Technoplasticity of aerospace technology: Art practice as space exploration

The contemporary moment is characterized by rapid advancements in space exploration. The Artemis mission aims to establish a permanent human settlement on the lunar south pole, while the emerging 'NewSpace' industry strives to create a new space economy. For the first time in history, the expansion of human civilization into other regions of the solar system is within reach. This expansion represents not only a physical reconfiguration of our presence in the universe but also a fundamental shift in our relationship with Being and the cosmos. Drawing on Heidegger's concept of Ereignis, this transformation can be understood as an event of mutual revealing-where humans and the universe unveil new modes of existence in relation to one another. In this context, it is crucial that art be included as a form of space exploration to generate cultural meaning that extends beyond the domain of science and technology.Incorporating Heidegger's philosophy of technology and art, Deleuze's concept of modulation, and Hans-Georg Gadamer's idea of Erfahrung -the transformative, lived experience-this article establishes a theoretical framework that critically examines space technology not merely as a geopolitical, economic, or military construct but as a mediator of humanity's relationship with the cosmos. Art, through this lens, is positioned as a vital practice for exploring the epistemological and existential dimensions of aerospace technology, revealing its potential to reshape how we think, feel, and inhabit space.To engage meaningfully with the unprecedented phenomena of the space environment, art must incorporate the tools, materials, and processes of space engineering. This paper introduces the concept of 'technoplasticiy' to frame the plastic exploration of technologies that originated in scientific and engineering contexts. 'technoplasticiy' enables a mutual transformation between art and space technology, where both fields influence and shape each other. Within this context, the article proposes a hybrid methodology that integrates artistic creation with the processes of space engineering, manufacturing, and technological validation, aiming to open new possibilities for human experience in space. By engaging with Ereignis and Erfahrung, this approach situates art as a catalyst for unveiling new ways of being in the cosmos, expanding the scope of space exploration to include not only technological innovation but also the cultivation of meaning and cultural significance. The article finalizes with an example of this conceptual framework in the author's practice as an artist working with space technology.