Seems like it might be worth a trip down memory lane as regards the definition of space archaeology. Some discussion of heritage in space goes way back, to the 1980& #39;s and 1990& #39;s, starting with Ben Finney. @PJCapelotti has a nice summary here, from 2004 https://archive.archaeology.org/0411/etc/space.html">https://archive.archaeology.org/0411/etc/...

The first space archaeology project was started by the self-described "godmother of the field," Beth Laura O& #39;Leary. She started the Lunar Legacy Project in 1999, together with a graduate student. They identified 106 objects left behind at Tranquility Base.

Then, at the 2003 World Archaeological Congress, a Space Heritage Task Force was initiated by @drspacejunk and others. They issued a statement of Terms of Reference https://worldarch.org/terms-of-reference-for-the-space-heritage-task-force/">https://worldarch.org/terms-of-...

In 2009, O& #39;Leary and Ann Darrin co-edited a massive 1000-page book that laid out the field: The Handbook of Space Engineering, Archaeology, and Heritage. 49 chapters on all aspects of space heritage and archaeology. https://www.routledge.com/Handbook-of-Space-Engineering-Archaeology-and-Heritage/Darrin-OLeary/p/book/9781420084313">https://www.routledge.com/Handbook-...

Of course I messed up the thread. Continue here: https://twitter.com/jstpwalsh/status/1370906322657452035">https://twitter.com/jstpwalsh...