Space as a source of inspiration, identity and the arts

This chapter explores the future of space governance through the lens of space art. The lofty ideals of international space law that seek to govern space for the benefit of humankind are juxtaposed with a critical canon of space art that exposes the exclusive character of space travel. While the commercialisation of future space travel is changing the legal landscape of space governance, the critical art practices that are being discussed in this chapter show that space travel has always been embedded in a colonial ideological discourse. Exploring the rich and critical archive of space art will show that a sustained frontier mentality has been haunting space law right from its inception. The selected art works not only critique this frontier thinking but are also a source of inspiration for a new generation of space law that is more inclusive, regenerative, and relational.