The Archaeology of Space Exploration (original) (raw)

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

Space Archaeology: excavating the future

Dr Gorman is a senior lecturer in Archaeology at Flinders University. She is also an internationally recognised leader in the emerging field of Space Archaeology. She first spoke to our group in 2012. Since the first Sputnik was launched by the Soviet Union in 1957, human beings have sent a vast amount of material into space. Our fragile planet is now encircled by a swarm of high velocity debris, ranging in size from flecks of paint, to old satellites, spent rockets, and not forgetting a large space station. Alice will tell us about this exciting new branch of Archaeology.

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.

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.

The archaeology of orbital space

Australian Space Science Conference, 2005

More than 10 000 objects larger than 10 cm are currently in earth orbit. These objects include satellites, launch vehicle upper stages, mission-related debris and “space junk”. The amount of debris constitutes a threat for the successful development and delivery of space services. In the near future, space agencies are considering the necessity of removing material from orbital space. In the longer term,m some orbital material may be both the subject of commercial salvage operations, and a destination for space tourists. Orbital objects and debris are the cultural heritage of the “Space Age” inaugurated by the launch of Sputnik I in 1957. Ever since, the formerly “empty” orbital space has become an organically evolving cultural landscape. This paper discusses the heritage value of orbital objects and space junk, and suggests avenues for managing the archaeological record of human endeavours beyond the atmosphere. Keywords: orbital debris, cultural heritage, cultural landscape, Vanguard 1, FedSat, Syncom 3, material culture

The ESA Rosetta mission: a Space Archaeology case study

ArcheoLogica Data, 2024

After millennia of associative and cultural interaction between human communities and the Cosmos, since the launch of Sputnik in 1957, the first artificial satellite in History, Space has become a natural environment with which today's societies constantly interact for their own economic, scientific, political, and military needs: the development and proliferation of human activities in Space represents one of the shaping and characterizing factors of contemporary society in the 20th and 21st centuries. Space Archaeology emerged in the late 1990s (mostly in the US and Australian academic context), and it examines the contexts of human and robotic Space exploration analysing the relationship between Material Culture, human behaviour and the natural environment, according to the theoretical model of Cultural Landscape. This article represents a synthesis of a broader research carried out for the writing of the master's thesis (Forassiepi, 2023): an overview of the general principles and methodological aspects of the discipline is provided, and then developed in the case study related to the ESA’s1 Rosetta mission (2004-2016), presenting data and results.

Thematic feature interview forum: Space and the outer limits of archaeology

International Journal of Student Research in Archaeology, 2018

Archaeology might be defined simply as the study of 'the human altered world'. Until recently, traces of humanity's past could have only been found on Earth. But, as our influence continues to expand beyond, we must consider human activities and human-made objects in space and how they—as extensions of ourselves—impact other worlds and the spaces between. This is 'space archaeology'. Features interviews with five activists and innovators in the research and education of outer space from the perspective of archaeology and anthropology.

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's final frontier? An intercontinental approach

2007

This book discusses the cultural, social and archaeological aspects of space and the impact of spatial concepts in practical archaeological case studies. It summarizes recent developments and looks to the future, exploring some of the cutting-edge ideas in spatial method and theory. The past decade has seen significant advances in the tools available for spatial analysis in archaeology, and theory and method regarding the spatial character of archaeology must keep pace with these advances. Geomorphological and geochemical techniques, geographic information systems, remotely sensed data, virtual reality and electronic survey technology provide new opportunities, but also require new ideas. This book gives us insight into the ways that people have used space to subsist, to recreate their culture in their ‘homelands’ or in new areas, or impose their culture on others. Contributors address the way archaeological notions of space and deep time can add to society’s understanding of landscape, social relationships, past environment and cultural heritage. The contributions from Europe and North America demonstrate intercontinental connections and explore ways of using dynamic models of spatial patterning to assess human activity within natural and cultural landscapes.