Simon's exciting artwork gets ready for lift-off!

Talented Mossley artist Simon Mound

Mossley artist Simon Mound has an exciting new project launching soon, as a selection of his artwork will be exhibited on the moon!

Blast-off is scheduled for July, 2021, when the Astrobotics, Peregrine Lander will land on the surface of the moon with thousands of time capsules sent by people all around the world.

Astrobotics are a carrier for NASA and deliver technology and payloads on their behalf.

Due to enter space from its launch at Cape Canaveral, Florida, the Peregrine will take three days to reach the moon before touching down on the Lacus Mortis region of the lunar surface.

Simon, aged 47, came up with the idea of sending his art after a conversation with his children who had been watching a video by Jimmy ‘Mr Beast’ Donaldson - a famous American YouTuber.

Donaldson had reserved space on the lander and welcomed applicants to send their videos and images along with his own YouTube videos to show aliens what life on earth is all about.

Simon told us: “I’m always keeping my eye on different ways to exhibit work away from the confines of a gallery, and the opportunity to utilise the partnership that NASA has created with Astrobotics, has enabled me to present my work out of this world.”

Simon’s unique style of iconic pop portraits are now part of a lunar mission payload, including the star man himself David Bowie, Manchester legend Liam Gallagher, and Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkeys.

“I’ve always been fascinated by space and thought it would be a cool thing to be involved in, it’s going to be the ultimate socially distanced art installation,” added Simon.

“I’ve filmed the entire process and I’m looking forward to releasing the final edit, with hopefully a film of the launch via NASA television on the day."

Simon’s artwork can be viewed and purchased in his studio and online via the website: www.simonmound.co.uk

His site will have full information about the impending launch as this historic event gets nearer.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.