Open Cosmos and Hypatia endorse scientist women with a macro art piece in the Utah desert

he association Hypatia Mars and Open Cosmos install an artistic macro piece in the shape of a cross in the middle of the Utah desert, in the United States, on the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on February 11.

Analog astronauts from Hypatia II, currently on an analogous mission at the Mars Research Desert Station (MDRS), have deployed a 40x40 meter cross during extravehicular departures (EVAs) outside the base, for satellites to capture from low Earth orbit.

The action is part of a joint awareness campaign between Hypatia Mars and Open Cosmos. #WomenLeaveTheirMark wants to highlight the research of women in the progress of science and knowledge.

Worldwide, only 1 in 3 scientists are women. This ratio is exacerbated in the aerospace sector, where female researchers are also a minority. As for astronauts, only 1 in 10 are women, and no woman has ever set foot on the moon.

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The ‘making of’

The Hypatia II crew has carried out the installation of the piece, inspired by Pythagoras and the method used by the ancient Egyptians to measure agricultural fields when the Nile River flooded.

The installation of the piece was physically very hard, because it was done with astronaut equipment, with an approximate weight of 15 kilos on the back, gloves and other elements that make mobility difficult.

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Hypatia Mars

Hypatia Mars is an association created in 2022 to promote multidisciplinary research projects related to Mars and space in a simulation context. It also develops scientific dissemination and communication activities, and makes visible leading women in STEAM disciplines to inspire vocations, especially among young girls.

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Open Cosmos

Open Cosmos designs, builds and operates space missions, providing access to satellite data and insights on a global scale. Our mission management solution, OpenOrbit, takes care of the mission, from concept through to manufacture, launch and operations. DataCosmos integrates satellite imagery, data, and applications for actionable intelligence. OpenConstellation fosters collaboration and enhances global coverage. Our vision is to empower organisations to make changes, addressing some of the world’s biggest challenges.

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