Anne W. Johnson, "Mexico in Space: From La Raza Cósmica to the Space Race" (U Arizona Press, 2026)

About this episode

The episode discusses Anne W. Johnson's book on Mexico's unique relationship with outer space and its implications for identity and community.

From Aztec sun stones to satellite launches, from muralist visions to dark sky parks, Mexico's engagement with outer space is fundamental to its identity. Mexico in Space: From La Raza Cósmica to the Space Race (University of Arizona Press, 2026) offers a groundbreaking look at how the country has navigated the tensions between technological dependence and sovereign dreams. Anthropologist Anne W. Johnson reveals Mexico's unique relationship with outer space, describing Indigenous knowledge, nationalist projects, artistic visions, and community practices. Through rich ethnographic detail and historical insight, Johnson challenges the notion that space is for everyone and shows whose voices truly shape the world's cosmic futures. Johnson introduces us to satellite engineers, community astronomers, space generation youth, and artists imagining Mars, each crafting alternative cosmic futures. As space exploration increasingly becomes the domain of billionaires and superpowers, this book offers a compelling counternarrative, demonstrating how Mexican cosmic engagements suggest more just, inclusive ways of inhabiting Earth and beyond and providing vital lessons for reimagining…

People in this episode

Hosts: Caleb Zakarin, New Books Network

Guest: Anne W. Johnson

Topics covered

• space exploration
• Mexican identity
• Indigenous knowledge
• nationalism
• artistic visions
• community practices

Keywords

• Mexico in Space
• La Raza Cósmica
• space race
• satellite engineers
• community astronomers
• cosmic futures
• ethnographic detail
• historical insight

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Arizona Press

Places: Mexico, Mexico City

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