From the South Pole to the stars: Antarctica and outer space

Abstract

The histories of Antarctica and outer space share relational trajectories. In our modern era of increasing commercialisation of space and discussion of space resource utilization, humanity’s future in space can be informed by the history of human activity in Antarctica. This paper begins with a critical discussion of why space and Antarctica are compared, then introduces areas of comparison through a relational trajectories lens, including their physical environments, human psychosocial experiences, governance, and science fiction portrayals. It contributes to the discussion of the value the humanities can provide for science, in this case the science of human spaceflight and space travel, particularly by providing an ethical check and asking critical questions regarding rights and sustainability.