In September 2009, the founder of Cirque du Soleil, Guy Laliberté undertook a groundbreaking, ground-leaving adventure of a lifetime. Laliberté and the ONE DROP Foundation became Canada’s first private explorer in space and the first to engage in a Poetic Social Mission in Space.
During his 12-day stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Laliberté’s unique social/humanitarian mission had one clear purpose: to raise humanity’s awareness of water-related issues. Traveling has always been a part of Laliberté’s life, and he has been researching the possibility of space travel since 2004. That being said, the timing and purpose needed to be right. Laliberté has just passed his 190th day in outer space.
The first Poetic Social Mission in Space is a symbolic moment for Laliberté. After 25 years, Cirque du Soleil will be introduced to Russia, the country where Laliberté is training for his voyage and from where the Soyuz TMA-16 rocket will launch him and the Expedition 21 crew into space. The timing could not have been more appropriate!
Laliberté’s mission in space is dedicated to making an impact on how water is protected and shared. Information about our world’s water-related issues will be conveyed using a singular poetic approach. The messages he will transmit from the ISS will build awareness for ONE DROP Foundation initiatives, its objectives and dream of “Water for all, all for water.”
Guy Laliberté invites us all to attend Moving Stars and Earth for Water, a unique event seeking to raise everyone’s awareness of water-related issues this Friday October 9th. Check the site for the event times for your location.
Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, Dr. David Suzuki, Joss Stone, Matthew McConaughey, Peter Gabriel, Salma Hayek, Shakira, Tatuya Ishii, U2, Cirque du Soleil and many others will join voices to celebrate water.
