News

‘An impossible dream coming true’: Irish woman will be in first civilian crew to orbit the moon | Science & Tech News



An Irish photographer has realized his “impossible dream” by beating more than a million competitors for a spot on the first civilian flight to the moon.

Rhiannon Adam, 37, was born in Cork and lives in London, along with seven other artists and creators chosen by Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa.

Mr. Maezawa and crew will make the seven-day trip, which will see them orbit the moon before returning to Earth.

The ride, called DearMoon, is scheduled to take place next year aboard Starship, a rocket developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Ms Adam said: ‘I pinch myself every day.

“It seems like a dream that can’t come true.

“I aspire to create work that fits this transformative experience.

“In the midst of a pandemic, of course, we are all grounded, which makes me extremely frustrated because I feel that I have lost my purpose.

“But then, while aimlessly surfing Twitter, I came across DearMoon and it seemed like the most epic and life-changing adventure.

“When I found out I was chosen, I cried, and I’m not usually the type to cry.

“I thought it was overwhelming and seemed impossible, and even then it didn’t even seem real. It made me think maybe I should play the lottery more.”

Ms Adam, who will be the first openly gay woman in space, added: “I spend most of my life working with many remote communities and I feel it’s a natural thing to do. do, sign up to go into space and explore the most remote community ever, which will be us in space.”

Also in the group is UK-born photographer Karim Iliya, who grew up in the Middle East and Asia, and has published work in National Geographic and BBC Earth.

Mrs. Adam and Mr. Iliya will feature Grammy-nominated music producer Steve Aoki, South Korean rapper TOP, Indian TV actor Dev Joshi and documentary filmmaker on the natural life of United States Brendan Hall.

Forming the troupe will be Czech choreographer and dancer Yemi AD, YouTuber Tim Dodd, who also booked them after interviews and medical checks.

Mr. Maezawa, a businessman and art collector, wants to “open up space travel opportunities for more and more diverse talents”.

He made an appeal for crew members on DearMoon’s website in March 2021 and has received over a million applications.

After narrowing down the selection, Mr. Maezawa, also known as MZ, said: “I talked deeply with each candidate, asking them about their childhood, why they dreamed of going to space, What challenges do they want to take on?

“There is no specific mission for each person but I hope each person will realize the responsibility of leaving Earth, traveling to the moon and back in seven days.

“They will gain a lot from this experience and I hope they will use that to contribute to the planet, to humanity.”

If any of the crew members drop out before debut, there will be two backups ready to take their place: Kaitlyn Farrington, who won a gold medal in the half-pipe at the Olympics. 2014 Sochi Olympics for the United States; and Japanese dancer and choreographer Miyu.

news7f

News7F: Update the world's latest breaking news online of the day, breaking news, politics, society today, international mainstream news .Updated news 24/7: Entertainment, Sports...at the World everyday world. Hot news, images, video clips that are updated quickly and reliably

Related Articles

Back to top button