Photographer captures SpaceX failure that ended her lunar Flight dream

In 2021, Adam was among eight civilians selected for a free SpaceX Starship flight around the Moon, funded by Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, a project known as dearMoon. The opportunity profoundly impacted her life, offering a glimpse into a world she never imagined. Adam, along with another photographer, was chosen for the mission, which was initially slated for 2023. The selection fundamentally altered her perception of self-worth and dominated her life, overshadowing other professional commitments.

The pivotal moment captured in the photograph occurred during SpaceX’s Integrated Flight Test 1. Just four minutes after liftoff, the vehicle experienced a “Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly” – a term for a catastrophic failure – and broke apart in mid-air. “I could have been on that,” Adam reflected, acknowledging the inherent risks.

The resulting debris cloud spread across the area, impacting local homes, and prompted SpaceX to temporarily close the launch facility for four months for cleanup and reconstruction. Adam’s photograph encapsulates the stark reality of space exploration, highlighting the contrast between futuristic ambition and practical challenges.

Unbeknownst to Adam at the time, the launch failure marked the beginning of the end for the dearMoon project. Yusaku Maezawa had previously missed the launch attempt due to a prior scrub. In mid-2024, the participants received a Zoom call informing them that the project was being discontinued, a revelation that was deeply disappointing for Adam, who had integrated it into her identity. The experience, she describes, felt like a “poisoned chalice” that significantly impacted her career.

The photograph is now part of Adam’s Rhi-Entry project, a visual exploration of a tragic cycle, drawing parallels to the myth of Icarus. The exhibition combines elements of a space museum with personal reflection and commentary on power structures. Adam’s work aims to challenge conventional perceptions of who is selected for space travel, advocating for a more diverse representation beyond the traditional image of a “chiselled-jaw GI Joe lookalike.” She also explores themes of space colonization and the ethics of exploration.

Rhi-Entry is currently on display at the International Centre for the Image in Dublin until December 23, and Adam’s work is also featured in Space @ Fotografiska Tallinn until January 17. Her book, Polaroid: The Missing Manual, is published by Thames and Hudson.

Rhiannon Adam was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1985. A high point in her career was being selected for the dearMoon project. She advises aspiring photographers to persevere and remain humble, acknowledging the role of luck in success.