![]() This alternative vision of humanity focusing its attentions on Earth flows from the mouths of those I refer to as caretakers – those individuals who seek out the restoration of the planet our species was designed for (whether by deity or evolution). A tool which is convincing enough to sponsor massive investment.īut in tandem with this Utopian demand I see another imperative. In this way, this utopian demand of human civilization extended into outer space, functions as a tool. Diagram of the Lunar Gateway showing all international partners and their contributions. ![]() Billions of dollars are being invested toward the perpetuation of human space exploration and for a variety of reasons (Highfill 2019). And indeed, this vision of leaving the Earth, part science fiction and part science reality, is powerful enough to propel an industry of commercial space entrepreneurs forward. Kathi Weeks argues that utopian demands-such as a better world in outer space-are effective for advancing critical thinking, inspiring political imagination and inciting collective action (Weeks 2011). But this is a utopian vision I encountered regularly throughout my time conducting ethnographic research in the space industry – a daydream shared by many. I haven’t actually been asked to leave Earth. This is a utopian vision of course, a far-off reality, shrouded in speculation and conjecture. ![]() I’ve been facing one of those heartbreaking decisions recently the one to leave Earth. Maybe the decision is less material and far more heartbreaking – maybe you’re debating whether to get married or have a child or get a divorce or forgive yourself for mistakes long past. Maybe you’re deciding whether to pay off your ever-growing credit card debt or to take a vacation to Milan. Maybe you’re debating between becoming a vegetarian so as not to support cruel and capitalist meat industries and savoring exotic cuisines sourced from god-only-knows-where. That’s what I’m learning as I enter my mid-twenties. Sometimes we have to make tough decisions as adults.
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