Let’s go to the Moon!

The Dear Moon project

Whenever I meet a new person, I can usually tell if they are going to be my type if they answer “Yes!” without hesitating to the question of whether they’d go to Mars or the moon, if given the chance. If they start asking questions like “One-way?” or “How long does that take?” I can usually tell that the answer will be no.

In early March 2021, I applied to be one of 8 passengers on a flight around the moon, in a contest sponsored by Japanese retail billionaire Yasaku Maezawa, scheduled for 2023. The rocket is still in the process of being invented by SpaceX, and the prototype (SN10, above) inauspiciously blew up after successfully landing, on the day I submitted my application. No worries, still plenty of time for them to work on the explode-y part. Maezawa-san is the first private customer to provide substantial funding to help with SpaceX’s development of the Starship rocket. He was originally looking for artists and a girlfriend to join him on the trip, which will take 6 days, but has since expanded the candidate pool.

Here’s what I submitted for my online application, along with a few photos and social media links:

“Throughout history, humans (and refugees in particular) have left home seeking a better life.  Moving to a new place requires adapting to new cultures and keeping an open mind, while bringing with us our hopes and experiences.  I am passionate about helping immigrants to acclimate to life in the U.S. 

Despite our differences, all humans want the opportunity to achieve their full potential, to enjoy time with family and friends, to fall in love, and to be happy.  My current project, www.karenko50by50.com aims to cultivate friendship, seek adventures and to create moments of happiness for those around me.  Why are humans still at war when we ultimately all share the same desires?             

Taking part in dearMoon is a step in making humans inter-planetary, and to help ensure that the light of human consciousness is not extinguished.  In my personal and professional life, I have served as both a strong leader and as a team player, as the situation required.  I am the friend who helps you to think through your problems/challenges and provides reassurance that the optimal solution can be reached. 

Participating in dearMoon would aid me in developing the business case of why humans should colonize Mars and even explore beyond.  The earth’s resources are being extinguished.  Through art, curiosity, and discovery, let’s push the boundaries of human potential, and keep humanity excited for the future.  There is room for immigrants, refugees, and everyone to achieve their dreams. 

It would be an honor to be chosen for this mission. Thank you for considering my application.”

It’s a long shot, for sure. But you can’t win unless you play! After posting about my candidacy on Instagram, I could see who the other potential moon travelers from other countries might be, and have chatted with some of them. By the way, Mike’s response to whether he was going to apply for DearMoon as well? “No, I don’t want to die”. :)

#dearmoon #dearmoonproject #SpaceX