Twentieth International Conference on Knowledge, Culture, and Change in Organizations

Abstract

Outer space-related opportunities are playing increasing roles in business and nonprofit efforts as well as military and research initiatives. For instance, space memorials and burials have become increasingly affordable, space-related marketing efforts are emerging, and various entertainment options (such as tourist-style travel) are being planned. This paper outlines organizational considerations as business, educational, and nonprofit institutions normalize the processes involved with outer space encounters. It analyzes how change management strategies can be used to integrate the wide assortment of outer space considerations and challenges into other kinds of organizational efforts, for example in mitigating “space divide” antagonisms as individuals who are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about space deal with others who are less involved. Many mundane issues are also arising, such as the handling of the increasingly-troublesome “space junk” that often threatens satellites. Some varieties of space “turf” are apparently more valuable than others, such as geostationary orbit, so many competitive issues are emerging (hence the “contested terrain”), even though the very notion of “outer space” reflects its vast and infinite nature. This study maps several cases of how organizational expansions into space (along with required interactions with government and military officials) are being handled. It also projects a future in which everyday entrepreneurial imaginaries expand more fully and specifically beyond terrestrial limitations and into outer space.