Orsted and four astronauts have teamed up to send humans on a virtual reality space mission.
The aim of the Space Safari project, which is free to view, is to help speed up climate action by encouraging humans to change our perception of ourselves and planet Earth.
The astronauts involved are Helen Sharman (UK), Mike Massimino (US), Andreas Mogensen (Denmark), and Reinhold Ewald (Germany).
Space Safari premiered on 24 September at Climate Week where political leaders, business organisations and green NGOs from all over the world are gathering in New York City to discuss how the world can speed up climate action and reduce projected carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.
“When I saw the Earth from space, it was just a small blue drop of water in the vast universe. That view changed my perception of myself and the world. I returned to Earth with a newfound love for this home of ours and all living creatures on it – but also with genuine concern for the future of our planet,” said Massimino.
With the help of a virtual reality headset, Space Safari creates the experience of traveling into space and orbiting the Earth as it floats in space in all its fragile beauty.
The virtual reality experience seeks to imitate what astronauts call the ‘overview effect’, a perspective and sense of belonging that occurs when the planet is viewed from hundreds of kilometres away.
Orsted sustainability, public affairs and branding vice president Filip Engel said: “We believe that if more people experience Earth like astronauts do, it will create a greater sense of responsibility of our shared home and speed up climate action – and that’s much needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
“In collaboration with the astronauts, we’ve created the Space Safari project to make their view of planet Earth available to everyone. Our hope is to inspire people to demand faster green action.”
The virtual reality Space Safari will be available to all free of charge on virtual reality platforms. It is also available on YouTube, where it even can be experienced without a virtual reality headset.