Space is often thought of as the realm of science and technology, but there are other disciplines that have roles to play in defining humanity’s…
View More What role do the humanities and social sciences have in space?Category: Ancestors
What is the legacy of colonialism on space exploration?
Oftentimes space advocates expect leaving Earth will advance human society. To date, society on Earth has certainly been plagued by many problems, a notable one…
View More What is the legacy of colonialism on space exploration?How did Qian Xuesen contribute to American and Chinese space programs?
With China’s space program becoming more impressive every year, there is growing talk about competition in space between Beijing and Washington. In this context, an…
View More How did Qian Xuesen contribute to American and Chinese space programs?What are the hidden tales of the Apollo program?
The Apollo program is well-known both inside and outside the space community. Its achievements are important benchmarks in humanity’s engagement with space. Much focus is…
View More What are the hidden tales of the Apollo program?What interesting spacecraft missions never happened?
Much fanfare is made about successful spacecraft missions. But what about those spacecraft that were never built? They deserve interest, too. We spoke to Samuel…
View More What interesting spacecraft missions never happened?Spaceflight History: Nazi Rocketry
It is common knowledge that during the Cold War, international competition between the United States and the Soviet Union fueled space exploration. Less known, perhaps,…
View More Spaceflight History: Nazi RocketryRacialization Obscures Islamic Astronomical Tradition
Dominant narratives shape our understanding of astronomy’s historical development. Racism and other forms of marginalization certainly influence science today. But looking back in time,…
View More Racialization Obscures Islamic Astronomical TraditionThe Sophistication of Mayan Astronomy
Ancient Mayan civilization was one of the most advanced societies of Mesoamerica. Mayans developed a hieroglyphic writing system and created a mathematics with the…
View More The Sophistication of Mayan AstronomySpace Science in Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt intrigues general audiences. Its pyramids, Sphinx, and complex supernatural belief system have often attracted the attention of pseudoscience. Erich von Daniken’s popular…
View More Space Science in Ancient EgyptAustralia’s Indigenous Astronomy Tradition
There is increasing recognition of non-Western astronomy traditions. Last year, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) recognized 86 new star names from around the world.…
View More Australia’s Indigenous Astronomy Tradition