This volume addresses the creation, documentation, preservation, and
study of the archaeology of lunar, planetary, and interstellar
exploration. It defines the attributes of common human technological
expressions within national and, increasingly, private exploration
efforts, and explore the archaeology of both fixed and mobile artifacts
in the solar system and the wider galaxy.
This book presents the research of the foremost scholars in the field of
space archaeology and heritage, a recent discipline of the field of
Space Archaeology and Heritage. It provides the emerging archaeological
perspective on the history of the human exploration of space. Since
humans have been creating a vast archaeological preserve in space and on
other celestial bodies. This assemblage of heritage objects and sites
attest to the human presence off the Earth and the study of these
material remains are best investigated by archaeologists and historic
preservationists. As space exploration has reached the half century
mark, it is the appropriate time to reflect on the major events and
technological development of this particular unique 20th century arena
of human history.
The authors encapsulate various ways of looking at the archaeology of
both fixed and mobile human artifacts in the solar system. As missions
continue into space, and as private ventures gear up for public and
tourist visits to space and to the Moon and even Mars, it is the
appropriate time to address questions about the meaning and significance
of this material culture.
