Announcing: STORIES of Space MISSION 05
Taking Storytelling to New Depths: Underwater

May 9, 2025 – Jules’ Undersea Lodge, Florida Keys — STORIES of Space, the nonprofit organization inspiring exploration through narrative, launches its boldest mission yet—MISSION 05, an underwater analog mission that blends the power of storytelling with the wonder of scientific exploration.

The crew of four, along with Commander Beth Mund, founder of STORIES of Space and a seasoned analog astronaut and communicator, will conduct the mission at Jules’ Undersea Lodge – an undersea research facility accessible solely by scuba. This unique location continues the legacy of ocean pioneers while setting the stage for new kinds of exploration that honor Earth and space alike.

Joining Beth Mund underwater is a dynamic, multidisciplinary crew:

• Paul Bakken, Executive Officer (XO), experienced analog astronaut and aquanaut, bringing logistical and strategic support, along with field testing new prototype technologies.
  

• Alex Martin, Health and Safety Officer (HSO), ensuring team well-being while managing communications from beneath the sea.
  

• Chad Mund, Mission Specialist (MS), conducting materials tests on submissions and preserving the integrity of selected STORIES.
  

In an unprecedented crossover of two frontiers—space and sea—the crew will take SD cards that have traveled to space aboard the International Space Station and bring them underwater, along with select laminated STORIES submitted by children and participants from around the world.

Why go underwater? Earth’s oceans are as mysterious and vital as the cosmos. From potential life beneath the icy crusts of Europa and Enceladus to NASA’s ongoing SUBSEA and SWIM robot missions, the search for life in the universe begins right here, in our oceans. MISSION 05 shines a light on the powerful parallels between ocean and space exploration, reminding us that both environments are critical to understanding life, survival, and our shared future.

“This mission isn’t just about research,” says Commander Beth Mund. “It’s about honoring the stories that move us—literally and figuratively—to go further, dive deeper, and connect more meaningfully with the world around us.”

NOW ACCEPTING STORY SUBMISSIONS and Selected Partnerships

The STORIES of Space team is calling on YOU—students, scientists, explorers, dreamers, and storytellers of all ages—to submit your stories for future missions. This is your chance to send your narrative on a journey unlike any other.

This is a rare and extraordinary opportunity to align your brand, organization, or message with a truly historic mission — one that bridges space, sea, science, and story. We’re inviting a limited number of partners to join us as we bring STORIES of Space underwater for the first time. Whether you want to showcase your product in an extreme environment, support educational outreach, or contribute to the narrative of exploration, now is the time to act. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something bold, meaningful, and unforgettable. Contact Commander Beth Mund today at beth@storiesofspace.com to secure your place in MISSION 05.

🛰️🌊 Submit your story today at storiesofspace.com
Submissions close July 9,2025

Let your words dive deep and reach far. Join us.