Polaris Dawn astronaut and talented violinist Sarah Gillis made history by releasing a music video from space, showcasing a unique performance that combines both technology and art. The video, titled “Harmony of Resilience,” was shared on September 13, 2024, during the Polaris Dawn mission, a five-day orbit around Earth.
Gillis, along with mission commander Jared Isaacman, recently performed a groundbreaking spacewalk, marking the world’s first commercial extravehicular activity (EVA). During the one-hour and 46-minute EVA, the astronauts tested SpaceX’s new EVA suits, an essential step in preparing for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
In the video, Gillis performs “Rey’s Theme” by John Williams, a well-known piece from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” The solo violin performance was broadcasted directly from the Crew Dragon spacecraft. As Gillis gracefully floated in zero gravity, her music was accompanied by orchestras
performing in studios and soundstages on Earth, creating a beautiful blend of space and ground performances.
The Polaris Program emphasized that the video is more than just a musical endeavor. It represents unity, hope, and the strength of the human spirit. According to the program, “Inspired by the universal language of music and the relentless fight against childhood cancers and diseases, this moment was created with the hope of inspiring the next generation to look towards the stars.” The video was created in collaboration with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and El Sistema USA, a program dedicated to promoting music education for societal impact.
The “Harmony of Resilience” project aims to raise awareness and funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, helping fight childhood cancers and diseases while inspiring future generations through the power of music and space exploration.
As space travel continues to break new boundaries, it is moments like these that remind us of the limitless potential of human creativity and collaboration. Sarah Gillis’ performance is not just a milestone in space exploration but a symbol of resilience and inspiration for people around the world.