An Introduction to Space Archaeology

Name: An Introduction to Space Archaeology
Price: 30 USD
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ISBN: 9781394256143

by Lisa Westwood

1st Edition

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

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Book Details

Print ISBN	9781394256143
eText ISBN	9781394256150
Publisher	Wiley-Blackwell
Publishing Year	2026
Edition	1st Edition
Language	English
Pages	192

The 1st Edition of An Introduction to Space Archaeology by Lisa Westwood examines humanity's material heritage off-world by applying established archaeological methods to space exploration history. Published by Wiley-Blackwell in 2026, this 192-page textbook provides a foundational framework for analyzing physical evidence generated by historic space missions.

The volume connects foundational concepts to modern challenges, guiding readers through key thematic areas such as orbital debris management, site preservation, and ethical stewardship of heritage beyond Earth. Coverage spans aerospace history, space law, international policy, and cultural resources management, offering structured insights into how off-world sites are recorded and evaluated.

Intended to support upper-level high school and undergraduate courses in archaeology, history, anthropology, planetary science, and aerospace studies, the textbook includes instructor resources such as customizable lecture slides and test banks. Print ISBN 9781394256143 anchors this accessible entry point to space heritage research.

Chapter 1: Principles of Archaeology
- • The Inspiration for Space Archaeology
- • Archaeology and the Study of Culture
- • Method and Theory of Archaeological Research
- • Archaeological Sites: The Subject of Inquiry
- • Methods of Documentation
- • Evaluating Significance
- • Chapter Summary
- • Study Questions
- • Key Terms
- • References
Chapter 2: History of Human Spaceflight
- • The Chronology of Human Space Flight
- • Propulsion Exploratory Period, up to c. 1900
- • Early Rocket Testing Period, c. 1900–1945
- • Cold War Space Race Period, c. 1945–1969
- • Intensive Human Spaceflight Period, c. 1969–2011
- • Commercial and International Exploration Period, c. 2011–Present
- • The Next Period: To Be Determined
- • Chapter Summary
- • Study Questions
- • Key Terms
- • References
Chapter 3: Space Archaeology on Earth
- • Ancient Astronomers
- • Space Archaeology on Earth
- • Primary Sites
- • Secondary Sites
- • Auxiliary Sites
- • Cultural Landscape of Space
- • Chapter Summary
- • Study Questions
- • Key Terms
- • References
Chapter 4: Space Archaeology in Orbit
- • Post-Depositional Processes
- • Orbital Debris
- • Humanity’s Entrance into Earth’s Orbit
- • Living in Space
- • Skylab
- • International Space Station
- • Orbiting Telescopes
- • Hubble Telescope
- • Webb Telescope
- • Mars Odyssey
- • Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
- • Voyager
- • Orbiting … Cars?
- • Threats from Orbital Debris
- • Earth’s Oceans: A Model?
- • Importance of Orbital Trajectory
- • Chapter Summary
- • Study Questions
- • Key Terms
- • References
Chapter 5: Space Archaeology on Other Celestial Bodies
- • Preservation Matters
- • Remote Sensing
- • The First “Landings”
- • The First Human Footprints
- • Human Cremains
- • Chapter Summary
- • Study Questions
- • Key Terms
- • References
Chapter 6: Conservation and Management
- • Archaeological Sites: Nonrenewable Resources
- • Threats to Space Archaeology
- • Intentional Harm
- • Political Power Plays
- • Resource and Mineral Extracting
- • Space Exploration
- • Symbolic Protections
- • International Efforts
- • Preservation Forward
- • The Future of Space Archaeology
- • Chapter Summary
- • Study Questions
- • Key Terms
- • References
Chapter 7: Why Does All of This Matter?
- • Chapter Summary
- • Study Questions
- • Key Terms
- • References