Only about eight inches tall and nine ounces, the MoonArk is a tiny object that will take up residence on the lunar surface in 2021. But it contains an incredible amount of information about humanity inside.
Only about eight inches tall and nine ounces, the MoonArk is a tiny object that will take up residence on the lunar surface in 2021. But it contains an incredible amount of information about humanity inside.
Dylan Vitone/Carnegie Mellon University
Nano-structures can be found inside each chamber. The chambers represent the Earth, the Metasphere (where our communications satellites exist), the Moon and the Ether (which explores more existential and abstract conceptions of the universe).
Nano-structures can be found inside each chamber. The chambers represent the Earth, the Metasphere (where our communications satellites exist), the Moon and the Ether (which explores more existential and abstract conceptions of the universe).
Dylan Vitone/Carnegie Mellon University
Inside the Ether chamber, there are platinum-engraved sapphire disks, metal murals and nano-structures. At its heart is a gold cube containing Carbon 60 Fullerenes, or hexagonal and pentagonal nano-structures forming molecules.
Inside the Ether chamber, there are platinum-engraved sapphire disks, metal murals and nano-structures. At its heart is a gold cube containing Carbon 60 Fullerenes, or hexagonal and pentagonal nano-structures forming molecules.
Dylan Vitone/Carnegie Mellon University
Earth's biodiversity is showcased on this wafer-thin engraved disk.
Earth's biodiversity is showcased on this wafer-thin engraved disk.
Mark Baskinger et al
The metal murals in each chamber, like these showcasing the spread of humanity across Earth, are designed to degrade over time on the lunar surface and reveal different details. The nano-structure seen here contains plankton from Earth's oceans.
The metal murals in each chamber, like these showcasing the spread of humanity across Earth, are designed to degrade over time on the lunar surface and reveal different details. The nano-structure seen here contains plankton from Earth's oceans.
Dylan Vitone/Carnegie Mellon University
This is a closer look at the metal murals encased in the MoonArk.
This is a closer look at the metal murals encased in the MoonArk.
Mark Baskinger et al
These are intricately engraved disks from the Earth chamber.
These are intricately engraved disks from the Earth chamber.
Dylan Vitone/Carnegie Mellon University
MoonArk has a twin that will remain on Earth, appearing in installations at various museums. This was taken at the 2019 Centre Pompidou installation in Paris.
MoonArk has a twin that will remain on Earth, appearing in installations at various museums. This was taken at the 2019 Centre Pompidou installation in Paris.
Dylan Vitone/Carnegie Mellon University
This illustration shows the Andy rover and Peregrine lander behind it, which will deliver MoonArk to the lunar surface. The hope is that future explorers find it hundreds or thousands of years from now.
This illustration shows the Andy rover and Peregrine lander behind it, which will deliver MoonArk to the lunar surface. The hope is that future explorers find it hundreds or thousands of years from now.
Courtesy Carnegie Mellon University and Astrobotic