Launching Europe : an ethnography of European cooperation in space science / Stacia E. Zabusky.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Zabusky, Stacia E., 1959-

Series:

Princeton paperbacks.

Princeton paperbacks

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Astronautics--Europe--International cooperation.

Astronautics.

Europe--Ethnic relations.

Europe.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (276 p.)

Edition:

Course Book

Place of Publication:

Princeton, N.J. : Princeton University Press, c1995.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

In this first ethnographic study of the European Space Agency, Stacia Zabusky explores the complex processes involved in cooperation on space science missions in the contemporary context of European integration. Zabusky argues that the practice of cooperation does not depend on a homogenizing of interests in a bland unity. Instead, it consists of ongoing negotiation of and conflict over often irreconcilable differences. In this case, those differences are put into play by both technical and political divisions of labor (in particular, those of big science and of European integration). Zabusky shows how participants on space science missions make use of these differences, particularly those manifest in identities of work and of nationality, as they struggle together not only to produce space satellites but also to create European integration. She argues that the dialectical processes of production include and depend on conflict and contradiction to maintain energy and excitement and thus to be successful. Participants in these processes are not, however, working only to produce tangible success. In her epilogue, Zabusky argues that European space science missions can be interpreted as sacred journeys undertaken collectively, and that these journeys are part of a fundamental cultural project of modernity: the legitimation of and aspiration for purity. She suggests, finally, that this project characterizes not only the institution of technoscience but those of bureaucracy and nationalism as well.

Contents:

Front matter

Contents

Tables

Preface

Acknowledgments

Abbreviations

Introduction: Multiple Cooperations

One. The Study of Cooperation: Theoretical Issues

Two. The European Space Agency and the Structure of Cooperation

Three. The Practice of Cooperation: Working Together on Space Science Missions

Four. Struggling with Diversity: The Social and Cultural Dynamics of Working Together

Five. Evasion and Responsibility: The Politics of Working Together

Six. Existential Worries: Excitement and Boredom in the Experience of Working Together

Seven. Working Together Transformed: The Production of Technology and Cooperation

Epilogue: Sacred Cooperation and the Dreams of Modernity

Notes

References

Index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [247]-257) and index.

ISBN:

9786612752162

9781400808885

140080888X

9781400808892

1400808898

9781282752160

1282752162

9781400821600

1400821606

9781400813957

1400813956

OCLC:

700688726