A Tiny Time Capsule Heading to the Moon
The MoonArk is a one-of-a-kind sculpture that launched on January 8th, 2024, with the intention of reaching and remaining on the surface of the moon.
The project is led by a team at Carnegie Mellon University.
The time capsule, which is 2 inches wide and 8 inches tall, contains a dense collection of images, texts, music, and artifacts representing humanity and Earth. Over 250 contributors from 18 different organizations contributed materials to the time capsule.
Why Send This to the Moon?
The time capsule provides significant earned media for Carnegie Melon University – which enhances its reputation and consequently its ability to attract students and money to the university.
Earned media refers to any publicity, coverage, or promotion that an organization receives through organic, unpaid means rather than paid advertising or owned channels.
Status
The completed MoonArk sculpture did not make it to the lunar surface. Unfortunately a mission-ending anomaly occurred which prevented the lunar lander, which was carrying the time capsule, from reaching the surface of the moon.
An identical twin MoonArk was placed into the Smithsonian’s permanent collection to stay protected on Earth.
