Space Anthropology w/ Savannah Mandel

Oct 4

In this episode, we sit down with Savannah Mandel, a pioneering space anthropologist and author of the thought-provoking book Ground Control: An Argument for the End of Human Space Exploration. Join us as we explore Savannah's ethnographic work at Spaceport America and what it means to study the human experience in space.

Savannah shares her insights on the ethical dimensions of space exploration, emphasizing the social and economic implications of the growing commercial space industry. She highlights how access to space is increasingly limited to the wealthy, raising critical questions about who is left behind and how this inequality shapes our vision for the future. Advocating for a more inclusive approach, she urges us to consider the ethical responsibilities that come with these advancements.

We also discuss the evolving landscape of academic publishing, examining whether academics should enlist agents or publicists to navigate the complexities of sharing their work. Savannah notes that while traditional researchers may not need publicists, those aiming for a general audience could greatly benefit from their expertise.

Tune in for an engaging conversation that challenges conventional views on space exploration and underscores the importance of diverse voices in shaping our future among the stars.