Space Exploration

As rockets launch and billionaires set their sights on Mars, space exploration is no longer just a scientific pursuit—it’s a deeply political, economic, and ethical issue. In this civic discussion, we’ll examine the growing involvement of private companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and international space agencies, and what their activities mean for society at large.

We’ll dive into the politics behind space funding, global competition, and national prestige, asking: Who decides what happens in space, and who benefits? We’ll also consider the environmental costs of rocket launches, the economic trade-offs of space investment, and the ethics of space colonization when basic needs remain unmet on Earth.

From a civic perspective, how do people view space exploration—hopeful curiosity or costly distraction? What are the pros and cons of pushing further into the cosmos? Should space be treated as a shared human endeavor or a competitive marketplace?

Join us for a grounded yet forward-looking conversation on the implications of reaching beyond our planet—what it reflects about us here on Earth, and what kind of future we want to build.

Relevant Content:

Politics of Space Exploration: https://youtu.be/bHcWNATk7bE?si=uDkD3EF70z5pT08a

International Politics of Outer Space: https://youtu.be/iNroL4ZT_qA?si=he-eaamR2S3Ojl2X