How to See Human Interaction with Space as Art: One of Many Perspectives
- Paper number
IAC-18,E5,3,6,x48431
- Author
Ms. Hannah Halcro, Canada, Concordia University
- Year
2018
- Abstract
The Voyager Golden Records, the Juno spacecraft, data from radio telescopes, and the ISS; all examples of how humans interact with space. We may use “human interaction with space” as an umbrella term to refer to human activities whose scope reaches beyond Earth. Though typically considered through practical lenses, a cultural lens may be applied. Such an application demands that human interaction with space be seen as an art in itself. Human-space interaction reflects back on society in many ways. This can be seen even outside of pop culture and practical made-for-space innovations that become adapted to every day use. It reflects back on society through the eyes of our youth: in how they looks at national borders, in how they see commercial and government enterprises, in what they think is plausible in their lifetimes. The motivation of human space activities is another element of cultural significance. For example, the reason why North Americans are racing to send humans to Mars now is far removed from the reasons they sent humans to the moon during the 1960s and 70s. What kind of differing and converging ideas could there be behind the Voyager Golden Records and the spacebound Tesla Roadster? And what do those ideas reveal about us as a culture? When it comes to cultural studies, there are always more questions than answers. Offering new perspectives on how to ask and attempt to answer those questions will hopefully inspire others to do the same. The new context towards human interaction with space as something to be studied, to be talked about, and considered on a human level. An increased understanding holds the potential to yield a better reflection of who we are.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-18,E5,3,6,x48431.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.