Preserving Space Heritage through Geoarchaeology in the New Space Race
As the new space race intensifies, scientists are proposing the field of planetary geoarchaeology to study how cultural and natural processes on celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars are affecting the material record of space exploration. With the increasing number of satellites and spacecraft launched into space, there is a growing risk of destroying the historical artifacts left behind during the mid-20th century space race. The researchers emphasize the need for preservation, study, and documentation of space heritage, as countries like the United States and China plan to return to the Moon. They suggest tracking and protecting all material existing on extraterrestrial surfaces and involving geoarchaeologists in future space missions to ensure the safety and preservation of space heritage.