Space Frontier Theory

The application of frontier thesis concepts (from American historiography) to space—the idea that space represents a new frontier that will shape human character, institutions, and destiny as frontiers have on Earth. Space Frontier Theory suggests that the challenges of space will breed innovation, democracy, and rugged individualism; that frontier conditions will select for certain traits; that space will be a "safety valve" for terrestrial pressures. Critics note that frontiers on Earth involved displacement, exploitation, and environmental destruction—warnings for space. Frontier theory is influential in space advocacy (especially American) and shapes how we imagine space's role in human future.