A Belgian artist whose sculpture became one of the few human-made objects on the moon has died at the age of 99, according to collectSPACE.com.
John Van Helden created the “Fallen Astronaut,” a small aluminum figurine left on the lunar surface during the Apollo 15 mission in 1971. The sculpture depicts a spacesuited astronaut and was intended as a memorial to the eight U.S. Astronauts and six Soviet cosmonauts who had died in the pursuit of space exploration.
Though, the artist reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with how NASA handled the project. According to reports, Van Helden felt the space agency downplayed the artwork’s significance and didn’t adequately publicize its presence on the moon. “NASA is not happy about it,” sources stated.
The sculpture’s existence remained largely unknown for decades, adding to its mystique. The story of the “Fallen Astronaut” resurfaced in recent years, gaining renewed attention as interest in lunar exploration and space art has grown. This renewed interest highlights the intersection of art, technology, and humanity’s ongoing quest to explore the cosmos.
Van Helden’s work stands as a unique example of art’s ability to transcend earthly boundaries and develop into a permanent part of the lunar landscape.
