Multi-Perceptual Modalities Message Delivery Module: MAILbox

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S. Mummigatti. (2021), JBIS, 74, pp.185-192

Refcode: 2021.74.185

Abstract:

This paper discusses the design of a payload similar to the Voyager Golden Records and the Pioneer Plaque. The Voyager Golden Records were intended to carry a message into deep space portraying basic information about humanity and planet Earth. The paper considers two major aspects – the design of a message delivery module: Messaging All Intelligent Lifeforms box (MAILbox) and the design of the message. MAILbox incorporates perceptual modalities that are not entirely based on the assumption that the species has similar senses to humans and the required subsystems for spaceflight. The design of the message considers how it would be perceived by any species it might encounter, while not appearing intimidating, provocative, or misleading about humanity and the Earth. The paper integrates these two aspects and delivers a design of a space-grade message delivery module with multiple modalities that contains a message considering communication, language, and interpretation abilities of something that may not be an average human being. The paper incorporates insights from the fields of astrolingusitics, astrosociology, astronautics, and astrobiology to present a design of a payload that can be placed alongside any spacecraft carrying a message from Earth.