space/19-september-2024-registration/
To follow live stream: https://www.youtube.com/live/rFyAqmb4yhs

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Aug

2024

Space Renaissance International (SRI) has initiated a critical review of the U.N. Space 2030 Agenda

Planet Earth – August 7, 2024 – “2025 is a crucial year”, said Adriano V. Autino, CEO and co-founder. “In 2025 the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as the U.N. Space2030 Agenda[1] will be re-examined. This process will offer the Space Community an outstanding opportunity to enable a serious far-reaching discussion on global strategy for sustainable space settlement, identifying and investigating the key steps, following on from the development of reusable launch vehicles.”

SRI will participate in these discussions, helping to advance the Space18th SDG proposal and its underlying concepts, on their dedicated forums and social channels, and within the appropriate U.N. Committees, namely the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and the U.N. Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).We believe that the Space Community shall do its best to enable an extensive public awareness of these discussions, and the truly urgent need to help launch Civilian Space Development before 2030.

2030 remains a key date, for the SDG and the space development agenda, regardless of whatever proponents advocating for a programmatic rescheduling to 2035 – 2050 horizon (without any critical public reflection) might suggest.

SRI is therefore proposing that all space advocacy NGOs should undertake a critical public reflection and review of the Space 2030 Agenda.

In general terms, the current version of the agenda – issued in 2021 – appears to be a collection of worthwhile wishes, but it is missing the most important goal of space activities – space settlement and civilizational expansion into space – and it is therefore void of any plans for realization. Sustainability seems to be the main concern of the Agenda, yet outer space is only conceived of as a tool to support human sustainability on Earth’s surface.

There’s no mention of outer space as an arena of possible expansion and sustainable development for human civilization. Space exploration is the only concept mentioned for manned activities in outer space, and there’s no mention of space settlement and its value to mankind. These, then, are the biggest limitations of the U.N. Space 2030 Agenda.

SRI proposes several fundamental questions to begin working on a timely revision of the Space2030 Agenda:

Which critical concepts are currently missing in the Agenda?
Why does the Space2030 Agenda need a radical review?
Space2030 Agenda: who knows about it?
What key organizations have been engaged with the Space2030 Agenda, and to date what public initiatives have been undertaken?
How has the Space2030 Agenda enhanced public awareness regarding space as a key factor for human sustainability?
What are the public initiatives held so far?
What amendments (if any) should we propose?
What may be the main points for a policy of much greater public exposition?

SRI will undertake major public initiatives in 2025, focused on the Space 2030 Agenda, to help expand public awareness regarding space development as a key factor that can make human development fully sustainable.

[1].https://www.unoosa.org/res/oosadoc/data/resolutions/2021/general_assembly_76th_session/ares763_html/A_RES_76_3_E.pdf

About Space Renaissance International:

Space Renaissance International (SRI) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the peaceful civilian development and further exploration of outer space for the benefit of all humanity. SRI advocates for space philosophy and sustainable space development as key factors in addressing global challenges and securing a prosperous future on Earth and Beyond. SRI recently achieved Observer Status at U.N. COPUOS, championing Civilian Space Development for Humanity. For more information about Space Renaissance International and its initiatives, please visit https://spacerenaissance.space.

Join the SRI crew: https://spacerenaissance.space/membership/international-membership-registration/

About the Space 18^thSDG:

The Space 18^th SDG Alliance: https://spacerenaissance.space/the-space18sdg-proposer-organizations/

Join the Alliance: https://spacerenaissance.space/sign-the-18th-sdg/

About U.N. COPUOS:

The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) was established by the General Assembly in 1959 to govern the exploration and use of space for the benefit of all humanity. It serves as the primary international forum for the development of laws and principles governing outer space activities, and for fostering international cooperation in space science and technology applications.

https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/index.html

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Jul

2024

PRESS RELEASE: Space Renaissance International Achieves Observer Status at U.N. COPUOS

Space Renaissance International Achieves Observer Status at U.N. COPUOS
Championing Space Development for Humanity

VIENNA, Austria – July 2, 2024 – Space Renaissance International (SRI) is proud to announce it has been granted provisional observer status for three years at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). This milestone decision was achieved during the 67^th COPUOS General Assembly held from June 19-28, 2024, in Vienna, Austria.SRI joins four other newly approved non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in receiving this esteemed status: the African Astronomical Society (AAS), the Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA), the Outer Space Institute (OSI), and Space Data Association (SDA). After the three-year provisional period, SRI will be eligible to become a Permanent Observer.

“SRI unwaveringly supports the values and member states of UN COPUOS, along with fellow prestigious observer organizations such as the IAF, COSPAR, IAA, ESA, and EU“, said Professor Bernard Foing, President of SRI. ”Our SRI geographically diverse community, with renowned expertise in space techniques and humanities, approved a 5-year action plan in 2021, giving birth to the Space 18^th SDG Space4All movement, to serve citizen development on Earth and Beyond.”

“I personally feel emotionally proud for SRI, as I co-organized the July 1999 Space Generation Congress at UniSpace III in Vienna, which led to SGAC Space Generation Advisory Council to UN, and many great results and follow-up progress. And I participated in multiple events with U.N. since 1995,” adds Professor Foing.

“This recognition by COPUOS marks a significant step in our mission to promote space development and its benefits for all of humanity,” said Adriano V. Autino, CEO and Founder of SRI. “We are honored to bring the perspective of space philosophy to this crucial international forum.”

“Of course, people know the benefits of satellite technologies on Earth’s surface, such as for example, GPS, climate monitoring, water management, and disaster recovery. What many people do not know, or yet fully comprehend, is the urgency to initiate civilian space development and civilization expansion into outer space,” Autino explained. “Our mission remains to advocate for this urgent expansionist view within the U.N. and in the broader public. We will continue to promote the global benefits of space.”

The 67^th COPUOS General Assembly focused heavily on space sustainability and the role of space in achieving sustainable development goals. A key advance was the formation of the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation (ATLAC) by the Romanian delegation, with support from South Korea. This signaled growing international interest in collaborative lunar resource exploration and exploitation.

The assembly highlighted the potential of the incoming cislunar economy as a constructive and collaborative alternative to current geopolitical challenges. Discussions addressed major space initiatives like the Artemis Accords and the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), indicating them as possible best practices.

SRI’s observer status at COPUOS will allow the organization and the Space 18^th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Coalition members to contribute to critical space-related issues. This includes SRI’s significant progress in the ratification of an 18th SDG focused on space sustainability and the power of space to accelerate and ensure the success of all the other 17 SDGs. This initiative has garnered significant support from several delegates, in informal talks.

Ms. Aarti Holla-Maini, Director General of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), expressed her appreciation for SRI’s commitment to bringing space philosophy into COPUOS discussions.

SRI extends its gratitude to its delegation at the 67^th COPUOS General Assembly: Werner Grandl, Marie-Luise Heuser, Bernard Foing, and Adriano Autino.

Special gratitude goes to Robert Katz, Mikhail Baskov, Frank White, Gary Barnhard, Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom, and the entire Space 18th SDG Coalition for their invaluable previous and continued support. Most notably, they recently convened a well-received Pre-COPUOS Summit to assemble, assess, and aggregate recommendations for COPUOS General Assembly topics from the Coalition’s 82 international member organizations. An analogous follow-on Pre-General Assembly Summit will be held in person at U.N. Plaza in New York City, and virtually, on September 13, 2024, to coincide with and support the 79^th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79).

“This achievement is a testament to the collective effort of our global community,” Autino added. “We look forward to collaborating with UN COPUOS member states, space agencies, and other observer NGOs like the National Space Society, IAF, COSPAR, Moon Village Association, and Secure World Foundation in advancing space activities for the benefit of all humanity, including future space-based communities.”

Looking ahead, SRI plans to identify countries supportive of the Space 18th SDG proposal, continue to support COPUOS and its vital mission and increase public awareness of UNOOSA and COPUOS activities.

For more information about Space Renaissance International and its initiatives, please visit https://spacerenaissance.space.

About Space Renaissance International:

About Space 18^thSDG:

About U.N. COPUOS:

Join the Alliance of the 82 Co-promoters: https://spacerenaissance.space/sign-the-18th-sdg/

Join the Space Renaissance: https://spacerenaissance.space/membership/international-membership-registration/

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Jun

2024

PRESS RELEASE: Space 18th SDG: Collaborating with U.N. COPUOS, Making Space Truly for All

Space 18^th SDG: Collaborating with U.N. COPUOS, Making Space Truly for All

Virtual Round Table – 12 June 2024

—— For immediate release ——

On 12 June 2024, a Virtual Round Table will be held by the Space 18^th SDG Coalition, on the theme of “Collaborating with U.N. COPUOS, Making Space Truly for All”.Organized by Space Renaissance International (SRI) and the National Space Society (NSS), the Space 18th SDG Coalition celebrates nearly 100 organizations from all corners of Planet Earth.

The United Nations established the U.N. Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), and the Committee for the Peaceful Use of Outer Space (COPUOS) in 1959 to govern space exploration and space use for all humanity, with peace, security, and development. Including 102 member states, COPUOS represents the main international connecter among both space-faring and aspiring spacefaring countries.

COPUOS holds its 67^th session General Assembly from 19 to 28 June 2024. The Space 18^th SDG Coalition’s Virtual Round Table, held a week prior, will urge the international space community to establish more public and proactive positions on key priorities. In anticipation of the emerging cis-lunar economy and civilian-led peaceful space development, this collaboration seeks full and harmonious inclusivity for all stakeholders from all Countries.

The highly interactive workshop-style event, moderated by Robert S. Katz^[[1]] (WIN), kicks off with a featured opening keynote by the Space 18th SDG Coalition’s visionary founder Adriano V. Autino^[[2]] (SRI). Following his call-to-action address, five eminent duos of highly esteemed space thought leaders chair five focused one-hour panels:

Panel #01 (15:00 UTC) – Use of Space Resources