Forcing Our Way Into The Space Debate
Don't just poke fun at the rich White guys launching into space. Since this is happening, let's make sure 'the final frontier' is truly just, equitable and inclusive, too
Publisher’s Riff
Public fascination with the crazy space exploits of billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson and Elon Musk will, naturally, elicit a collection of jokes, side-eyes and haters. It's easy to poke fun or throw smoke at the rich White guys, right? Who doesn't want that kind of fun. And because it's about space, an endless void of galaxies that our anti-science, anti-vaxx, flat-earthing society has trouble comprehending, the constant bark of an exhausted body politic that wants blood any way it can get it is heavy. People are also ridiculing what they don't understand; they rush to catch the latest DC or Marvel Universe or franchise sequel blockbuster of packaged fanbox hits, but when hit with the actual reality of space, of a final frontier, they really can't handle it.
But, step back and take this moment a bit more seriously. This is not just billionaires blowing their hustled dollars (which they've mugged from us) on space toys and trips. There is need for an important conversation about what this means for planet Earth in its current state. It also compels us to demand serious conversation on what space colonization looks like. Yes: space colonization will happen. It's coming. The pace of it is accelerating. Lament all we want about wealthy White money barons doing their colonization thing, but the fact is that they're not the only ones and this trend isn't stopping: governments like the U.S., China, the European Union, Russia, India and others have built programs that range from robust to baby-step stages. There are a few countries very well-funded and robust enough to even establish military branches dedicated to “defense” operations for space travel.
On principal, there's nothing wrong with space travel. It's exciting. We should encourage it. There's an acknowledgment that many technological innovations we've enjoyed in recent generations are a result of space exploration and experimentation. But, getting into the weeds, we need to inject more responsible conversations as we're lifting off. Space or orbital strategy should be aligned with the plight of planet Earth's health (how does this help mitigate climate change and enhance clean energy?) and the overall health of human civilization. We should ensure that this isn't just another exploitation play that's designed to leave the rest of us back here to sweat away on a burning, drying up home planet with deteriorating standards of living while we work to make the elite orbital-living classes comfortable. We don’t want this (and, we don’t want to call Matt Damon to help us, either) …
We should demand that space travel is an Earth-enhancement project, something done to make human civilization truly better.
Making humanity better isn't just creating new forms of orbital transit, colonization and weapons systems. Let's ensure that this is a truly equitable and inclusive venture, where all demographic groups are contributing and benefiting. This will mean transforming space industry ventures into an opportunity for marginalized populations looking for a breakthrough moment; so, for example: let's look to institutions like Historically Black Colleges and Universities being the epicenters of STEM-influenced training that grooms a new generation of young Black space industry professionals and leaders.
Let's also make sure that this there is justice in space. See: while we're clowning Bezos in his cowboy hat or Branson riding away from the runway on his bicycle, we're not demanding that justice and civil rights conversation for this. As human beings move to space, will there be a different set of rules and standards or will we endeavor to apply and finally achieve complete justice and full civil rights in space communities? Will this be an unregulated, anything-goes, Wild West frontier space? Or, will this be a place that will respect and impose a healthy regulatory construct to make sure people are not being violated and their humanity reduced by bias like they've had to endure on planet Earth? The bigger question: do we let racism follow humanity into space? The questions should be no - but, you know, some folks are not going to see it that way. Which is why we need to have a different conversation.