The past decade has seen a rapid expansion of the commercial space industry, with rival nations competing for military and economic footholds beyond Earth, leading to concerns about repeating colonial practices.
The appropriation of outer space resources resembles the very processes that defined European colonialism, such as land enclosure and environmental exploitation, all justified by ideals of civilization and destiny.
Space industry leaders argue that colonialism, despite its historical harms, may be necessary for humanity's future in space, though this perspective is contested by various stakeholders, including indigenous communities.
Contrary to claims that outer space is empty, there are significant ethical discussions emerging around rights and ownership regarding celestial bodies and ecosystems, which could reshape the industry’s dynamics.
#space-colonization #commercial-space-industry #ethics-in-space #colonialism #environmental-exploitation
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