A century of rocketry: Technological evolution shaped by war, geopolitics, and commercial interests
Original framing: “The first modern rocket launched 100 years ago, beginning a century of both innovations and challenges for spaceflight” — The Conversation - Global
Scientific advancements in propulsion, materials science, and orbital mechanics have enabled modern rocketry, but these fields are often siloed from broader ethical and environmental considerations. Interdisciplinary research is needed to address the full spectrum of spaceflight impacts.
The evolution of rocketry over the past century has been shaped by a complex interplay of military, geopolitical, and commercial forces.
While technological progress has been remarkable, it has often come at the cost of environmental degradation and the marginalization of non-Western voices. Indigenous and cross-cultural perspectives offer alternative frameworks that emphasize sustainability and interconnectedness, which are essential for future space governance. By integrating these insights with scientific and ethical rigor, we can move toward a more inclusive and responsible model of space exploration that reflects the diversity of human knowledge and values.