At SXSW Interactive, there are numerous talks, panels, and display booths which expose human innovation through technology. What drives some of us to participate is a curiosity for the newest new; but for some, SXSW interactive provides opportunities to ask questions about who we are and what makes us human. At the Earth v. Mars: The Future of Exploration panel, the conversation provided just that. Two astronauts joined a National Geographic photographer to share their experiences and navigate the crossover between space exploration and excursion of our deep blue ocean.
The panel began with Leland Melvin’s viral photo of his two dogs loving on him in his orange pumpkin suit. Melvin told the audience the charming story of sneaking his dogs into NASA, so that he could take his official photo with them. It was an appropriate kickoff to an hour-long exposé of how exploration is true to the nature of humanity.
What you thought would just be a couple minutes of looking out the window turned into 30, or 45, or a full 90-minute circle around the planet from night to day. That will captivate you. That transcendent feeling when you really meditate, that’s what I remember feeling when I was looking out the window of the spacecraft. –Nicole Stott
“Everything is interconnected, so as a person who’s curious, [exploration] is a bit of an aphrodisiac.” said deep sea photographer, Brian Skerry. To date, less than 5% of the ocean has been explored. Despite talk about moving to Mars, there is more than enough unchartered waters to keep our attention for generations. Nicole Stott, a veteran of two space flights, created art to share her interpretation of what she saw on earth from the window of the spacecraft. Melvin agreed, stating that there’s a sense of obligation to share the experience as an explorer in order to inspire future generations.
“The only border that exists is that blanket of atmosphere that separates us earthlings from outer space,” Stott said. “Everyday I remind myself that I am an earthling. I think there’s a profound impact that can come from feeling that way, taking action based on those feelings, and sharing that with everyone around you. The decisions you make will be very different if you consider life that way.”
Though they explore different spaces in very different ways, the panelists spoke the same language of wanting to share the same story: the exploration of either inner or outer space is an exploration of the love we have for our planet and our humanity.