NASA is preparing to send a new composition by acclaimed electronic artist Jon Hopkins to the moon. The endeavour is part of its Lunar Codex time capsule project. The track, titled Forever Held, features string arrangements from Icelandic multi-instrumentalist Ólafur Arnalds and a visualiser directed by NASA’s Creative Director Erica Bernhard.
The orchestral piece was inspired by letters written by Bernhard and sent into space, signed off with the phrase “Forever enveloped in your gravity.” Hopkins explains, “I wanted to make something timeless that would transmit the feeling of being ‘held’ by the Earth. I was thinking about the fragility and power of our planet, and of the human race’s role in its own destiny.”
The track will also be the centrepiece of an immersive exhibition called Space for Earth at NASA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Bernhard notes, “The view from space offers a profound shift in perspective – astronauts call this the overview effect. Hopkins’ compositions capture that shift – infusing sound with the expansiveness of space while grounding us in the essence and rhythms of life on Earth.”
Forever Held will be launched to the moon alongside work from over 35,000 writers, artists, musicians, and filmmakers as part of the Lunar Codex project. The track will also be featured in the introduction to Coldplay’s recent album Moon Music, released in October.
This announcement comes on the heels of Missy Elliott’s song The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) becoming the first hip-hop track broadcast into space in July. NASA has also recently held a “techno party” event at its Kennedy Space Center, featuring DJs, astronauts, and a neon mini-golf course.
Watch the music video for Forever Held below.
