Interstellar Dreams vs. Earthly Realities: Rethinking Space Exploration With Savannah Mandel

Have you ever wondered if reaching for the stars is humanity's most urgent priority? Is it the thrill of exploration, the endless possibilities, or our desire to ensure that our species has a plan B? In this episode of This Anthro Life, we tackle the captivating and fascinating world of Space Exploration and Space Industry with anthropologist Savannah Mandel. Savannah Mandel shares her research and experiences working in the human space exploration industry. She discusses her journey from being a starry-eyed lover of space as a child to developing more critical perspectives as her research progressed. She remains devoted to bringing anthropological research methods to bear, diversifying voices in the field, and furthering public understanding. We also touch on topics like decolonizing space, diversifying voices and perspectives involved in the industry, applying anthropological research to create real-world impact, and studying speculative futures. Join in for another episode that takes you on a journey beyond the stars and back down to Earth.Key takeaways:Learn about space ethics and anthropology by exploring how social scientists are studying the cultural, ethical, and social dimensions of humanity's journey into space.Explore the ethical implications of space exploration by examining important questions about equality, justice, environmental impact, and the effects on life on Earth.Examine the economic forces driving the space industry by examining the role of governments, private companies, billionaires, and other financial stakeholders.Understand the social impact of humanity's journey into space by considering how space exploration changes societies, cultures, and humanity's view of itself.Challenge conventional wisdom about space exploration by questioning assumptions made by governments, corporations, and the media about colonizing space.Question the grand visions of the space industry by analyzing the motivations and assumptions behind proposals for space mining, tourism, and colonization.Ground the study of space within a broader global context by connecting space exploration to issues like inequality, climate change, and social justice on Earth.Consider cultural, social, and political factors influencing space exploration by examining public opinion, cultural representations, and power structures.Discover how anthropology can shape the future of space by advocating for diverse voices and ethical, socially conscious policies.Apply anthropological research to create real-world change by informing decision-making and bringing new perspectives to the space industry.Timestamps:00:00:32 Questioning the relevance of space exploration.00:05:09 Questioning the ethics of research.00:12:09 Limited voices in space exploration.00:19:29 Space exploration should be optional.00:21:48 Importance of discussing space ethics.00:26:48 Anthropologists can be activists.00:32:17 Speculative research informs present realities.00:37:03 Science fiction influences society's future.00:42:00 Include diverse voices in space.00:48:01 Questioning expertise in space exploration.00:57:45 Writing process for aspiring writers.01:00:52 Take writing seriously as a business.01:03:06 Importance of anthropology in space.Savannah Mandel, a passionate anthropologist, delves into the realms of speculation, futurism, and industrial studies. With a pen in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other, she finds herself in her element. Her diverse experiences have shaped her into a versatile writer, both in non-fiction and fiction genres. When she's not engrossed in her research and writing, Savannah indulges in board games and even runs a time travel-themed role-playing game. Her captivating articles can be found in esteemed publications...