5 Astral Aspirations

A search was launched recently for space enthusiasts to take a seat for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly around the Moon. It inspired us to put together some out of this world ideas.

Fly me to the Moon

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa has invited civilians to apply for one of eight places on his private lunar expedition. The voyage is set to take place on SpaceX’s Starship no earlier than 2023. The entrepreneur said he had received more than 300,000 applications to be a crew member from 237 countries and areas. Most requests so far come from India, followed by the US, Japan and France. “I have bought all the seats so it will be a private ride,” Mr Maezawa said in a video about the project. “I want people from all kinds of backgrounds to join.”

It is expected to take three days to reach the Moon, loop around it, and three days to return to Earth, Mr Maezawa said. Visit dearmoon.earth

Mars Looks Nice

If a place on the private lunar expedition on SpaceX Starship SN10 rocket, funded by billionaire Yusaku Maezawa doesn’t appeal then maybe a trip further afield might. How does the red planet of Mars sound to you? That is exactly what fellow billionaire and SpaceX owner, Elon Musk, intends to do. In fact he has spoken recently about building a city on Mars complete with an abundance of jobs. SpaceX, located in sunny South Texas, have said they hope to build 1,000 starships in the coming years to make Elon Musk’s vision a reality. With Earth and Mars only aligning once approximately every twenty-five months, the window for exploration is narrow - so stay tuned for all things Mars. Visit SpaceX.com

Names in Space

On February 18th 2021 the perseverance rover landed safely on the Martian surface. However, what was unique about this journey into space was the contents that travelled aboard the rover. When the rover landed so too did eleven million names submitted by people all over the world. Perhaps you want to send your name alongside a partner, family member or friend’s name too. The names were stenciled by an electron beam within a laboratory in NASA. This is definitely one way of getting your name out there and what better place than on Mars. Visit Mars.NASA.gov

A Customised Star Map

We all have those magical moments in our life which we wish we could pause and frame to have forever. A beautiful moment spent with a special someone in your life. Why not capture the moment to be enjoyed in your own home with a unique night sky image. Specific to your date, time and location, meaning that special moment really can be framed and cherished for years. The artistic piece is created through unique ink practices and presented on stunning museum matte paper. Easy and quick to make with plenty of room to personalise means this really is the perfect gift for someone who deserves the moon and the stars. Visit thenightsky.com

Name a star after someone

Ever stood staring up at the starry sky in awe appreciating their beauty and finding yourself thinking about the beautiful souls in your life. If so, why not name one of those stunning stars after someone special in your life. It is the perfect gift with its heartwarming, uplifting message to give to someone on any occasion from christmas to weddings, births to a token of remembrance. Register a star and give someone a personal and intimate gift which they can visibly enjoy. Visit Buyastar.ie