A chronopolitics of outer space : a poetics of tomorrowing

This chapter centres on the expediency of ‘futurity’ as an epistemic angle to describe how diverse narrative framings articulate differently the horizons of anticipation, hope, and speculation of space futures. It discusses how neoliberal sociotechnical imaginaries, grounded in linear temporalities of progress and innovation, enact and enforce a ‘commoning’ strategy of futuring outer space. It then proceeds to engage with diverse modes of counterfuturing—Black, Indigenous, feminist, and queer radical futurisms—to discuss how these variously transform, refuse, and contest hegemonic imaginaries by setting in motion tactical interventions for ‘uncommoning’ space futures. This chapter concludes with a short discussion around the need to engage with different and emancipatory chronopolitics of outer space.