The evolving sociotechnical futures of outer space

Abstract

The anticipated futures and practices of the outer space sociotechnical system are undergoing their most significant adjustment since the Sputnik days due to the challenge posed by the vision that emphasises the interest of space for market-driven and profitable business. The theoretical notion of sociotechnical imaginaries allows to compare the traditional and commercial anticipations of space developments and their different approaches to technological progress, which are entangled with political and economic concerns. The performative power of the commerce-based imaginary is apparent in the renewed collective expectations that are shaping policy, innovation, and funding practices in the space sector. The new vision is thus contributing to transform the institutional culture that had dominated the industry, and the resulting imagination of outer space is evolving to a dual form, pragmatically alternating between the conventional and entrepreneurial representations. Yet, despite the inclusive narrative and democratisation discourse of the commercial perspective, the future-looking imaginary of outer space remains contested for economic, political, legal, and environmental reasons.