Militarizing Outer Space Astroculture, Dystopia and the Cold War

“Militarizing Outer Space’s chapters do a valuable job in revealing the many ways that the Cold War influenced the development and reception of space technology … . the Astroculture trilogy remains an indispensable resource for scholars of space history. In their diversity, these richly detailed chapters make a compelling case for astroculture as a kaleidoscopic lens through which to examine how modernity is defined and contested.” (Thomas Ellis, Technology and Culture, Vol. 63 (4), October, 2022)

“These three books offer a fascinating reevaluation of space history from European perspectives. The forty-four total essays … are connected through periodisation, geographic focus and the unifying concept of astroculture. They aim to situate Europe within the space age and bring space into European history.” (Benjamin W. Goossen, Contemporary European History, June 17, 2022)

“The series provides an important impetus to the cultural history of outer space, introducing significant concepts including astroculture or the post-Apollo paradox, and offering terminological refinements such as the distinction between the weaponization and militarization of space.” (Nils Theinert, sehepunkte, Vol. 22 (2), 2022)

“The book is a sterling addition to any space historian’s bookshelf.” (Rick W. Sturdevant, Air Power History, Vol. 68 (3), 2021)

“The thirteen chapters in this superbly edited, multidisciplinary collection amount to a fantastically engaging, historiographical contribution. … from an astrocultural perspective and given the recent establishment of a United States Space Force, Militarizing Outer Space ought to stimulate informed, lively discussion about future activities and relationships among civil, commercial, and military organizations in outer space.” (Rick W. Sturdevant, Quest, Vol. 28 (4), 2021)

Alexander C. T. Geppert
is Associate Professor of History and European Studies at New York University, USA. He holds a joint appointment at NYU Shanghai and the Center for European and Mediterranean Studies in New York City.

Daniel Brandau
is a postdoctoral research associate at Freie Universität Berlin, Germany.

Tilmann Siebeneichner
is a postdoctoral research associate at Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Germany.