What is space archaeology and what does it study?
Space archaeology is the research-based study of various human-made items found in space. It treats these objects as clues to the adventures humanity has experienced beyond Earth.
Space archaeology is the research-based study of various human-made items found in space. It treats these objects as clues to the adventures humanity has experienced beyond Earth.
Vanguard 1 launched in 1958 stands as the oldest manmade satellite still in orbit today. Its upper stage rocket also remains floating around Earth despite losing communication in 1964.
The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 serves as the governing law on the Moon and other celestial bodies. It states that space objects remain under the jurisdiction of the originating state.
The International Space Station Archaeological Project began in late 2015 under leaders Justin Walsh and Alice Gorman. ISSAP published its first results from the Sampling Quadrangle Assemblages Research Experiment in 2024 showing how maintenance workstations were used for storage.
The World Monuments Fund added the Moon to its World Monuments Watch in January 2025 due to its cultural significance to humanity. This marked the first time heritage located off Earth received recognition by the Watch.