OPEN SPACE

Outer space has been the exclusive domain of generals and billionaires for far too long. Not content with the total domination of terra firma, warlords and industry titans cast their eyes to the cosmos and saw that it, too, was ripe for conquest. And so flags were planted in lunar soil, the orbital environment was polluted with the detritus of spy missions, thermonuclear warheads ignited the stratosphere, space hotels opened their reservation books, and untold fortunes evaporated in a bid for Martian hegemony.

At the same time that ever-greater walls were being built in space, however, the increasing democratization of technology and information caused rumblings in the cosmic underground. The appropriation of outer space for military advantage and private gain can no longer be tolerated. The writing is on the walls and the message is simple. It reads, “Ad astra — sua sponte!”

The inaugural issue of the Journal of Critical Space Studies is dedicated to the burgeoning open source, DIY revolution in space exploration. Over the next three months, we will journey to the stratosphere in a homemade space suit, learn how to make open source satellites, explore the challenges of nonprofit rocketry, and plot the many futures of community-driven space exploration.

SEE YOU IN SPACE.

-Laika Valentina

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The Journal of Critical Space Studies is a home for critical perspectives on autonomous space exploration and cosmic culture. We’re always looking for writers and artists who want to shape the future of independent space exploration. Submission guidelines are here.

The Autonomous Space Agency Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering open source space exploration technologies and space art. To learn more or donate, visit asan.space