space renaissance

2019

Format 1: 202 x 132 cm / 79.5 x 52 in, edition of 6 + 2 AP
Format 2: 102 x 67 cm / 40.2 x 26.3 in, edition of 6 + 2 AP
Hybrid photography, archival pigment print, aludibond, diasec, custom-made aluminium frame

Our current approach to space exploration is now transitioning towards an innovative concept of space industrialization that involves the construction and maintenance of infrastructures directly in space. Triggered by the emergence of reusable rockets, new materials and processes, the rapid development of the New Space sector marks the advent of an unprecedented industrial and cultural revolution. A leading role in this transition is played by Elon Musk´s company SpaceX, which aims to reduce space transportation costs sufficiently to enable space industrialization and the future colonization of Mars. The latest flagship of his rocket fleet is the Falcon Heavy launcher. This rocket consists of a Falcon 9 rocket as core component, with two additional first-stages acting as liquid fuel strap-on boosters. The Falcon Heavy also includes first-stage recovery systems that allow return of the first-stage boosters to the launch site as well as recovery of the first-stage core following its landing on an autonomous drone ship barge. SpaceX´s concept of reusability has revolutionized space travel in the past few years. The successful first commercial launch on April 12, 2019 marks a new era in space exploration and brings Elon Musk closer to his dream of taking humanity into the solar system. Now that NASA's Artemis program of returning humans to the moon has been announced, Falcon Heavy is expected to support commercial missions for the Artemis programme, which intends to put astronauts on the moon again by the year 2024.

The artwork "space renaissance” pictures the Falcon Heavy rocket standing on the historic LC-39A launchpad at Cape Canaveral spaceport. All the Apollo missions of the moon landing program were launched from this pad including the legendary flight of Apollo 11, and many of the Space Shuttle missions also took off from here. The photo was shot directly on the launchpad very close to the rocket on the day of its inaugural commercial flight on April 12, 2019. The technical innovations implemented in this launcher, and especially its concept of reusability, hold the key to future space exploration. The mission was successful, and the core and the 2 boosters returned safely to Earth after delivering a satellite into orbit. The visual composition emphasizes the sleek design and gigantic size of the Falcon Heavy rocket and the new launch tower that will be the point of departure for future crewed missions. In homage to the historic site a lunar landscape has been placed in the foreground, a photograph taken by an Apollo astronaut on the lunar surface. The graphic black and white aesthetic, the lower perspective, and the duality between tower and rocket underline the sculptural physicality of the rocket.

Imprint

Personally liable:
Michael Najjar

Design concept & coding: Matthias Hübner, possible.is
with support by Marco Land

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