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Sideways

A New Frontier: 2. For All Humankind?

Jul 17, 2024
Matthew Syed explores the ethics of space exploration by looking back at the origins of the space race between the USA and the USSR. He questions the benefits of space exploration for all humankind, highlighting the nationalistic aspects of the Apollo moon landing and America's exceptionalism. The podcast discusses NASA's ethical dilemmas, historical influences on the American space program, and the collaboration and ethical considerations in space exploration, including the Artemis Program.
29:04

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Space exploration was primarily driven by geopolitical competition between the US and USSR during the Cold War era.
  • American space program was influenced by manifest destiny, religious ideology, and exceptionalism, shaping its historical role in space exploration.

Deep dives

Space Exploration During the Cold War

Space exploration during the Cold War era, particularly exemplified by the Apollo program, was driven by nationalistic ambitions and the competition between the US and USSR. The launch of Sputnik by the USSR triggered the establishment of NASA, emphasizing the geopolitical aspects of space exploration. The ethical dilemmas faced by NASA included questions about creating an Earth-like environment in space versus modifying the human body, as well as the displacement of local residents and environmental concerns.

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