Africa2Moon: Africa's First Lunar Mission | Adriana Marais | TEDxYuehai St Salon

Key Concepts:

• Africa to Moon project
• Radio astronomy on the far side of the moon
• Bounced African Lunar Low Spheres (BALLS)
• International Space University (ISU)
• Square Kilometer Array (SKA)
• International Lunar Research Base (ILRS)
• Collaboration in space exploration
• Inspiration for future generations

Carla Sharp Mitchell's Journey:

• Early Inspiration: Carla Mitchell's childhood fascination with space, fueled by visits to the bookstore and a sense of wonder about the cosmos, despite feeling excluded due to her African origin.
• Career Shift: After losing her finance job as a single mother, Carla decided to pursue her passion for space, coinciding with South Africa's announcement of a space program.
• Foundation for Space Development Africa: Carla contacted the leader of the South African space program and became involved in establishing the Foundation for Space Development Africa in 2009.
• International Space University (ISU): Carla pursued an executive MBA at ISU, facing financial challenges and moving to the Isle of Man to earn foreign currency.
• Kindness of Strangers: Carla's ISU classmates funded her trip to the United States and accommodation, enabling her to complete her MBA.
• International Astronautical Congress (IAC): Carla was part of the organizing committee for the IAC in South Africa, a significant event for Africa's entry into the space community.
• Square Kilometer Array (SKA): Upon returning to South Africa, Carla became the business development manager for the SKA, focusing on strategy and funding for the precursor array.
• PhD Thesis: Carla's PhD thesis explored the potential of large-scale space infrastructure to positively impact developing economies.

The Africa to Moon Project:

• Radio Astronomy on the Far Side of the Moon: Carla's ingenious idea to place small loop antennas inside spherical casings (BALLS) on the far side of the moon to create a low-cost radio telescope.
• BALLS Acronym: Bounced African Lunar Low Spheres, representing low frequency, low mass, and low cost.
• Collaboration with the Speaker: The speaker, an economist and quantum biologist, joined forces with Carla to pursue the Africa to Moon project.
• Chunga 7 and Chunga 8: The team applied for projects to be sent to the moon with China's Chunga 7 and Chunga 8 missions.
• Testing and Prototyping: The team conducted tests in liquid nitrogen to assess the robustness of the materials for the lunar environment.
• Partnership with China: The Foundation for Space Development Africa partnered with the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory and the Chinese National Space Administration on the International Lunar Research Base (ILRS).
• Chunga 8 Payload Announcement: The Africa to Moon team has been invited to Shanghai for the final payload announcement for Chunga 8.
• Mission Objectives: The Africa to Moon project aims to conduct novel science, demonstrate the power of collaboration, and inspire future generations.

Technical Details:

• Radio Frequency Interference (RFI): Electrical technology produces radio frequencies that interfere with radio telescopes' ability to measure faint radio signals from space.
• Far Side of the Moon: The far side of the moon is an ideal location for radio astronomy due to its radio frequency interference-free zone.
• Loop Antennas: Small loop antennas are placed inside spherical casings to create a low-cost radio telescope.
• Liquid Nitrogen Testing: Testing materials in liquid nitrogen simulates the extreme temperatures on the lunar surface.

Key Arguments and Perspectives:

• Space Exploration Advances Society: Developing space technology positively impacts economies and fosters imagination.
• Collaboration is Essential: The Africa to Moon project demonstrates the power of collaboration among individuals and organizations.
• Inspiration for Future Generations: The project aims to inspire children in Africa and around the world to participate in space exploration and feel a sense of belonging in the cosmos.

Notable Quotes:

• Carla: "Is this real estate or is this real space?"
• Classmate: "We'll see you in the US Carla. The entire class has pitched in to fund your and Josh's trip to the United States as well as your accommodation for the rest of the MBA in the United States."

Data and Statistics:

• Temperatures on the far side of the moon can plummet to -200°C during the 14-day lunar night.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The Africa to Moon project, spearheaded by Carla Sharp Mitchell, is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and collaboration in achieving ambitious goals. From overcoming financial obstacles to forging international partnerships, Carla's journey exemplifies the transformative potential of space exploration for developing economies and the importance of inspiring future generations to dream big and reach for the stars. The project's innovative approach to radio astronomy on the far side of the moon, using low-cost and low-mass technology, demonstrates the feasibility of conducting groundbreaking science with limited resources. Ultimately, Africa to Moon aims to foster a sense of belonging and participation in space exploration for children in Africa and around the world, paving the way for a more inclusive and collaborative future in space.