On January 8, Astrobotic, a US space company, launched the first commercial Moon lander, Peregrine. NASA contributed five instruments among the spacecraft's 20 payloads. Notably, the cargo also included the cremated remains of over 70 people and a dog, sent by Celestis and Elysium Space, offering individuals the chance to rest on the Moon.
The Moon holds cultural significance for humanity, and the recent commercialization raises concerns, especially with limited consultation and regulations. Indigenous Peoples, like the Diné of the Navajo Nation, view the Moon as an ancient relative, invoking the term "Grandmother Moon" with reverence. Thus, caution and respect should be exercised in lunar exploration.
When Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren learned of the plans, he urged NASA and the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to halt the mission and consult Indigenous Nations, aligning with Navajo Nation law and US policies. Peregrine is now facing failure due to a propellant leak, emphasizing the need for informed and ethical space practices.
Nygren's call isn't about Moon ownership or enforcing religious beliefs but about the right to be consulted, uphold Native American legal rights, hold government agencies accountable, and safeguard the Moon for future generations. This echoes a similar incident in 1998 when NASA apologized to the Navajo Nation for not consulting about sending remains to the Moon.
As a PhD candidate in aeronautics and astronautics, I've studied this conflict constructively. Growing up in Dinétah, I felt a connection to space through nature. However, traditional knowledge was distant during my aerospace education, highlighting the potential for acts of colonization. The Lunar Prospector incident demonstrated how Indigenous methodologies can lead to healing and collaboration.
NASA's response to Peregrine's plans disappoints, stating it lacks regulatory power over Astrobotic's payloads. The DOT, responsible for regulatory oversight, must consult with Native American Nations, as outlined in a 2021 memorandum. NASA, a major Astrobotic funder, can't entirely avoid responsibility and should engage more with Native American Nations for collaborative and informed decision-making.
This situation presents an opportunity for Indigenous People to guide space caretaking, aligning with their role in protecting Earth environments. Integrating Indigenous and Western science could resolve issues and produce policies celebrating our shared Moon. Ultimately, collaboration ensures we all become good relatives in our cosmic exploration.
Great insights.
ReplyDelete