In the next four weeks, a sculpture series by artist Jeff Koons is planned to be launched into space where it is headed for delivery to the surface of the moon. There, the sculpture series (encased in a cube) is planned to remain in perpetuity.

With all respect for artistic expression - the moon is an environment that as a civilization we haven’t yet totally destroyed and still have the opportunity to protect. With responsible policy we can be good stewards to this natural environment even as we advance scientific understanding through lunar missions.

Delivering this frivolous permanent payload, which effectively becomes debris as soon as it lands, sets an irresponsible and dangerous precedent. 

The accumulation of such items introduces risk to scientific missions which rely on delicate, costly, and difficult-to-repair equipment and technology. Further, delivering this item sends the message that the lunar surface is for sale for anyone with the funds to deliver their favorite random objects.

Add your voice in support of protecting the lunar environment and enabling safe scientific research — say no to Jeff Koons on the moon.

Learn more:

What We Do to the Moon Will Transform It Forever (NYT)
“In the coming weeks, a rocket is expected to burst from Earth’s atmosphere and send a spacecraft called Nova-C careening toward the moon’s south pole. If all goes as planned, Nova-C, built by the private company Intuitive Machines, under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, will touch down on the moon about seven days later, bearing suites of scientific instruments. It will also carry a collection of narratives stored on microfiche disks, several cameras and a series of small sculptures made by the artist Jeff Koons that will be encased in a cube and stay on the moon in perpetuity.”

Sculpture Project Description (Pace Gallery)
“Lunar Moon Phases Sculpture
The 125 miniature Moon sculptures, each approximately one inch in diameter, will be displayed together on the Moon in a sustainably built, fully transparent, compartmentalized cube.”

Intuitive Machines IM-1 Mission Payload
Intuitive Machines is the commercial partner responsible for this lunar payload.

NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) Initiative
NASA was the primary customer (paying $118m) on this commercial launch, sharing space with Jeff Koon's work. While the sculpture payload was separately funded (not by NASA), as the primary customer NASA is in a position to influence its commercial partner, Intuitive Machines.