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WHAT SPURRED THE CREATION OF FRAGILE OASIS?

In June 2008, I had the privilege of flying on board the Space Shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station, the most complex structure ever built. I was also privileged to conduct three spacewalks during the fourteen-day mission.

During the last one, with my feet anchored in clamps on the end of the space station’s robotic arm, I was swept in a big arc over the top of the space station and back.

At the top of the arc, I was 100 feet above the space station with the Earth 250 miles below.

It was absolutely incredible to see this enormous orbiting space station --  the tremendous achievement of sixteen diverse nations working together on Earth to accomplish a goal in space.

Seeing humanity’s magnificent accomplishment against the backdrop of our indescribably beautiful Earth 250 miles below took my breath away. I wasn’t just looking down at the Earth.  I was looking at a planet hanging in the blackness of space.

It was very moving to see the beauty of the planet we’ve been given. But as I looked down at this indescribably beautiful fragile oasis, this island that has been given to us and has protected all life from the harshness of space, I couldn’t help thinking of the inequity that exists.

I couldn’t help but think of the people who don’t have clean water to drink, enough food to eat, of the social injustice, conflict, and poverty that exist.

The stark contrast between the beauty of our planet and the unfortunate realities of life for many of its inhabitants reaffirmed the belief I share with so many. Each and every one of us on this planet has the responsibility to leave it a little better than we found it.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF FRAGILE OASIS?

  • Use the unique orbital perspective to inspire people to improve life on our planet
  • Get the word out that the International Space Station is an incredible global asset
  • Highlight the scientific advancements being accomplished on the International Space Station
  • Inspire students to academic excellence
  • Give people the opportunity to experience living and working in space through the experiences of crewmembers living and working on the International Space Station, not just as spectators but also as fellow crewmembers.

Inspire. Recognize. Help.

It is very difficult to look at our beautiful Earth from space without being moved in some way. One of the main goals of Fragile Oasis is to share this orbital perspective and inspire people to go out and make a difference; to go out and somehow make life better for those with whom they share this fragile oasis. The Fragile Oasis community was established to unite in the common goal of sharing our humanity and improving our world. Let us inspire, recognize, and help each other in our collective quest to make life better on our planet.

Ron Garan

NASA Astronaut
ISS Expedition 27/28
STS-124
NEEMO 9