The days of this society are numbered. Its reasons and its merits have been weighed in the balance and found wanting; its inhabitants are divided into two parties, one of which wants to build its own spaceships and leave this world behind.
The Association of Autonomous Astronauts (AAA) was launched on April 23rd 1995 as the world’s first independent and community-based space exploration programme. A Five Year Plan was also established for creating, by the year 2000, a worldwide network of community-based AAA groups dedicated to building their own spaceships.
I will be participating in these events alongside several other former autonomous astronauts. See you there or see you in space! (Both days are free, but booking is advised.)
Saturday 26th April, 2pm* at MayDay Rooms, 88 Fleet Street, London EC4Y 1DH
It’s been three decades since the Association of Autonomous Astronauts (AAA) launched the first independent space exploration programme on the grounds of Windsor Castle. Between 1995 and 2000, AAA organized raves in space, played three-sided football tournaments, built spaceship launchpads in the heart of the city, took part in intergalactic conferences and experienced zero-gravity training flights—all while mounting a radical critique of government, military, and corporate control of space travel.
May Day Rooms holds a significant collection of materials related to the group’s activities, and that’s why we wanted to once again look up to the stars to celebrate the AAA’s 30th anniversary. We’ll explore how the Autonomous Astronauts’ original concerns resonate in today’s world—one shaped by billionaire space tourism, the increasing militarization of space, profit-driven interplanetary colonization, and a general sense of political imagination running on empty.
On the day, founding AAA members—alongside Autonomous Astronauts from France and Italy—will chart pathways into (and out of) the AAA, putting some of the group’s initial ideas to the test of time, while Space Watch UK will brief us on recent developments in the UK military space programme.
Expect an exhibition featuring materials from MDR’s Association of Autonomous Astronauts collection, screenings of AAA’s archival video materials alongside a rare showing of Aaron Trinder’s “Free Party: A Folk History” documentary, and, of course, a rave in space till late— with music, food and drinks! Prepare for liftoff!
*Start time is 2pm and not 3pm as it says on a previous version of flyer.
Book your ticket for Saturday here.
Sunday 27th April, 2pm Triolectic Football Tournament in Victoria Park, E9
(meeting at the bandstand)
On Sunday, we gather for the second day of the Association of Autonomous Astronauts’ anniversary—this time in Victoria Park for a three-sided football tournament! More than just a game, 3SF symbolizes the ongoing three-way struggle between government space agencies, private space corporations, and the AAA. But beyond its cosmic significance, it’s also an excellent training exercise for all aspiring autonomous astronauts. No previous experience is needed—teams will be formed on the day, and everyone is welcome to join in.
Between matches, we’ll take breaks for a picnic, so feel free to bring food and drinks to share. And yes, all animals are welcome—who knows, they might even get in on the action! Join us for a day of playful resistance, tactical absurdity, and autonomous space training. See you on the field!