Michael Najjar

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In 2009, artist Michael Najjar reached the summit of Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, feeling a profound sense of anticipation for his upcoming journey to space. As one of Germany's leading photographers, he is preparing to board the SpaceshipTwo, currently in development. Najjar is fully committed to his outer space series, which encompasses photographs and video pieces, supported by experts from the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt and NASA. His empirical approach defines his practice, as he believes in "living through" his subjects. To prepare, he underwent rigorous astronaut training in Russia’s Star City, pushing his physical limits through stratospheric and zero-g flights, centrifuge sessions, and spacewalk training, capturing his experiences on camera to explore his perceptions. Central to his work are the cultural implications of advanced space technology, its potential to enhance our understanding of the universe, and its societal repercussions. The book delves into Najjar’s preparations for spaceflight and showcases the initial works from his outer space series. It includes essays by notable figures such as Buzz Aldrin, Anousheh Ansari, and Lord Norman Foster, along with a conversation between Camilla Péus and Michael Najjar.