The idea of a book being sent to the moon is a captivating concept, and Jennifer Shelby's short story collection, Borrowed Wings and other stories, is about to become a reality. This New Brunswick author's work will be archived on the moon as part of the Lunar Codex, a project that aims to preserve cultural works from around the world. The Lunar Codex is a fascinating initiative that combines art and physics, using metal-based technology to preserve and display these works in a way that can last for billions of years. The project's founder, Samuel Peralta, is a Canadian physicist and author who invented Nano Fiche technology and has a unique vision for the future of art and space exploration.
What makes this project even more intriguing is the idea of preserving cultural heritage in a place as remote and inhospitable as the moon. The Lunar Codex aims to represent 264 countries and territories, including 156 Indigenous nations, and provide a platform for artists from all over the world. The cost of sending a kilogram of weight to the moon is $1 million, which is why Peralta uses nickel to miniaturize the artwork, ensuring it can last for billions of years. The Lunar Codex has already launched five missions and has ten more on the books, with Shelby's work set to be included in the next payload, scheduled for this winter.
Shelby's writing, which she describes as fairytales for people living in the contemporary world, has been published in several magazines and anthologies. Her stories explore magical elements that feel very natural to her, as they are an extension of her creativity and imagination. The idea of her work being sent to the moon is a surreal and exciting prospect, and she has already started brainstorming ideas for a story inspired by the experience. The Lunar Codex project is a testament to the power of human creativity and innovation, and it will be fascinating to see how it evolves and impacts the future of art and space exploration.
