Colonialism 2.0: Now we’re exporting it to space

Indigenous and global South voices warn of colonial patterns in space exploration in new Nature commentary

Just when we thought we’d learned from the past, humanity is preparing to repeat its most destructive habits – this time, in space.

As the global space industry accelerates towards a projected value of $1.8 trillion by 2035, a group of Indigenous and allied scholars is warning that humanity’s next great frontier risks becoming a new arena for old patterns of exclusion, exploitation and colonialism.

In a commentary published in Nature, eleven researchers from around the world argue that a narrow set of interests is shaping space exploration – primarily those of wealthy nations and private corporations. 

According to the paper, despite the romantic rhetoric of exploration and discovery, the reality is that space is being treated as a new frontier for conquest.

“The language used – planting flags, claiming territory, resource extraction – is reminiscent of the colonial playbook,” says one of the paper’s authors, Associate Professor Adam Fish, a cultural anthropologist, from UNSW Sydney’s Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture.

“And just like before, Indigenous peoples and nations in the global South are being sidelined, their knowledge systems ignored, and their rights trampled.”

The researchers are experts in space law, anthropology, astronomy, and Indigenous knowledge systems, and warn that the current trajectory of space development mirrors historical patterns of land appropriation and ecological harm. They call for a fundamental shift in how space is governed—one that centres on collaboration, consultation, and mutual benefit.

A booming industry, a narrowing conversation

While 77 national space agencies now exist, decision-making power remains concentrated in a handful of countries and corporations. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and Indigenous nations are often excluded from international forums and policy-making processes.

Partnering Indigenous communities with the space industry offers mutual benefits, fostering innovation and inclusive exploration.

Australia’s proximity to the equator and clear skies make it an ideal location for launch sites and ground stations, says Daniel Joinbee, a proud Gunggandji man, space entrepreneur and founder of Gunggandji Aerospace, a co-author of the commentary.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander initiatives, such as the Centre for Appropriate Technology and the National Indigenous Space Academy, highlight the potential for First Nations leadership in space science and STEM fields,” he says.

However, despite these promising developments, Indigenous communities in Australia face systemic barriers to fully benefiting from the space economy.

The lack of a structured First Nations engagement framework has led to missed opportunities, such as the closure of the Arnhem Space Centre—a rocket launch pad that was developed with some First Nations consultation and buy-in.

“Without addressing these challenges collaboratively, First Nations communities risk being excluded from the economic and cultural benefits of space development, and the industry itself may lose out on valuable Indigenous knowledge and perspectives,” says Joinbee.

Towards an anti-colonial space future

“You can see a direct line between historical colonialism and the practices of modern space exploration,” says A/Prof. Fish.

For example, the 1967 Outer Space Treaty – the foundational legal framework for space activities – fails to acknowledge Indigenous rights or address the legacies of colonialism.

Rather than rejecting space exploration, the authors advocate for a new model – one that is inclusive, respectful, and grounded in ethical responsibility. They propose a framework based on five principles: collaboration, consultation, respect, responsibility, and mutual benefit.

This includes involving Indigenous communities in space governance, respecting sacred sites and cultural values, and integrating diverse cosmologies into scientific and policy discussions.

“I believe that Australia is uniquely placed to be a leader in ensuring that our current and future endeavours in space are done so in an ethical and sustainable manner,” says paper co-author Peter Swanton, a Gamilaraay-Yuwaalyaay man, Indigenous Research Associate and PhD student at the ANU.

They acknowledge that this won’t be easy. The space industry is deeply embedded in capitalist and geopolitical systems that often prioritise profit and dominance over justice. Yet they argue that a more inclusive approach is not only possible but essential.

“Space must not become the domain of a privileged few,” says Swanton

“Instead, it should be a shared resource, governed by principles that reflect the diversity and dignity of all humanity.”