Introduction

For well over 50 years now, Human beings have had the ability to send objects and people into Outer Space. In order to do this, Humans must first spend a considerable amount of time and resources to facilitate this ability. Every ounce of material or technology being sent into space must be carefully considered to ensure a space mission will go according to plan. This means that all unnecessary components are often removed from a mission: only the essentials for success are necessary. However, for almost as long as Humans have been sending objects into space, they have also been sending art, expressions, culture, and memories. Time and time again, the individuals responsible for putting together missions venturing into outer-space take the time and effort to place relics, artifacts, and messages onboard our meticulously constructed spacecraft. Space Exploration may seem like a task with little room for Human intimacy and expression, due to its complex nature. However, this is far from the case, as shown by our persistent decisions to put our culture and heritage out into the reaches of space. We send things into space, to explore and chart the unknown, because we have an inherent desire to discover, learn, and ask questions about the universe we live in. In the same way, we Humans also have a desire to commemorate, memorialize, and preserve our identity, cultures, and story.

The purpose of this exhibit is to act as a collection of meaningful messages, objects, and works of art that we humans have sent into space over the years. Click on any of the planets below to learn more about what works of art have travelled there, or in the case of Earth, into orbit around the object.

Click on an Astronomical Body to Learn More: