Robot Avatars: The Material Culture of Human Activity in Earth Orbit

This chapter discusses orbital debris from a cultural heritage perspective. It examines the cultural material related to space exploration with a specific focus on “space junk” and the increasing amount of material remains including thousands of satellites, rocket bodies, parts and piece of spacefaring objects. The author argues that the materials and design reflect social and political interactions with space as well as humanity’s adaptation to a new environment. The study of space heritage can add to the history of space exploration and contemporary life on Earth.