THE INTROSPECTIVE URGE
This strand will focus on humanity's self image as a determining constituent in the context of the cultural and social constructions of space science. It will explore the relationship between the changing sense of self that has driven the arts and the sciences for the past four centuries relative to the engagement with space exploration. It will consider the impact of changes to the human self-image for example as a consequence of ubiquitous global communications; the collapse of disciplinary boundaries; surveillance, robotics and remote sensing, etc. – on the future of space science.

EXTENDING OUR REACH
Session brief tbc

CULTURAL CONCERNS
This strand will address the interrelationship between intercultural, as well as interdisciplinary ideas of the cosmos and the nature of space exploration. It invites contributions that highlight the multiplicity of cosmologies, worldviews and utopias surrounding the idea and practice of (human) space travel today and throughout history. Speakers in this strand are invited to present their visions for a culturally distributed discussion of the diversity and range of opportunities for the future of space exploration.

INHABITING SPACE
In this strand we invite considerations of the continuity between the needs of humans on earth and the possible demands of future 'spacefarers' in remote and often hostile environments. We will debate the impact of the technological necessities for the colonisation of space on the human spacefarer as cultural and social being. This strand will open key questions by examining, in particular, the relationship between the effect of the arts and the nature of the technological and human needs of space exploration both as a scientific project and a popular concern.