The Palestine Space Institute: Disrupting a Culture of Space Militarism, Colonialism, and Imperialism

The Palestine Space Institute (PSI) is a think tank established with a transformative vision: to challenge and disrupt the prevailing colonial and militaristic narrative in the space industry. Recognizing the inconsistencies between the ideal of ”peaceful purposes” in international space law and the reality of the “space and defense” industry, PSI’s mission is to untangle the space sector from the military-industrial complex by highlighting alternative ways of approaching space exploration through a decolonial lens. PSI’s innovative approach is anchored in four key research and advocacy areas: Decoupling Defense and Space, Space Technology Control, Demilitarization of Space, and Space for Palestine. In 2024, the institute launched its inaugural PSI Fellowship Program, where fellows are undertaking the following research topics corresponding to each of PSI’s main areas: 1) examining the financial and technological dependencies created by military investments in space, 2) strategizing the ethical management of “dual-use” space technologies, 3) drafting resolutions to promote an international commitment to demilitarize outer space, and 4) mapping the involvement of space companies in ongoing military activities against Gaza. The unique contribution of PSI’s work lies in its novel approach of challenging the entrenched norms of the space sector through its original research and advocacy work. It targets a global audience, including space professionals, scholars, and policymakers, offering practical recommendations and strategies for a decolonized space sector. PSI’s work, underpinned by both quantitative and qualitative data, aims to ensure accessibility, diversity, equity, and justice in both current and future space activities. It ultimately aims to foster a truly peaceful and autonomous space sector, free from the constraints and influences of imperialist mindsets and military agendas.