Space and Society – serie

The authors believe that the final policy for potential Earth impacts should be based on practical engineering solutions and innovative architectural structures, while at the same time reflecting the most recent political science contributions in ethical security studies and security cosmopolitanism.

A manned mission to Mars is faced with challenges and topics that may not be obvious but of great importance and challenging for such a mission. This is the first book that collects contributions from scholars in various fields, from astronomy and medicine, to theology and philosophy, addressing such topics. The discussion goes beyond medical and technological challenges of such a deep-space mission. The focus is on human nature, human emotions and biases in such a new environment.The primary audience for this book are all researchers interested in the human factor in a space mission including philosophers, social scientists, astronomers, and others. This volume will also be of high interest for a much wider audience like the non-academic world, or for students.

At the intersection of astronautics, computer science, and social science, this book introduces the challenges and insights associated with computer simulation of human society in outer space, and of the dynamics of terrestrial enthusiasm for space exploration.

This book shows how anthropology can provide an innovative perspective on the human movement into space. It examines adaptation to space on timescales of generations, rather than merely months or years, and uses evolutionary adaptation as a guiding theme. Employing the lessons of evolutionary adaptation, Principles of Extraterrestrial Anthropology recommends evolutionarily-sound strategies of space settlement, covering genetics at the organismal and population levels. The author organizes the concept of cultural adaptation to environments beyond Earth according to observed patterns in human adaptation on Earth. He uses original artwork and tables to help convey complex information in a form accessible to undergraduate and graduate students. Though primarily written to engage students interested in space settlement and exploration, who will eventually build a full anthropology of space settlement, Principles of Extraterrestrial Anthropology is engaging to anthropologists across sub-disciplines, as well as scholars interested in the human dimensions of space exploration and settlement. Just as the term exobiology was invented only a few decades ago to shape the field of space life studies, exoanthropology is outlined to assist in the perpetuation of Earth life through human space settlement.

Building from foundations of modern science and cosmic evolution, as well as psychological and philosophical perspectives of value and meaning, this book explores some of humanity’s biggest questions:·         Is the Universe “about something”?·         What might be roles for life and intelligence in cosmic evolution?·         How might we think about value, meaning, purpose, and ethics in a cosmic evolutionary context?The author explores how the sciences of relativity and quantum theory, combined with cosmic evolution and philosophical traditions such as process philosophy, contribute to the development of a broad “relationalist framework”. That framework helps inform perspectives such as “scientific minimalism” and “cosmological theories of value”. Cosmological Reverence, Cosmocultural Evolution, and the Connection-Action Principle are explored as examples of cosmological theories of value, all of which help inform how we might think about ethics, value, and meaning in a cosmic context – including application to the search for extraterrestrial life and the future of intelligence in the universe.This book will benefit a diverse range of practitioners in philosophy, science, and policy, including interdisciplinary fields such as Science and Society and cultural evolution studies.From the Foreword:“This volume ranges from the sciences of cosmic evolution, relativity, and quantum mechanics, to value theory and process philosophy, all with the goal of exploring how they relate to humanity in the sense of worldviews and meaning.  With his three cosmological theories of value, Lupisella goes beyond the bounds of most books on naturalism, and into fundamental questions about the nature of the universe and our relation to it.  To read Lupisella is to have a mind-boggling experience, to want to race to references, to want to know more.”Steven J. DickFormer Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair in AstrobiologyFormer NASA Chief Historian

This book offers an enlightening analysis of the ways in which the communication of space explorations has evolved in response to political and social developments and the availability of new media and communication tools. Important challenges to effective communication are discussed, including the diversity of audiences, the risks associated with space missions, and continuing skepticism about the benefits of space research despite the many associated day-to-day applications. In addition, future trends in communication are examined with reference to likely trends in space exploration over the coming century. Besides space communication for the public, the need for targeted messaging to each group of stakeholders – decision makers, media, opinion leaders, the scientific community, and industry – is analyzed in detail. A series of case studies of particular space missions, both successful and unsuccessful, is presented to illustrate key issues. The book has significant implications for the communication of science in general and will be of interest to a wide audience, including space scientists, science communication professionals, people fascinated by exploration and discovery, stakeholders, and educators.

This book offers an enlightening analysis of the ways in which the communication of space explorations has evolved in response to political and social developments and the availability of new media and communication tools.

This book presents a collection of chapters, which address various contexts and challenges of the idea of human enhancement for the purposes of human space missions. In contrast to the idea and program of human enhancement on Earth, human enhancement in space is considered a serious and necessary option.

This book presents a collection of chapters, which address various contexts and challenges of the idea of human enhancement for the purposes of human space missions. In contrast to the idea and program of human enhancement on Earth, human enhancement in space is considered a serious and necessary option.

This book explores creative solutions to the unique challenges inherent in crafting livable spaces in extra-terrestrial environments. The goal is to foster a constructive dialogue between the researchers and planners of future (space) habitats. The authors explore the diverse concepts of the term Habitability from the perspectives of the inhabitants as well as the planners and social sciences.The book provides an overview of the evolution and advancements of designed living spaces for manned space craft, as well as analogue research and simulation facilities in extreme environments on Earth. It highlights how various current and future concepts of Habitability have been translated into design and which ones are still missing. The main emphasis of this book is to identify the important factors that will provide for well-being in our future space environments and promote creative solutions to achieving living spaces where humans can thrive. Selected aspects are discussed from a socio-spatial professional background and possible applications are illustrated.Human factors and habitability design are important topics for all working and living spaces. For space exploration, they are vital. While human factors and certain habitability issues have been integrated into the design process of manned spacecraft, there is a crucial need to move from mere survivability to factors that support thriving. As of today, the risk of an incompatible vehicle or habitat design has already been identified by NASA as recognized key risk to human health and performance in space. Habitability and human factors will become even more important determinants for the design of future long-term and commercial space facilities as larger and more diverse groups occupy off-earth habitats. The book will not only benefit individuals and organizations responsible for manned space missions and mission simulators, but also provides relevant informationto designers of terrestrial austere environments (e.g., remote operational and research facilities, hospitals, prisons, manufacturing). In addition it presents general insights on the socio-spatial relationship which is of interest to researchers of social sciences, engineers and architects.

This book explores creative solutions to the unique challenges inherent in crafting livable spaces in extra-terrestrial environments. The goal is to foster a constructive dialogue between the researchers and planners of future (space) habitats. The authors explore the diverse concepts of the term Habitability from the perspectives of the inhabitants as well as the planners and social sciences.The book provides an overview of the evolution and advancements of designed living spaces for manned space craft, as well as analogue research and simulation facilities in extreme environments on Earth. It highlights how various current and future concepts of Habitability have been translated into design and which ones are still missing. The main emphasis of this book is to identify the important factors that will provide for well-being in our future space environments and promote creative solutions to achieving living spaces where humans can thrive. Selected aspects are discussed from a socio-spatial professional background and possible applications are illustrated.Human factors and habitability design are important topics for all working and living spaces. For space exploration, they are vital. While human factors and certain habitability issues have been integrated into the design process of manned spacecraft, there is a crucial need to move from mere survivability to factors that support thriving. As of today, the risk of an incompatible vehicle or habitat design has already been identified by NASA as recognized key risk to human health and performance in space. Habitability and human factors will become even more important determinants for the design of future long-term and commercial space facilities as larger and more diverse groups occupy off-earth habitats. The book will not only benefit individuals and organizations responsible for manned space missions and mission simulators, but also provides relevant informationto designers of terrestrial austere environments (e.g., remote operational and research facilities, hospitals, prisons, manufacturing). In addition it presents general insights on the socio-spatial relationship which is of interest to researchers of social sciences, engineers and architects.

Approaching the settlement of our Moon from a practical perspective, this book is well suited for space program planners. It addresses a variety of human factor topics involved in colonizing Earth's Moon, including: history, philosophy, science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, politics & policy, sociology, and anthropology.

Approaching the settlement of our Moon from a practical perspective, this book is well suited for space program planners. It addresses a variety of human factor topics involved in colonizing Earth's Moon, including: history, philosophy, science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, politics & policy, sociology, and anthropology.

This edited volume discusses how even small nation states can make a significant difference in the future of space governance. The book is divided into three main sections covering political theory, case studies, and space technology and applications. Key topics of discussion include planetary defense, space mining, and high-power systems in space. Through these timely subjects, the book presents strategies for developing a truly global governance framework in space, based on the concept of a responsible cosmopolitan state.Authored by a multidisciplinary group of researchers from the Czech Republic, the volume will appeal to other scientific teams and policymakers looking to become pioneers of cosmopolitan space policies at a national and global level.

This edited volume discusses how even small nation states can make a significant difference in the future of space governance. The book is divided into three main sections covering political theory, case studies, and space technology and applications. Key topics of discussion include planetary defense, space mining, and high-power systems in space. Through these timely subjects, the book presents strategies for developing a truly global governance framework in space, based on the concept of a responsible cosmopolitan state.Authored by a multidisciplinary group of researchers from the Czech Republic, the volume will appeal to other scientific teams and policymakers looking to become pioneers of cosmopolitan space policies at a national and global level.

While these activists have differed in the identities they focus on, they have come to share a conviction that diversity and inclusion are crucial for scientific excellence as well as social justice.In this book, you will read of the biographies and institutional contexts of key agents in the diversification of modern astronomy.

While these activists have differed in the identities they focus on, they have come to share a conviction that diversity and inclusion are crucial for scientific excellence as well as social justice.In this book, you will read of the biographies and institutional contexts of key agents in the diversification of modern astronomy.

In an era of public Mars fascination, this book offers an objective presentation of the challenges of crewed Mars missions and discusses scenarios of Mars settlements under scientific, technical, social, economic , ethical and political aspects.

This book provides a general overview as well as country-specific details of the role that space technology is currently playing and can potentially play in enhancing human lives and fulfilling the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in selected South Asian countries (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka). Focusing on the unique requirements and situations that exist in each of the selected countries, it provides country-specific analysis and recommendations. Analysis of national policies and laws have been carried out so as to maximize the benefits of space technology, with a view to making this sector a potent enabler and contributor in each country’s march toward attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, thereby to overall development.

This book provides an overview of the Greek legislation applying to space activity under the responsibility of the Greek State, as in line with international space law. Greece is not an established space-faring country; however, it is showing particular dynamism, making the most of its participation in international and EU space endeavors. Indeed, along with outstanding achievements in space science Greece took legislative action both at the international and national levels (proposals at the UNCOPUOS; Greek space law; signing of the Artemis Accords).Hence, the time has come to refer to – and present aspects of – the Greek space legislation. After an introductory section, the book provides information first on the national laws providing for the Greek participation in international space systems and in EU activities, which could be regarded as being the initial steps of Greece in the context of space. Thereafter, the rules applying to Greek space activity per se are presented, focusing on the authorities competent to decide on space matters, then on the substantial law rules allowing for – and clarifying – the application of international space law to domestic space operations.This book presents an overall view and analysis of the Greek space legislation, adding valuable information to the existing bibliography. Included as an appendix is a scholarly translation of the 2017 Greek space law.

One of the more contentious debates to emerge into scientific prominence has been whether life is prevalent in the cosmos and its level of complexity. The author of this book argues that, of the many factors that shape this debate, one of the most overlooked yet crucial rests on the different roles that temporal organization plays in biotic systems.Further, the author claims that, although the origin and evolution of life is dependent on the arrow of time, rooted in entropy, the traditional understanding of time’s arrow is insufficient to account for the diverse types of temporal processes characteristic of living organisms; most notably, the diverse functions played by past-present-future in shaping biotic systems. Far from a minor problem, he argues that the forms of temporal (bio-tensed) organization utilized by biotic systems shape not only the emergence and prevalence of all life, but also the scientific theories we use to explain the universe along with the moral concepts that inform our responsibilities to extraterrestrial life (should we find any).  Drawing from philosophy, the life sciences and astrobiology, this book claims that understanding the centrality of temporality for living systems provides crucial insights that help answer the epistemological, ethical and cosmological challenges that face astrobiology’s search for the origins and prevalence of life in the universe.

The exploration, use, and exploitation of space resources is the most exciting chapter among today's issues of concern to the space community. At the same time, however, it has generated intense controversy at the international level, since current international and space law do not seem to ensure a stable, clear regime for such activities to take place. Furthermore, some legislative approaches at the national level, which have seen the light of day, do not seem capable of ensuring a universally acceptable solution. It could therefore be said that the question of how the governance of space resources in general should ideally be regulated remains, for the time being, unresolved.This book thoroughly reviews the relevant international experience and explores why current international law is at an impasse on the issue of space resources. Further, it discusses the possible ways out in the legal field and proposes solutions, some of which have not been presently discussed.

This book provides all aspects of designing, building and operating future space habitation projects, along with its commercialization. It highlights two key educational approaches for educating the next generation of architects and engineers in space habitation design in the twenty-first century: (1) integrating the discipline of space architecture into space system engineering curricula; and (2) developing space architecture as a distinct and comprehensive field of study. Professionals educated in this way will contribute to a paradigm shift—from predominantly engineering-driven transportation systems and design for short-duration “sortie” missions towards enabling a sustained human presence beyond Earth. This 2nd edition has been updated to reflect the latest developments and emerging trends in the field of space architecture. New content includes advances in additive manufacturing, in-space construction, artificial gravity integration, and other emerging technologies, providing insight into the current space landscape. It also features newly commissioned guest chapters contributed by leading experts from industry and academia.The book is intended for individuals and organizations involved in planning space transportation and habitat systems, while also offering detailed insights into design methodologies and workflows for architects and engineers.

This book offers a detailed and fascinating picture of the astonishing astronomical knowledge on which the Roman calendar, traditionally attributed to the king Numa Pompilius (reign 715-673 B.C.), was based.

Archaeology and Heritage of the Human Movement into Space

This book presents the most serious and comprehensive study, by far, of American public perceptions about the meaning of space exploration, analyzing vast troves of questionnaire data collected by many researchers and polling firms over a span of six decades and anchored in influential social science theories. It doesn't simply report the percentages who held various opinions, but employs sophisticated statistical techniques to answer profound questions and achieve fresh discoveries.Both the Bush and the Obama administrations have cut back severely on fundamental research in space science and engineering. Understanding better what space exploration means for citizens can contribute to charting a feasible but progressive course. Since the end of the Space Race between the US and the USSR, social scientists have almost completely ignored space exploration as a topic for serious analysis and this book seeks to revive that kind of contribution.The author communicates the insights in a lucid style, not only intelligible but interesting to readers from a variety of backgrounds.

The purpose of this book is to initiate a new discussion on liberty focusing on the infinite realms of space. The discussion of the nature of liberty and what it means for a human to be free has occupied the minds of thinkers since the Enlightenment. However, without exception, every one of these discussions has focused on the character of liberty on the Earth. The emergence of human space exploration programs in the last 40-50 years raise a fundamental and new question: what will be the future of liberty in space? This book takes the discussion of liberty into the extraterrestrial environment. In this book, new questions will be addressed such as: Can a person be free when the oxygen the individual breathes is the result of a manufacturing process controlled by someone else? Will the interdependence required to survive in the extremities of the extraterrestrial environment destroy individualism? What are the obligations of the individual to the extraterrestrial state? How can we talk of extraterrestrial liberty when everyone is dependent on survival systems?

The search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) represents one of the most significant crossroads at which the assumptions and methods of scientific inquiry come into direct contact with—and in many cases conflict with—those of religion. Indeed, at the core of SETI is the same question that motivates many interested in religion: What is the place of humanity in the universe? Both scientists involved with SETI (and in other areas) and those interested in and dedicated to some religious traditions are engaged in contemplating these types of questions, even if their respective approaches and answers differ significantly. This book explores this intersection with a focus on three core points: 1) the relationship between science and religion as it is expressed within the framework of SETI research, 2) the underlying assumptions, many of which are tacitly based upon cultural values common in American society, that have shaped the ways in which SETI researchers have conceptualized the nature of their endeavor and represented ideas about the potential influence contact might have on human civilization, and 3) what sort of empirical evidence we might be able to access as a way of thinking about the social impact that contact with alien intelligence might have for humanity, from both religious and cultural perspectives. The book  developed as a result of a course the author teaches at the University of Texas at Austin: Religion, Science, and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence.

This book extends the discussion of the nature of freedom and what it means for a human to be free. This question has occupied the minds of thinkers since the Enlightenment. However, without exception, every one of these discussions has focused on the character of liberty on Earth.In this volume the authors explore how people are likely to be governed in space and how that will affect what sort of liberty they experience. Who will control oxygen? How will people maximise freedom of movement in a lethal environment? What sort of political and economic systems can be created in places that will be inherently isolated? These are just a few of the major questions that bear on the topic of extra-terrestrial liberty. During the last forty years an increasing number of nations have developed the capability of launching people into space. The USA, Europe, Russia, China and soon India have human space exploration programs. These developments raise the fundamental question of how are humans to be governed in space.This book follows from a previous volume published in this series which looked at the Meaning of Liberty Beyond the Earth and explored what sort of freedoms could exist in space in a very general way. This new volume focuses on systems of governance and how they will influence which of these sorts of freedoms will become dominant in extra-terrestrial society. The book targets a wide readership covers many groups including:Space policy makers interested in understanding how societies will develop in space and what the policy implications might be for space organisations.Space engineers interested in understanding how social developments in space might influence the way in which infrastructure and space settlements should be designed.Space scientists interested in how scientific developments might influence the social structures of settlements beyond the Earth.Social scientists (political philosophers, ethicists etc) interested in understanding how societies will develop in the future.