A narrative analysis of the corporatization of celestial bodies

The main argument of this research is that SpaceX and the government of United States are creating a conception of outer space that directly challenges UNOOSA 1966 Outer Space Treaty. In making this argument, the research draws on theories of the social construction of space and offers a critical analysis of geopolitical and spatiality discourse about Space travel and exploration. By comparing historical efforts of colonization by private corporations – such as the East Indian Company – to the modern exploration by SpaceX of celestial bodies and outer space, the research sheds light on the links between exploration and colonization. In particular, it explores the relationship between the state and private firms, and more broadly, state power and capitalism, in these processes.