Hidden in Plain Sight - Out of Shanghai, Leading Space Photographer Reveals Earth's Hidden Space Revolution

Space Café Podcast - Navigating Our Interplanetary Ambitions

Based in Shanghai for the past decade, Slovenian photographer Matjaž Tančič has uncovered a hidden space revolution happening far from the spotlight. Through his 'Mars on Earth' project, he documents remarkable space innovations emerging in the world's most unexpected places.
Starting with candid insights into modern-day China, Tančič reveals how space ambitions and breakthrough technologies are flourishing beyond traditional aerospace centers.
Highlights
Life in Modern China [00:03:01 - 00:19:21]

• [00:04:21] China's digital ecosystem and social surveillance
• [00:11:59] Life and community in Shanghai's French Concession
• [00:17:11] Navigating language and culture
• [00:19:21] Living costs and lifestyle contrasts

Society & Development [00:20:51 - 00:34:12]

• [00:20:51] Professional landscape and opportunities
• [00:24:21] Urban-rural development dynamics
• [00:31:25] Education and technology priorities

The Mars on Earth Project [00:34:52 - 00:51:43]

• [00:34:52] Origins of the project in Gobi Desert
• [00:40:32] Documentation of global space initiatives
• [00:46:15] Meeting with Mongolia's first cosmonaut
• [00:49:05] Photographing space innovation worldwide

Future of Space Exploration [00:51:43 - 01:21:31]

• [00:51:43] Discussion of first Mars landing possibilities
• [01:10:25] 3D photography in space documentation
• [01:15:16] Collaboration with innovative space companies
• [01:17:08] Personal aspirations for space travel
• [01:20:00] Final thoughts on inclusive space exploration

Key Topics Discussed
Untraditional Space Innovation

• Mongolian engineers developing Mars rovers inspired by camels
• Slovenian company Duol creating inflatable habitats for NASA
• Space doctor Dr. Susan Jewel's VR medical training system
• Armenian watchmaker crafting timepieces for Mars time
• Barbara Belvisi's Interstellar Lab creating closed-loop habitat systems
• ALE's artificial shooting star technology in Tokyo
• South Africa's growing space sector with 200+ startups
• The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope project
• Chinese space program developments

Quote

• "New planet is going to be Tabula Rasa... we can do there whatever we want and we can make it right."

Links & References

• Interstellar Lab
• ALE (Artificial Shooting Stars)
• Square Kilometre Array Project
• Duol Space Habitats

Photography & Visual Elements

• Featured photo: Astronaut on camel in Mongolian desert [00:52:54]
• Biopod installation in Paris [01:13:14]
• Mars simulation base in Gobi Desert [00:52:09]
• Various space technology prototypes and innovators worldwide

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