A mission in the making
ProjectDistantLight
A different view of home.
Artist’s concept
The vision
A different view
of home.
Project Distant Light is a photographic mission in development, with an ambition to capture stunning images of Earth and the Moon from a small spacecraft travelling beyond our planet.
We want those images to inspire awe and wonder, especially in young people. At a time when the world can feel increasingly troubled, looking beyond it can remind us how much there is still to discover.
Seen from space, Earth is both extraordinarily beautiful and profoundly isolated. We hope that perspective will encourage people to care for the world we share, while also turning their eyes towards the possibilities beyond it.
The project brings together small-spacecraft engineering, a filmmaker’s eye and carefully bounded experiments in onboard AI. The ambition is to make images that move people, and to share the curiosity and work behind creating them.
The photographs
Designed around
two photographs.
Artist’s concepts. The real photographs do not exist yet; that is the point. The reference design is a double lunar swingby: first lunar flyby, two close returns towards Earth, second lunar flyby, departure. The Earthrise comes from the first flyby, and the close returns towards Earth give a third photograph, the whole Earth in one frame. See the geometry they come from.
Behind Distant Light
Lucas Young
Technology, filmmaking and a lifelong fascination with space come together in Project Distant Light.
I grew up loving Star Trek and Doctor Who, and the idea that humanity might one day explore the worlds beyond our own has stayed with me. The possibility that a private individual could help send a camera into space is itself an inspiration.
My background spans technology and filmmaking, and I’m currently studying artificial intelligence with Udacity. I’m developing the project with the intention of leading its onboard software and AI work, alongside collaborators with the engineering and mission expertise it needs.
For me, this is a chance to turn a lifelong love of science fiction into something real, and perhaps spark that same sense of possibility in someone else.
Where we are now
The beginning
of the journey.
We’re at the concept and feasibility stage: shaping the imaging goals, exploring spacecraft options and identifying the expertise and partnerships needed to move forward. The spacecraft imagery on this site is an artist’s concept.
If you work in spacecraft engineering, imaging, mission operations or research, or see an opportunity to support the project through partnership or sponsorship, we’d love to hear from you.
Follow the journey
Updates as
the mission grows.
Occasional project updates as the mission develops. No sharing, unsubscribe in one click.
Make contact
Be part of
the journey.
Engineers, image-makers, researchers, potential partners. Or simply curious.
We’d like to hear from you.