Above: Transmission by Sean Connaughty 2007 36x48x10” oil on panel (with cabinet and audio speakers)

transmission:
In 1992, an experimental spacecraft was launched. The large, spherical craft was a self-sustaining biosphere, allowing the astronauts on board to maintain an oxygen environment, grow food, and produce water. The glass sphere rotated, creating artificial gravity using centrifugal force. Much like a terrarium, biotic activity balanced the production of oxygen and carbon dioxide. A carefully selected sample of life, ranging from microorganisms to birds, enabled the astronauts to maintain a sustainable food supply while serving as managers of this ecosystem, harvesting when necessary and preventing runaway biological feedback loops.

The craft used supermagnet technology, activated once outside Earth's gravitational field. Jupiter was the intended target for the ship's powerful magnets, shielded within its hull. Shortly after launch, the craft encountered difficulties. Tragically, the ship was drawn off-course by an unknown, unexpectedly strong magnetic source. all contact was lost. The craft could continue to support life indefinitely as long as the ecosystem is maintained within it. The craft preserves a sample of Earth's biota.

Astronomers captured a coded transmission containing compressed data compiled by the astronauts. A series of digitized images with coordinates formed a larger grid, depicting an astronaut in protective gear in an environment that doesn't resemble the craft's interior.

Astronaut paintings by Sean P Connaughty 2005-2009