Applications for Humanity-1 closed on February 15, 2022.
The world's first sponsored Citizen Astronaut Program
Applications for Humanity-1 closed February 15th, 2022
Since the beginning, astronaut missions have focused on science and exploration.
But one of their most profound discoveries is the cognitive shift they experience from looking back at Earth from space.
This is the Overview Effect, and it’s now open to everyone.
The perspective astronauts gained along the way has shaped society in extraordinary ways. Why not focus on how that perspective could help humanity improve our relationship with each other and our home planet?
Space for Humanity is sponsoring a group of exceptional leaders to join the world’s first Citizen Astronaut Program. Applicants will be selected by a diverse committee to enter into our Leadership Training & Cohort program. Upon return, they will learn how to implement the Overview Perspective here on Earth.
We go to space so we can look back at Earth and truly know it.
This is your chance to go To Space, for Earth.
Applications for Humanity-1 closed on February 15, 2022.
Humanity-1 applications closed on February 15th, 2022. We will announce the flight provider and winning crew members in the spring, after the closing of the selection process.
For those that have already applied, our team will review your application when it is submitted. You can expect to hear from us after we publicly announce our first flight. Whether or not you are selected, you will hear from us. And of course, we welcome anyone who wants to re-apply in future years to go for it!
Many NASA astronauts apply 5, 10, or more times before they are selected.
The Citizen Astronaut Program includes:
Spaceflight Program
Applicants will receive physical, mental, and cognitive shift training in order to optimize their Overview Effect experience.
Overview Leadership Training
A group of exceptional leaders will fly to space to experience the Overview Effect. Upon return, they will learn to lead from that perspective here on Earth.
Overview Cohort Network
We are cultivating a global community of Overview Leaders that will work together to influence leadership perspectives and practices around the world.
Applicants will receive full sponsorship for the training, spaceflight ticket, travel, accommodations, and any other directly associated costs of the full CAP.
The Journey of a Citizen Astronaut
Space for Humanity’s goal is to leverage the transformational power of the Overview Effect to enact positive change here on Earth.
“Physical and psychological training
Physical and psychological training for the spaceflight itself, as well as a leadership training program where each person develops their own social impact program.
This is an interactive preparation that includes remote and in-person training, panels, and dialogues. It explores topics such as impact intentions, cultural exchange, local-to-global shifts, sustainability, and collaborative futures.
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“Experience the Overview Effect
This is your chance to look back at Earth and gain a new perspective from your Overview Effect experience.
The Vehicle: Space for Humanity is vehicle agnostic. We plan to work with each of the flight providers as soon as technology allows. That means balloon companies like Space Perspective and Worldview, and rocket and spaceship companies such as Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin and other emerging flight providers.
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“Post-flight integration
Work with your cohort to integrate the elements of your experiences.
When you experience a profound cognitive shift, it is imperative that you work to integrate your experience into your perspective and behavior. This is absolutely vital to the success of the mission.
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“Overview Leadership Training
Learn how to leverage your Overview Perspective to enhance your leadership on Earth.
The crew will build programs, projects, and initiatives to share their Overview Perspective. It’s not just about sending people to space; it’s about empowering them to use their experience for the benefit of Earth.
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“Leadership Agreement
Each Citizen Astronaut will produce a report articulating how they intend to implement their Overview Perspective in their leadership position.
Each assignment will contain a list of initiatives and objectives. Cohorts will provide support and accountability for each other as they lead in all of their respective ways.
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“Cohort Community
Graduate with your crew and enter into the Overview Leadership Cohort network for ongoing support and community.
Our greatest leaders surround themselves with other great leaders that inspire them, hold them accountable, and cultivate community with them. This is how we imagine new possibilities and cultivate real change.
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“Five minutes of weightlessness and a beautiful view of the Earth can be transformational, but it’s not enough if we’re trying to create real impact on Earth. What leads up to and what follows the spaceflight will be what makes the real difference in how Space for Humanity’s participants change the world.”
– Nicole Stott, retired astronaut and S4H advisor
Applications for Humanity-1 closed February 15th, 2022
Application & Selection Process
We are looking for change-makers from all walks of life: those who can share an Overview-informed worldview far and wide, creating a ripple effect. We’re after a global paradigm shift, and seeking partners who will make it happen.
Applications for Humanity-1 have already closed.
How does the application process work?
We begin with an application process followed by a thorough vetting and interview process carried out by a diverse committee. The application process looks for individuals who exhibit a strong and clear commitment to the mission of Space for Humanity, demonstrated leadership skills, and have unique and altruistic personal stories, passions, and platforms.
The Citizen Astronaut Program selection process is orchestrated by the Space for Humanity team, advisors, researchers, and our Overview Leadership Training partners. It is imperative that a global team from diverse backgrounds evaluate the applications to ensure inclusivity.
The application requirements
18+ years old.
Proficient in English.
Passion for humanity and a desire to positively impact the world.
Currently serving in a community leadership role.
Clear understanding and commitment to Space for Humanity mission
Demonstrated leadership and effective communication skills
Effective and compelling communicator
Self motivated problem solver
Authentic, open and empathetic
Questions & Answers
Why do I have to speak English to apply?
English is the official language of aviation, so for now, all Space for Humanity applicants must speak English so that they can communicate with the flight and ground crew.
How can I increase my chances of being selected?
Your application should inspire and show us your passion! Be original, creative, and honest as to why you should be selected for this incredible opportunity. Take the application seriously, and let your personality shine!
Before you apply, think about how the mission might change you, and how you intend to bring these insights and experiences back to your community. Tell us your story: how will you create a lasting positive impact on society if we select you to go to space?
Who are you flying with? When?
As an organization we are vehicle agnostic. With the speed at which advances in commercial space and human spaceflight are moving we will continue to expand our launch providers in lockstep to support our goal of truly democratizing space.
At this point, we intend to fly with Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and Space Perspective. We do not currently have any set flight dates but hope to be able to share a schedule later this year.
You’re not sending people to space yet. What are you doing in the meantime?
Until we are at the point where sending citizen astronauts to space is a reality, we are focused on continuing our work to expand access to space, train leaders of tomorrow and contribute to a culture of interconnectedness through a variety of programs.
Where do your funds come from?
As a not-for-profit organization, our funds come from generous donors, corporate sponsors, and grants.
Every level of donation is used to help us fund our Citizen Astronaut Program and support our community of dedicated teammates, volunteers, and interns that show up every day to help ensure an inclusive future in space for all of humanity.
The Overview Perspective
“The world we have created is a product of our thinking; it cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”
— Albert Einstein
Our individual perspective forms the foundation for how we interact with the world.
The most pervasive and chronic societal challenges, from climate change to social justice, are reflections of the perspectives that perpetuate them.
We have much more in common than any differences we may perceive. Our ability to thrive depends on our willingness to unify and preserve our home planet.
To solve our most intractable problems, we must change the way we see the world.
We’re leveraging the power of the Overview Perspective to build a foundation for an inclusive future in space; one that prioritizes the vitality of life on Earth.