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Main Authors: Revista, Zen, HISTORY, 10
Format: Recurso digital
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Published: Zenodo 2025
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17768513
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author Revista, Zen
HISTORY, 10
author_facet Revista, Zen
HISTORY, 10
contents This paper critically examines the "planetary imaginary"—the collective vision of humanity's relationship with celestial bodies and the cosmos—arguing that it is deeply intertwined with enduring colonial legacies. As humanity ventures further into the space age, the narratives, policies, and practices surrounding extraterrestrial exploration, settlement, and resource utilization often echo historical patterns of terrestrial colonialism. We investigate how concepts such as discovery, terraforming, frontier expansion, and resource appropriation on Earth are re-articulated in contemporary space discourse, perpetuating power imbalances and potentially replicating injustices in new cosmic contexts. Through an interdisciplinary analysis drawing from postcolonial theory, critical race studies, and science and technology studies, this paper dissects the underlying assumptions embedded within dominant space age futures. It reveals how the rhetoric of universal human progress in space frequently overlooks or actively suppresses diverse perspectives, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, regarding humanity's place in the universe and the ethical implications of extraterrestrial engagement. Ultimately, this work advocates for a decolonial turn in space studies, urging a re-imagining of space age futures that prioritizes equity, ecological stewardship, and truly inclusive forms of cosmic coexistence.
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spellingShingle The Planetary Imaginary: Colonial Legacies in Space Age Futures
Revista, Zen
HISTORY, 10
This paper critically examines the "planetary imaginary"—the collective vision of humanity's relationship with celestial bodies and the cosmos—arguing that it is deeply intertwined with enduring colonial legacies. As humanity ventures further into the space age, the narratives, policies, and practices surrounding extraterrestrial exploration, settlement, and resource utilization often echo historical patterns of terrestrial colonialism. We investigate how concepts such as discovery, terraforming, frontier expansion, and resource appropriation on Earth are re-articulated in contemporary space discourse, perpetuating power imbalances and potentially replicating injustices in new cosmic contexts. Through an interdisciplinary analysis drawing from postcolonial theory, critical race studies, and science and technology studies, this paper dissects the underlying assumptions embedded within dominant space age futures. It reveals how the rhetoric of universal human progress in space frequently overlooks or actively suppresses diverse perspectives, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, regarding humanity's place in the universe and the ethical implications of extraterrestrial engagement. Ultimately, this work advocates for a decolonial turn in space studies, urging a re-imagining of space age futures that prioritizes equity, ecological stewardship, and truly inclusive forms of cosmic coexistence.
title The Planetary Imaginary: Colonial Legacies in Space Age Futures
url https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17768513