To infinity and beyond! SpaceX ‘Dragon’ capsule takes off, carrying Maltese science and art
In the early hours of April 1st at 4:20 AM CET, SpaceX launched from its historic Launch Pad 39A, carrying an extraordinary payload that includes two pioneering Maltese biotech experiments bound for the Earth’s poles.
The experiments, THAL and MELITE, represent a significant leap for Malta’s contributions to space and medical research. THAL focuses on analysing astronauts' blood in a potential breakthrough treatment for Thalassaemia, a genetic blood disorder. MELITE, on the other hand, examines stem cells from bone marrow, cord blood, and peripheral blood, with profound implications for long-duration space missions and medical advancements on Earth.
This milestone mission is the result of hard work by Maltese scientists Josef Borg, Maria Vella, and Aidan Borg, whose research is now onboard the Dragon Capsule. Sharing their excitement, they posted on social media: ‘At launch pad 39A, T-7 hours to launch for the FRAM2 mission with our experiments on board the Dragon Capsule!’
But science isn’t the only Maltese presence aboard this mission. Art, too, has found its way into space. The Dragon Capsule is also carrying a video clip featuring the artistic work of Maltese artist Etienne Farrell and her late colleague Mark Mallia, a beloved name in the local art scene. This space-bound artwork brings an emotional layer to the mission, as it fulfills a dream Mark never got to see come true.
Etienne Farrell shared: ‘When Spaceomix co-director, and Professor at the University of Malta, Joseph Borg, asked me if I would be interested in sending my work for a ride up in space, specifically to the Earth’s poles, I immediately thought of my late colleague. We had been planning an exhibition that would take us to the poles, as it was Mark’s dream to see the auroras. His dream is now coming true. This is emotional on so many levels. Exhibiting work up in space is not something that I was expecting to happen any time soon.’
The video clip includes collaborative pieces by both artists, along with a repurposed photograph taken to promote their 2022 European Parliament exhibition AFTERMATH. Now, fittingly, it carries a new title – ‘Aurora’ – a touching tribute to Mark’s dream of witnessing the breathtaking auroras of the poles.
From the laboratories of Maltese scientists to the dreams of an artist, this launch is proof that Malta’s influence is reaching for the stars – quite literally!
Congratulations to everyone involved!