Astrosociology and the Planning of Space Ecosystems

Abstract

Humans can only survive in space on a sustained basis when they live in a social group of some kind, whether a crew for short-term survival or communities and larger social structures for long-term survival. Space societies represent the most stable form of social structure, though they require a large number of settlers, as the following discussion will explore. Humans are social animals. Therefore, social interaction is necessary for people to remain psychologically healthy. With this in mind, it should be apparent that the design of the space habitat and the planning of the social environment are both absolutely necessary. It is extremely unwise to send humans into space environments, each of which possesses its own set of physical hardships, without the input of social scientists and humanists. Proper astrosociological research and planning will prove essential, as the physical environment normally focused upon cannot ensure that those who live within habitat walls will thrive socially. In other words, it is not enough to simply place a group of human beings into a safe physical environment and expect a successful outcome. This paper investigates some of the most important social, cultural, and psychological issues involved with sending humans to locations beyond Earth. Hostile space environments present challenges to health and safety that create stress that affects individuals, social groups, and entire communities (in larger settlements). The relative inattention to the astrosociological issues involved with the successful migration into space environments is troublesome to this author. What follows is a mixture of an exploration of the relevant issues and a set of cautionary messages regarding what can happen if the social sciences and humanities do not receive their due participatory status in the planning and ongoing study of space ecosystems.