S3. Ep5. Antarctica and Outer Space: Space humanities with Juan Francisco Salazar
In this episode, our founder and CEO, Dr Cassandra Steer, speaks with filmmaker and Professor Juan Francisco Salazar from Western Sydney University. We discuss Juan’s cultural research and visits to Antarctica, and consider how his research into the Anthropocene and socio-environmental change has provided perspectives for researching outer space.
We also explore the role of popular culture, the importance of listening to Indigenous perspectives and the role of the social in space governance through “space humanities”. Juan encourages listeners to consider different perspectives and approaches, asking: what are we doing in outer space? Are we ready for space?
We discuss human relationships with the environment, as well as the parallels and divergences between Antarctica and outer space, including questions of commercialisation and resource extraction.
We consider different normative and governance models, including reflections on Antarctica’s unique legal regime.
This podcast forms part of ACSG’s leadership in drawing on expertise across the humanities to advocate for and shape responsible space governance in Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
Further information and listening Juan’s documentary “Cosmographies”: https://cosmographies.info/
Framing the Futures of Australia in Space: Insights from Key Stakeholders: https://www.researchgate.net/publicat...
The Routledge Handbook of Social Studies of Outer Space: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/e...