When we think of space exploration, it calls to mind Star Trek's lofty title sequence narration, "to explore new worlds. To seek out new life and new civilizations." But a growing number of academics see our yearning to explore as a lust for conquest. Even the terms "civilization" and "intelligent life" are fraught with imperialistic and colonial baggage — tied to eugenics and genocide — that we must disgorge before we set foot on other worlds.

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