Navajo Star Traveler

This project seeks to use the unique environment of microgravity/hypogravity to develop and demonstrate the centering of Indigenous pedagogies, knowledge, engineering, and science, while discussing aspects of Western/Eurocentric science and engineering. A set of educational videos are being created based on taking the core principles of microgravity/hypogravity and human space flight (Newton’s Laws, parabolic flight, bioastronautics, etc.) and indigenizing them through centering them around Navajo ways of knowing, language, and tellings; as well as framing them in the context of how they apply to Navajo/Indigenous communities and everyday life. The parabolic flight itself will reinforce this curriculum and educational video set with basic visual demonstrations ranging from how the body behaves in reduced gravity to how object movement changes relative to Earth gravity. Another important aspect of the parabolic flight will be the use of Indigenous visuals as a statement and educational tool. Navajo moccasins will be worn in place tennis shoes and a modified parabolic flight suit will predominantly feature Navajo iconography, including the Navajo Nation flag, representations of the Four Sacred Mountains, and beadwork. This visual statement paired with the educational demonstrations, videos, curriculum, language, and place-based relations will center the knowledges of Indigenous people, while creating positive relationships with the wider space exploration fields.