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Symbiotic Sphere By Space Synapse
The "symbiotic sphere" from Synapse Strategies is a frankly unusual addition to the European Space Agency strategy. The project will have two halves: an information-gathering, jewel-encrusted spherical portal on the International Space Station and a 'cosmic egg' audio-visual cabin to allow people on Earth to share the experience of space travel.
Although universities and international organizations like UNESCO have entered into partnerships with Space Synapse to make use of the data, the "symbiotic sphere" is really an artistic vision. British artist and sculptress Anna Hill wants to "make the emotional experience of astronauts available to the greatest number of people possible." Astronauts on board the ISS "will be able to focus the cameras on the interior or the exterior of their passenger booth, to communicate by speech, writing or by gestures with the sphere," according to Hill.
Space Synapse offers a more democratic experience than the multimillion dollar voyages proposed by space flight entreprenuers like Richard Branson. People on earth will be ensconced in a "cosmic egg" - an enclosed space designed by Oculas (see a typical Oculas design below.) and surrounded by their space experience.
(Oculas Design)
In terms of artistic purpose and vision, I'd compare the Space Synapse project (with its data-gathering sphere in space and an enclosed personal chamber on earth) to the taper and the star machine from Clifford Simak's classic 1961 novel Time is the Simplest Thing.
Read more about Irish project aims to bring art to space, and space to earth; thanks to Justin Kennedy for suggesting this story.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 8/30/2005)
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