South Africa’s Cosmic Legacy

Of Moon and Mars

Reaching Beyond Earth

Few countries can claim such a tangible connection to the cosmos. Thanks to the vision and ingenuity of Professional Aviation, thousands of South African children’s names now orbit Mars, and a piece of the Moon has been brought to our soil. With the personal involvement of President Nelson Mandela, this is a story of national pride, scientific collaboration, and imagination that literally spans the universe.

One Million Names on Mars

In December 1999, a remarkable mission sought to carry the dreams of children across the cosmos. The Mars Polar Lander, launched by NASA, was set to deliver a CD-ROM containing one million names to the Red Planet. Among these were 14,471 names of South African children under 18, collected by Professional Aviation in partnership with NASA and the Moon Rock Project.

Although NASA lost radio contact with the lander just before the scheduled landing in 1998, all prior indicators suggested the mission had succeeded. Today, those names remain a cosmic testament, forever etched on Mars.

Presidential Endorsement

The project reached a pinnacle of honour when President Nelson Mandela personally inscribed a message in the specially bound Mars Book, symbolising hope and inspiration for young dreamers across South Africa.

Bringing the Mars Book Home

The book traveled widely, displayed in schools, hospitals, and children’s homes, as well as at Aerospace Africa and other public venues. It became more than a record of names—it became a story of South Africa’s contribution to humanity’s exploration of space. Among the names recorded were those of Mandela’s own grandchildren and great-grandchildren as of April 1998.

A Precious Gift

In September 1999, Rob Garbett presented the completed Mars Book to President Mandela, accompanied by a polished section of rock from the Vredefort meteorite, which bears traces of an impact that occurred 2.7 billion years ago. This rock is one of only ten featuring brass plaques, awarded to individuals and organisations who played a pivotal role in the Moon Rock Project, including South African Airways, NASA, Professor David Block, Jon Qwelane, and others.

A Legacy Written in the Stars

From the names of South African children now on Mars to a piece of the Moon resting on our soil, these projects capture the imagination, celebrate scientific achievement, and honor a nation’s curiosity and ambition.

The Moon Rock: Innovation in Action

Over 45 years of free-thinking innovation, Professional Aviation has cultivated many successful projects—but none as remarkable as the Moon Rock initiative. The idea was born during a director’s think tank meeting, inspired by the moon itself. The team asked NASA whether one of the moon rocks collected during the Apollo missions could be loaned for display at Aerospace Africa 1998.

A Partnership with NASA

After careful negotiation, NASA agreed. Professional Aviation arranged for a personal courier and 24-hour security to transport the moon rock safely to South Africa. Professor David Block, esteemed astronomer and mathematician at the University of the Witwatersrand, became a vital collaborator in the project.

A Historic Arrival

On 8 April 1998, South African Airways transported the moon rock, along with a NASA spacesuit and helmet, from the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston. The arrival at Johannesburg International Airport was met with media attention, as well as Professor Block and Rob Garbett.

Presidential Viewing & Public Exhibitions

President Mandela was granted a private viewing of the moon rock at his Houghton residence—a historic moment of connection between South Africa and the cosmos. Following this, the moon rock, spacesuit, and the Mars Book toured schools, the Johannesburg Planetarium, Aerospace Africa 1998, and exhibitions across Gauteng and Cape Town, inspiring countless children and visitors with the wonder of space exploration.

From Mars to the Moon, from children’s names to meteorites, these projects represent a bold testament to imagination, innovation, and the enduring legacy of hope.