Astrosociology Education and the Future of Space Exploration, Exploitation, and Settlement

摘要

The absence of a social science oriented outer space curriculum continues to hinder advancements in current space exploration, exploitation, and settlement activities; those in the planning stages; and future endeavors only dreamed about or not yet contemplated. The missing focus remains on the human dimension of outer space. This concept includes the effects of space on human societies, their social structures and cultures, and the behavior of individuals. Despite all of the good knowledge produced by the hard sciences, technological advancements, engineering constructs, and mathematical insights (STEM), both religion and the STEM disciplines have been unable to explain the complexities brought to bear by human beings, both on Earth and in space. Sociology, psychology, and all of the other social/behavioral sciences and humanities were created to fill the gap by inventing another branch of science that focused on this human dimension. In the space community, the "other" branch of science has received only limited attention despite the fact that human beings are the species that happens to explore space. A much greater focus is needed on the human dimension, as it provides the balance to the STEM disciplines. Astrosociology exists to provide this balance, and thus astrosociology education and research must become more mainstream and supported by the space community, both in the context of venturing out into space and coping with the growing impact of space on terrestrial societies. Two older surveys administered by this author are presented to provide some thoughts by students, professionals, and laypersons about the importance of developing astrosociology.