In new space race, scientists propose geoarchaeology can aid in preserving space heritage

As a brand new space race heats up, two researchers from the Kansas Geological Survey on the College of Kansas and their colleagues have proposed a brand new scientific subfield: planetary geoarchaeology, the research of how cultural and pure processes on Earth’s moon, on Mars and throughout the solar system could also be altering, preserving or destroying the fabric file of space exploration.

“Till not too long ago, we would take into account the fabric left behind through the space race of the mid-Twentieth century as comparatively secure,” mentioned Justin Holcomb, postdoctoral researcher on the Kansas Geological Survey, primarily based on the College of Kansas, and lead writer on a brand new paper introducing the idea of planetary geoarchaeology within the journal Geoarchaeology.

“Nevertheless, the fabric file that at present exists on the moon is quickly changing into susceptible to being destroyed if correct consideration is not paid throughout the brand new space period.”

Because the creation of space exploration, people have launched greater than 6,700 satellites and spacecraft from international locations across the globe, based on the Union of Involved Scientists. The USA alone accounts for greater than 4,500 civil, business, governmental and army satellites.

“We’re making an attempt to attract consideration to the preservation, research and documentation of space heritage as a result of I do assume there is a threat to this heritage on the moon,” Holcomb mentioned. “The USA is making an attempt to get boots on the moon once more, and China is as nicely. We have already had a minimum of 4 international locations unintentionally crash into the moon not too long ago. There are a number of unintentional crashes and never a number of protections proper now.”

Holcomb started contemplating the thought of planetary geoarchaeology through the COVID-19 lockdown. Making use of geoarchaeological instruments and strategies to the motion of individuals into space and the solar system is a pure extension of the research of human migration on Earth, the main target of the ODYSSEY Archaeological Analysis Program housed at KGS and directed by Holcomb’s co-author, Rolfe Mandel, KGS senior scientist and College Distinguished Professor within the Division of Anthropology.

“Human migration out of Africa might have occurred as early as 150,000 years in the past, and space travel represents the newest stage of that journey,” Mandel mentioned. “Though the ODYSSEY program is concentrated on documenting the earliest proof of individuals within the Americas, the subsequent frontier for related analysis shall be in space.”

How planetary geoarchaeologists will decide whether or not an merchandise is price preserving is an open query.

“We really feel that each one materials at present present on extraterrestrial surfaces is space heritage and worthy of safety,” Holcomb mentioned. “Nevertheless, some websites, such because the very first footprints on the moon at Tranquility Base or the primary lander on Mars, Viking 1, symbolize the fabric footprint of an extended historical past of migration.”

Past these “firsts,” sifting via the tons of of 1000’s of bits of fabric at present in orbit or strewn throughout the surfaces of the moon and Mars—what many name “trash” however Holcomb and his colleagues regard as heritage—would require case-by-case resolution making.

“We’ve to make these selections on a regular basis with archaeological websites as we speak,” Holcomb mentioned. “The moon has such a restricted file now that it’s very potential to guard all of it. Actually, we have to shield space heritage associated to the Apollo missions, however different international locations, too, need to have their information protected.”

With sources for shielding space heritage restricted, Holcomb and his colleagues advocate for creating methods to trace supplies left in space.

“We must always start monitoring our materials file because it continues to increase, each to protect the earliest file but additionally to maintain a test on our affect on extraterrestrial environments,” he mentioned. “It is our job as anthropologists and archaeologists to deliver problems with heritage to the forefront.”

Past the moon, Holcomb desires to see planetary geoarchaeology prolong to points associated to exploration and migration to Mars. He factors to NASA’s Spirit Rover for instance. The rover turned caught in Martian sand in 2008 and now dangers being fully coated by encroaching sand dunes.

“As planetary geoarchaeologists, we are able to predict when the rover shall be buried, speak about what’s going to occur when it is buried and ensure it is nicely documented earlier than it is misplaced,” he mentioned. “Planetary scientists are rightfully curious about profitable missions, however they seldom take into consideration the fabric left behind. That is the best way we are able to work with them.”

Holcomb believes geoarchaeologists needs to be included in future NASA missions to make sure the safety and security of space heritage. In the meantime, geoarchaeologists on Earth can lay the muse for that work, together with advocating for legal guidelines to guard and protect space heritage, learning the results extraterrestrial ecosystems have on gadgets space missions depart behind and conducting worldwide discussions concerning space heritage preservation and safety points.

As for being a part of a space mission himself?

“I will depart that to different geoarchaeologists,” Holcomb mentioned. “There’s a lot to do down right here, however I do hope to see an archaeologist in space earlier than it is throughout.”