Outer space colonialism is usually believed to belong to the world of science fiction. However ill-advised colonizing outer space might be, it is often assumed to be fundamentally different from earthly colonialism for one key reason: outer space is actually empty. If new technologies can allow humans to reach lunar lands which are genuine terra nullius, or empty spaces—then what’s wrong with colonizing outer space? Would-be space colonists argue that outer space, unlike indigenous lands, is truly empty. Outer space colonialism is not without its wrongs and will not be without its harms.

Source: New York Times January 12, 2024 13:47 UTC