The first is what she calls “space as frontier,” where space is seen as a vast, unexplored territory waiting to be conquered. This is the vision that has fueled the dreams of space exploration for decades, inspiring generations of scientists and engineers to push the boundaries of what is possible.
The second category is “space as escape,” where space is seen as a refuge from the problems of Earth, a place where humanity can start fresh and leave behind the troubles of the past. This vision is often romanticized in popular culture, with stories of colonies on Mars and space stations orbiting distant planets.
The third category, according to Rubenstein, is “space as commons,” where space is viewed as a shared resource that belongs to all of humanity. This vision is rooted in the idea that space is a precious and limited resource that must be protected and managed sustainably for the benefit of all.
Rubenstein believes that we need to shift our focus from the first two categories to the third if we are to avoid the pitfalls of exploitation and conflict in space. Instead of seeing space as a frontier to be conquered or an escape from our problems, we should see it as a precious and fragile ecosystem that must be preserved and protected.
This means rethinking our approach to resource extraction, collaboration with other nations, and the role of private companies in space. It means placing a greater emphasis on sustainability, cooperation, and equity in our efforts to explore and develop space.
Ultimately, Rubenstein’s message is clear: the choices we make now will shape the future of space exploration for generations to come. By embracing a vision of space as commons, we can create a future where space is not just a playground for the wealthy and powerful, but a shared resource that benefits all of humanity. It’s a bold vision, but one that may be necessary if we are to avoid the mistakes of the past and build a better future for all. The exploration of space has always been a subject of fascination and speculation in science fiction literature. There are different genres within the realm of space-related stories, each serving a distinct purpose and exploring various themes.
One prevalent genre is the “conquest” genre, where stories are written in service of the expansion of a nation-state or the expansion of capital. This genre treats space as the next frontier to conquer, drawing parallels to how European explorers once viewed new continents. It envisions space as a territory to be claimed and exploited for resources and power.
Another genre is dystopian science fiction, which serves as a warning about destructive paths that society may take. Interestingly, some tech companies seem to miss the cautionary aspect of this genre and instead bring to life the dystopian scenarios depicted in these stories. This blurring of lines between fiction and reality raises ethical questions about the direction of technological advancement.
The third strand of space-related fiction imagines alternative societies with different ideas of justice and care. This genre, known as speculative fiction, explores futuristic technological settings to envision societies that prioritize values and priorities different from our own. It offers a space for creative exploration of possibilities beyond the constraints of our current reality.
As space development leans heavily towards the conquest template, there is a missed opportunity to extend our values and priorities into this new frontier. Environmental concerns, such as rocket emissions and space debris, are growing issues that need to be addressed. The accumulation of space debris poses a significant threat to future space exploration, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts to manage and mitigate this issue.
Efforts are being made to promote mindful and ethical approaches to space exploration. Proposals for annual conferences bringing together academics, NASA representatives, and industry figures aim to facilitate discussions on responsible space development. However, challenges remain, as legislation restricting cooperation with countries like China hinders international collaboration in space endeavors.
Despite the obstacles, the landscape of space exploration is rapidly evolving. Startup founders are predicting significant changes in space technology within the next five to ten years, with companies positioning themselves for ventures like asteroid mining. The future of space exploration is uncertain, but the need for ethical considerations and collaborative efforts remains crucial in shaping the trajectory of humanity’s journey beyond Earth.
