top of page

Launch

Launch Date:

19 February 2022

Launch Mission:

NG-17 Cygnus resupply mission

Launch Operator:

Northrop Grumman

Rocket:

Antares 230+

Launch Vehicle:

Cygnus SS Piers Sellers

Launch Location:

Wallops Island, VA, USA

2022-015B

COSPAR id:

In Space

Host:

International Space Station

Type:

Space Station

Operator:

Multinational

Location:

Low Earth Orbit, Non-Polar Inclined

COSPAR id:

1998-067A

Return

Return Date:

11 January 2023

Return Mission:

CRS-26

Return Vehicle:

Cargo Dragon

Landing Location:

Gulf of Mexico

COSPAR id:

2022-159A

Updated:

8/7/24

status:

Returned

Mission Profile

Partners:

Téa Boyarchuk

Photographer, Image-maker

Artist(s)

Collection

This artwork is part of a collection:

Moon Gallery

2022

“cat_purringcomfort.mp3” is a reflection on our non-human companionship and relationship with animals. This work consists of a waveform of a cat’s purr; content and happy vibrations suspended within the cube.

Companionship with non-human animal species has been a central tenet of human existence and development. Our partnership with our non-human companions transcends history, from the domestication of dogs for hunting to the serialised images of quirky and cute cats that exist on our phones in our digital world. We keep pets alongside us as friends and treasured family members. Non-human companions have been with us in many steps of evolution, so why not translate this aspect into the next steps that lie ahead in our trajectory? Prompted to imagine a life in the foreign environment of space, I immediately think of my own feline companion. Would he like it in space? Would it be unethical to bring him to space? Could there be other non-human companions out there for us? The unfamiliar territory of space is so dissimilar to that of our homes and our pets’ homes; a synthesis of experience is necessary to draw common ground. As a reflection on this, I wish to encapsulate what it is about having a companion that is so special and touching. “cat_purringcomfort.mp3” is a reflection on our non-human companionship and relationship with animals. This work consists of a waveform of a cat’s purr; content and happy vibrations suspended within the cube. This kind of low-frequency vocalisation in cats has shown to present itself in positive social situations, as well as self-soothing moments for the cat themselves. A popular association with cats that is also prominent as a soothing and calming sound for humans serves as a moment of peace and comfort in its experience for those that choose to listen. The presence of the purr seeks to remind the viewer of these soothing moments, a reprieve from the expanse of space and a return to something familiar; creature comforts.
Dimensions:

1 x 1 x 1 cm

Medium:

unknown

Genre:

cat_purringcomfort.mp3

Téa Boyarchuk

Canada

2022

cat_purringcomfort.mp3

2022

Returned
bottom of page