The Overview 03/31
“Most kids probably dream of becoming an astronaut. I was just the one that never grew out of it.”
MARCH – A Month of Exploration, Inspiration, and Extraordinary Firsts
March reminded us that the future of space belongs to everyone — from convention halls filled with curious minds, and the hallowed halls of the Smithsonian, to red carpets celebrating the stories of unexpected heroes. Over just a few remarkable days, Space for Humanity connected with thousands of excited members of the public, gathered with astronauts and global leaders, partnered with major storytellers bringing space into popular culture, and helped spotlight how ordinary people can play extraordinary roles in humanity’s journey beyond Earth.
From March 13 to 15, Space for Humanity hosted a booth at Awesome Con, the annual pop culture extravaganza that’s grown into one of the East Coast’s largest fan conventions, attracting more than 60,000 attendees celebrating geek culture — including science, technology, and, of course, space. For three days, staff members and an incredible team of volunteers engaged con-goers with stories about how ordinary people just like them have the opportunity to travel to space and begin making an impact upon their return. Newly elected Board Member Sirisha Bandla — dressed like “Star Trek’s” Beckett Mariner — participated in a panel on how sci-fi films and stories have influenced career paths and the tech we see in the space industry today. It was the first of what will almost certainly be many future convention appearances where members of the public can discover Space for Humanity’s extraordinary mission and the inspiring individuals already changing the world.
Simultaneously, Board Co-Vice Chairman Amaresh Kollipara, Board of Advisors member Ari Eisenstat, and Citizen Astronaut #2 Sara Sabry represented Space for Humanity at SXSW in Austin, Texas. There, they participated in “Space House,” a two-day inaugural gathering that brought together astronauts, policymakers, financiers, technologists, futurists, and industry leaders to spotlight the people building the new space economy, and to explore how space is already transforming life here on Earth. The message was clear: space is no longer a distant, future dream, but rather an active, accelerating movement reshaping our world right now.
You’d think those two events would have been the highlights of the month, but things were only just getting started!
Chances are you’ve already seen “Project Hail Mary,” and if not, what are you waiting for? (Trust us — see it on the largest IMAX screen you can find!) Based on the bestselling novel by Andy Weir (“The Martian”), the extraordinary film tells the story of middle school teacher Ryland Grace, an ordinary person called upon to undertake an extraordinary journey to space in service of all humanity. It’s a story that strongly resonates with Space for Humanity’s belief that expanding access to space can help inspire a more peaceful, optimistic, and interconnected future.
So when Amazon MGM Studios approached us last year about collaborating on an event surrounding the film’s release, our answer was an enthusiastic “Yes!”
The result was a special, advance screening on March 18, co-hosted with Amazon Public Policy at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Guests included sitting U.S. senators and representatives, NASA leadership, and movers and shakers from across the science and aerospace communities.
Before the screening, which was introduced by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, Citizen Astronaut Ambassador Amanda Nguyen sat down with Andy Weir for a pre-recorded Q&A exploring the science, storytelling, and deeply human themes at the heart of the film. The evening celebrated humanity’s enduring spirit of exploration, the importance of unexpected heroes, and the power of compassion, perseverance, overcoming self-doubt, and problem-solving.
That same night, 229 miles away, Space for Humanity Founder and Board Chairman Dylan Taylor, Board Co-Vice Chairman Amaresh Kollipara, Board Member Yemi Dele Akinyemi, Executive Director Antonio Peronace, and astronauts Sara Sabry, Amanda Nguyen, and Ed Dwight attended the film’s U.S. premiere at Lincoln Center in New York City. Dylan, Amanda, Ed, and special guests Dr. Sian “Leo” Proctor and Leland Melvin were invited to walk the red carpet alongside the film’s stars, and were singled out in the theater by directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller before the screening began — a powerful acknowledgment of the real-world explorers helping expand humanity’s presence in space.
Just days earlier, Space for Humanity also co-hosted “The Afronaut LAUNCH & Learn” with Amazon MGM Studios, an afternoon celebrating innovation and representation. Retired NASA astronaut Leland Melvin, the only person to make the leap from the NFL to the International Space Station, joined our own Ed Dwight, who overcame extraordinary adversity as the first Black NASA astronaut candidate and ultimately became the oldest person ever to travel to space at age 90. Together, the men shared reflections on exploration, perseverance in the face of discrimination, and the importance of expanding opportunities in STEM for underrepresented communities.
If all that sounds like an unforgettable week, you can actually bring a piece of it home for yourself! Space for Humanity is currently auctioning a “Project Hail Mary” LEGO set signed by star Ryan Gosling, author Andy Weir, and a distinguished group of real-life astronauts — Leland Melvin, Ed Dwight, Sian Proctor, Sara Sabry, Amanda Nguyen, and Dylan Taylor. The package also includes an Earth hacky sack featured in the film, a copy of the novel, and personalized thank-you notes from the astronauts.
After these extraordinary events, the Space for Humanity team barely had time to catch its breath before heading down to Florida for the launch of Artemis II, the first crewed mission in NASA’s Artemis Program.
But that is a story for next month’s newsletter!
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See you next month with more news, more launches, and a lot more "space" for YOU to connect with our Citizen Astronauts!
The S4H Team
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