An Introduction to Space Archaeology

An engaging, accessible account of humanity’s heritage beyond Earth

Space exploration has produced a rich material record that forms part of our cultural heritage. From abandoned launch sites and decommissioned satellites to lunar landing sites and the International Space Station, these traces reveal the story of humanity’s ventures beyond Earth.

An Introduction to Space Archaeology is the first textbook to offer a comprehensive, student-friendly introduction to this emerging discipline. By applying archaeological methods to a wide range of historic space activities, author Lisa Westwood situates space exploration within the broader framework of human history to help students understand the cultural dimensions of humankind's off-world legacy.

Written with an engaging style and clear pedagogical structure, the book is designed to support students from diverse academic backgrounds, including archaeology, history, anthropology, planetary science, and aerospace studies. Each chapter combines historical context with archaeological analysis, complemented by case studies, summaries, key terms, and study questions to reinforce learning and spark critical thinking. Throughout the book, Westwood addresses pressing issues such as orbital debris, site preservation, and ethical stewardship to highlight the urgency of preserving humanity’s legacy off Earth for future generations.

Encouraging students to actively engage with one of the newest and most exciting frontiers in archaeology, An Introduction to Space Archaeology:

• Presents space exploration as both a technological achievement and a cultural milestone.
• Integrates archaeology method and theory with space history, planetary science, and aerospace studies in an interdisciplinary framework.
• Bridges traditional archaeological methods with modern concerns about technology, heritage, and international policy.
• Supports both introductory and advanced discussions of archaeology, history, and cultural resource management.
• Provides extensive instructor resources, including customisable lecture slides and quiz banks.

An Introduction to Space Archaeology is the perfect textbook for upper-level high school and undergraduate courses in archaeology, history, anthropology, planetary science, and aerospace studies. It is well-suited for courses such as Cultural Resources Management, Archaeology of the 20th Century, Earth and Planetary Science, and Space Law.

'A giant leap in the field of space archaeology and heritage! Westwood has done an excellent job introducing aerospace heritage to students and broadening the accessibility of its scholars. It reflects her expertise in the historic context of the human movement into space and deep commitment to its preservation.'
– Beth Laura O'Leary, Professor Emerita of Anthropology, New Mexico State University

'A masterful contribution that bridges archaeology and planetary science, offering a clear conceptual and methodological framework for identifying, interpreting, and studying archaeological signatures distributed across the Solar System. This book not only introduces a new generation of students to space archaeology but also challenges scholars across disciplines to reconsider how and, most importantly, why we study humanity's material footprint.'
– Justin Holcomb, Assistant Research Professor, Kansas Geological Survey, University of Kansas, Assistant Director, Odyssey Archaeological Research Program

'The archaeology of human activity in space is an exciting new field, and Lisa Westwood has been there from the beginning. There is nobody better to introduce the key concepts of space archaeology, grounded in traditional archaeological and historic preservation practices. This book will grab students' attention and show them how it's possible to think beyond disciplinary boundaries and ask new questions.'
– Justin Walsh, Professor of Art History, Archaeology, and Space Studies, Chapman University