Cultural heritage research in space science examines how the night sky, astronomical events and space technologies shape human identities, beliefs and traditions. It focuses on both tangible elements, such as observatories and instruments, and intangible ones, such as stories, rituals and knowledge systems linked to the stars.

One major theme is the impact of light pollution and satellite constellations on the visibility of the night sky. The sky has long provided a shared reference for navigation, timekeeping and cosmology. Diminished access to starry skies threatens practices from Indigenous navigation to seasonal ceremonies, and weakens the sense of continuity with past generations who interpreted the same patterns of stars.

Another key strand looks at how different cultures embed astronomical knowledge in oral traditions, architecture and art. This includes alignments of buildings with celestial events, calendars based on lunar or solar cycles and mythologies that encode observations of planets, comets and eclipses. Researchers argue that these knowledge systems are not just historical curiosities, but living frameworks that can inform contemporary science and environmental stewardship.

The field also explores ethical questions around space activities. These include the cultural significance of places like the Moon, Mars and specific orbital regions, and how to respect existing heritage when planning exploration, resource use and long term occupancy. Scholars propose that international space governance should treat the night sky and certain extraterrestrial sites as shared cultural commons, deserving protection comparable to historic monuments on Earth.

Overall, the research calls for integrating cultural perspectives into astronomy, technology design and space policy to safeguard humanity’s diverse relationships with the cosmos.