Space activism: a psychosocial perspective

In this chapter, a psychosocial perspective is introduced to understand the politics of space exploration, development and settlement. The pro-space movement , committed to extending such practices, is first examined. Also explored is the outer space protection movement aiming to protect space from nuclear power, weaponization, pollution and exploitation by capital. Four basic fantasy formations are represented in outer space activism. Omnipotent fantasies place the fantasiser in a position of control over outer space objects. Unification fantasies involve a sense of overcoming barriers to restore a sense of wholeness. In ‘mock reparative fantasies’ the fantasiser travels to space and returns to Earth with messages about Earth’s fragility and unity. Finally, reparative fantasies involve protecting outer space in such a way that human malevolence is curtailed.