Where:
Prudential Center
800 Boylston St
Boston, MA 02199
Admission:
FREE
Categories:
Good for Groups, Lectures & Conferences, Meetup, Social Good
Event website:
https://www.meetup.com/civic-discussion-meetup/events/308900771
As rockets launch and billionaires set their sights on Mars, space exploration is no longer just a scientific pursuit—it’s a deeply political, economic, and ethical issue. In this civic discussion, we’ll examine the growing involvement of private companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and international space agencies, and what their activities mean for society at large.
We’ll dive into the politics behind space funding, global competition, and national prestige, asking: Who decides what happens in space, and who benefits? We’ll also consider the environmental costs of rocket launches, the economic trade-offs of space investment, and the ethics of space colonization when basic needs remain unmet on Earth.
From a civic perspective, how do people view space exploration—hopeful curiosity or costly distraction? What are the pros and cons of pushing further into the cosmos? Should space be treated as a shared human endeavor or a competitive marketplace?
Join us for a grounded yet forward-looking conversation on the implications of reaching beyond our planet—what it reflects about us here on Earth, and what kind of future we want to build.
How to find us
Look for our placard that says “CIVIC DISCUSSION MEETUP” near the tables by Eddie V’s and the Post Office inside the Prudential Center. If the weather is nice, we might be in the courtyard instead. If you have trouble finding us, feel free to call 603-852-0286.
Wednesday, Jun 17, 2026 6:00p
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