Space Archeologists Uncover Past and Project Future (original) (raw)
The Archaeology of Outer Space
Forbes, by David Anderson, December 3, 2018
When thinking of archaeology, you likely conjure up images of pyramids, ancient relics, and a dusty mummy or two; but, what about astronauts and space stations? On November 27th, the Australian research council announced the recipients of their annual Discovery Program grants. Among the projects chosen for funding was the International Space Station Archaeological Project (ISSAP) led by Dr. Alice Gorman, of Flinders University in Australia, and Dr. Justin Walsh, of Chapman University in the United States. This grant was big news for the burgeoning field of space archaeology.
Interview with a Space Archaeologist
DigVentures, 2015
Boldly going where no man, woman, child or dog has gone before, Dr Alice Gorman has been involved in the establishment of Space Archaeology as a sub-discipline. She’s also an out-of-this world authority on space junk and the applications of archaeology in space.
Space Archaeology and it's importance for the discipline as a whole
Solomon Staunton , 2019
In recent decades, the fledgling subdivision of Exo-Archaeology has grown in popularity. People are often left scratching their heads at the prospect of the interaction between the frontiers of space exploration and the cultural study of apes experimenting with stone tools. The fact that one deals with the grand, cosmic expanses of the unknown and the other, which sits quite comfortably on Earth is startling for some. Perhaps with the discovery of lifeforms on other planets, (Exoplanets), (either 'intelligent' or not) the practice of cultural archaeology may be brought to the fore but as of this moment, Space Archaeology refers to, more specifically, an investigation of the technology that humans leave behind, i.e. satellites, rocket modules and basic everyday objects utilized by astronauts as well as the impact that these objects have on Earth. Their significance within the history of our species as relics of our burgeoning Space Age is undeniable and how we choose to conserve and protect our own planet and aspects of our heritage in relation to global warming and the pollution of our natural ecosystems. By assessing the importance that Exo-Archaeology has on the profession as a whole and its impact upon the future of our species, as well as defining what Exo-Archeology is, recognizing the inherent differences between cultural material and 'space junk', and discussing the significance of cultural material left on both the Moon and Mars in relation to conservation and preservation, I hope to set-out a convincing argument for why this field deserves further scrutiny and investigation, perhaps even more so than other aspects of Archaeology receive here on Earth. Finally, I will outline how the investigation and preservation of human elements in space will pave the way for the future of Exo-Archaeology regarding the investigation of alien cultures that may be discovered in the near future. Drawing upon the work of a myriad of scholars, some of who include
Review: Archaeology and Heritage of the Human Movement into Space
Journal of Contemporary Archaeology, 2015
This is a broad collection of essays on space archaeology, which ambitiously seeks to create an integrated approach to sites and materials relating to the exploration of space on the Earth, in orbit, on the Moon, and further afield both in and beyond the confines of our solar system. Its subjects range from the iconic and frequently idolized, such as the space shuttle, to the secretive, hi-tech, and disposable, such as decommissioned research centres. Its contributors—who are among the foremost scholars in the field of space archaeology—have backgrounds in anthropology, journalism, applied physics, architecture, archaeology, conservation science, museum studies, and cultural resource management. The book not only provides a most useful introduction to the breadth and variety of the subject, but also goes much further in exploring potential future directions.
Archeology also takes place among the stars
SiNC, by Federico Kukso, 14 May, 2022
Pending the end of the International Space Station in 2031, an international team of researchers has conducted, with the help of astronauts in orbit, the rst archaeological experiment in space. Its mission: to investigate for the rst time in its three decades of history the social and cultural components of this "micro-society", which will serve to guide the design of space habitats in the future.
Archaeologists Investigate Life on the International Space Station
By Laura Panjwani, RD Mag, 16 October, 2017
When most people think of archaeology, images of bones, ancient artifacts, and dig sites come to mind. But Justin Walsh, Ph.D. and Alice Gorman, Ph.D. are taking a new approach to archaeology—trading in their shovels and picks for something out of this world, literally. The two have launched ISS Archaeology, the first archaeological study of a space habitat.
Space Cafe Podcast, , 2023
In this enlightening episode, host Markus engages in a comprehensive discussion about space archaeology and space debris with Dr. Alice Gorman, an internationally recognized leader in the field of space archaeology. Dr. Gorman’s innovative research on space exploration has been featured in National Geographic, New Scientist, and Archaeology magazine. She is a revered faculty member of the International Space University’s Southern Hemisphere Space Program in Adelaide and a prolific author, her book “Dr. Space Junk vs The Universe: Archaeology and the Future” garnering several awards and commendations.