Seeing the Earth from space can have a profound impact on individuals' perspective and understanding of their place in the Universe. The Overview Effect (OE) has been described by astronauts as a life-changing experience that can lead to a greater sense of unity, appreciation for the earth's fragility, and a desire to take better care of the planet. However, beyond this significant anecdotal evidence, research into the empirical evidence of these effects is lacking.

This ongoing PhD research aims to investigate the neuropsychological impact of seeing the Earth from space, as well as how this experience can be made more accessible using virtual reality as a simulation tool. It explores the impact of the OE as it relates to sustainability and environmental attitudes in particular, by also examining the differences between VR experiences with analog astronauts, as well as in-space experiences with suborbital astronauts. This investigation has the potential to shed light on the psychological impact of the Overview Effect as it relates to sustainability, and to inform efforts to promote environmental stewardship.

Sahba El-Shawa is a Jordanian-Canadian interdisciplinary researcher and engineer originally from Palestine. She is the first Jordanian analog astronaut and the Founder of the Jordan Space Research Initiative (JSRI), which aims to bridge sustainable development with space exploration and establish an analog research facility in Jordan. Sahba was selected as an Alternate Astronaut by Space for Humanity in 2022, as a Karman Pioneer in 2023, and is a recipient of the 2023 IAF Emerging Space Leaders Award.

Sahba holds a BASc in Mechanical Engineering, an MSc in Space Studies, and is currently pursuing her PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate Change. Her PhD research centers around the neuropsychological basis of the Overview Effect, as well as philosophically exploring its implications on collective consciousness, and how making it more accessible using Virtual Reality can help drive sustainability on Earth. During her studies, she also collaborated with the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) on robotics research and worked at the European Space Agency’s Clean Space office focusing on the environmental impacts of space activities, both on Earth and in space.

Sahba holds several volunteer roles in the Space Generation Advisory Council, including Co-Lead of the Ethics & Human Rights project group and the Space for Climate Action policy division, as well as the Moon Village Association's Participation of Emerging Space Countries program. She is committed to creating opportunities for underrepresented communities and guiding the industry towards a more equitable, ethical, and sustainable future.