Arts and humanities have a role in understanding space exploration

A letter writer reflects on an interview with physicist Laura Grego about the competition for space.

Published 26 July 2026 506 words
SCIENCE C1
Arts and humanities have a role in understanding space exploration

Do we think enough about the role of arts and humanities in discussions about space exploration? Physicist Laura Grego suggests that we need to understand what is happening in space. She raises concerns about Elon Musk potentially taking control of space with his satellites. Grego also highlights that our activities in space bring up important questions about how we are managing Earth for future generations and the value of human culture.

The interviewer, Aida Edemariam, noted that while missions like Artemis can be inspiring, most people are just observers with no influence on major decisions about space exploration, which affect society as a whole.

The sciences alone cannot solve these complex issues. Governments in the UK have often favoured Stem (science, technology, engineering, and maths) subjects. The new national space strategy is likely to focus on economic benefits and national security, especially as there is a renewed focus on technological advancements in exploration and surveillance, often described as a second space race. However, as Grego's comments imply, we also require new ways of working together, new legal frameworks, and new ideas about what it means to be human, the importance of human culture, and our responsibility to protect the interplanetary environment. We must also learn from humanity's past mistakes.

Institutions like Durham University's Space Research Centre and the new Leverhulme Centre for Humanity and Space at the University of Leicester may offer valuable insights. We are rightly concerned about cuts to arts and humanities courses in universities, which some describe as creating 'cold spots' where students will miss out on valuable subjects.

These cuts should also be seen as a national loss of disciplines that are crucial for the UK's success in this new era of space exploration, in addition to their many other functions.

Vocabulary

appropriation — The act of taking something for oneself, often without permission or in a way that is unfair.
stewardship — The responsible management and care of something, such as the Earth or resources.
relegation — The act of placing someone or something in a lower or less important position.
agog — Eager or very curious to hear or see something.
prioritised — Treated or managed as more important than other things.
surveillance — The close observation of a person or area, especially for intelligence or security purposes.
jurisdiction — The official power to make legal decisions and judgments.
interplanetary — Relating to or occurring between planets.
hubris — Excessive pride or self-confidence, which can lead to a downfall.
diminishment — The reduction or lessening of something's status, value, or importance.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why does the author believe that science alone is not enough to address the issues surrounding space exploration?
  2. What concerns does the article raise about the potential influence of private companies and individuals in space?
  3. How might the arts and humanities contribute to a better understanding and management of space exploration, according to the text?

Based on an article from The Guardian.

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