The commercial space market is rapidly expanding into unknown territory as it embraces new opportunities such as deep space mining. But, as it does so, we might be wise to learn from historical precedents like that of the Dutch East India Company which was set up in 1602 after the Dutch government granted it a 21-year monopoly on the Dutch spice trade.

NASA, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and specialist spacesuit manufacturer ILC Dover announced a partnership this summer that brings the benefits of arts and science to paediatric cancer patients and also increases the awareness of childhood cancer.

Space for art