Ancestors Archives | Filling Space

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…

Ancestors Society

What is the legacy of colonialism on space exploration?

Editor February 19, 2021 colonialism coloniality Eurocentrism exploration humanity legacies modernization resources revolutions slavery

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…

Ancestors Society

How did Qian Xuesen contribute to American and Chinese space programs?

Editor January 15, 2021 aeronautics astronautics China engineering politics Qian Xuesen rockets space programs the China National Space Administration the United States

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…

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What are the hidden tales of the Apollo program?

Editor April 10, 2020 astronauts documentaries engineers history Honeywell NASA oral histories scientists spacecraft 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…

Ancestors Machine

What interesting spacecraft missions never happened?

Editor March 28, 2020 aircraft bombers Books cancellations history space shuttles spacecraft spaceplanes the Tsiolkovski Crater writing

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…

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Spaceflight History: Nazi Rocketry

Editor March 8, 2019 guided missiles NASA Project Paperclip rocket engineering space history the Cold War the National Air and Space Museum the US Army V-2 rockets Werner von Braun

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,…

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Racialization Obscures Islamic Astronomical Tradition

Editor March 1, 2019 Arab astronomy archeoastronomy astronomical traditions astronomy history Eurocentrism historiography Islamic astronomy non-Western traditions Persian astronomy science history

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,…

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The Sophistication of Mayan Astronomy

Editor December 28, 2018 archeological records astronomical records astronomical traditions equinoxes Maya communities Mayan astronomy Mayan civilization Mesoamerica non-Western culture Teotihuacan

Ancient Mayan civilization was one of the most advanced societies of Mesoamerica. Mayans developed a hieroglyphic writing system and created a mathematics with the…

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Space Science in Ancient Egypt

Editor November 30, 2018 ancient astronomy ancient Egypt astronomical traditions Egyptian astronomy Egyptian calendars Egyptology pyramids the Cairo Calendar the Great Pyramid the Sphinx

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…

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Australia’s Indigenous Astronomy Tradition

Editor October 26, 2018 Aboriginal astronomy Aboriginal Australians Aboriginal people Aboriginal traditions astronomical traditions indigenous knowledge indigenous people non-Western astronomy oral traditions the emu in the sky

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.…