Arts and humanities essential for understanding space exploration, says academic
A Durham University professor argues that current space research debates neglect arts and humanities, which are vital for addressing ethical, legal, and cultural challenges of the spacefaring era.
Professor Abbie Garrington of Durham University has highlighted the absence of arts and humanities in contemporary space research discussions. She references physicist Laura Grego's warnings about the need to be aware of activities in space, including Elon Musk's potential 'appropriation' of space through satellites, and the broader questions of humanity's stewardship of Earth and future generations.
Garrington notes that while the Artemis mission inspires, most people remain passive spectators with no influence on major space decisions. She criticizes UK governments for prioritizing STEM subjects and the upcoming national space strategy's focus on economic growth and security, effectively fueling a second space race. According to her, new collaborative frameworks, theories of jurisdiction, laws, philosophies of human uniqueness and interplanetary environmental responsibility are needed, alongside a critical view of historical hubris.
She points to Durham's Space Research Centre and the Leverhulme Centre for Humanity and Space at the University of Leicester as promising models. Garrington expresses concern over humanities layoffs at universities such as Exeter and Edinburgh, which the British Academy calls 'cold spots' depriving students of enriching subjects. She argues these cuts diminish the nation's capacity to thrive in the new phase of space exploration.
