An Astrosociological Perspective on Space-Capable vs. Spacefaring Societies

As with any academic field, astrosociology allows for an endless number of competing theoretical models and hypotheses. One possible theoretical model is presented here that starts with the premise that even the most advanced societies today are extremely far from achieving a spacefaring status. The most advanced nation states are, in fact, space-capable societies because they have the capacity to send cargo and humans into low Earth orbit and beyond. However, their social structures and cultures lack fundamental characteristics that would allow for their designation as spacefaring societies. This article describes the characteristics of a theoretical spacefaring society and argues that getting there from our current status as space-capable societies is a long and arduous process, and it is not a definite outcome whatsoever. While a continuum is offered, it represents an imprecise path that can retrograde or fall apart at any time. Thus, this theoretical model provides one possible series of an unfolding of events that result in the creation of characteristics of the social fabric that may result in movement along the continuum toward a spacefaring society. Movement along the continuum results in an accumulation of coordinated spacefaring characteristics for a given society. Simultaneously, strictly terrestrial characteristics disappear or transform themselves into hybrid forms that include spacefaring features. This exercise demonstrates that this theoretical exercise has a number of benefits for astrosociologists conducting research in the area of spacefaring theory. Moreover, it makes the case for the idea that the study of the theoretical transformation from a space-capable to a spacefaring society includes implications for current and future 1) space policy in the public sector and 2) corporate decision-making related to space in the private sector.