Yes, time can indeed proceed slower in outer space under certain conditions. This phenomenon is known as time dilation and is a consequence of Einstein's theory of relativity.
According to special relativity, the passage of time is relative to the observer's frame of reference and is influenced by relative motion and gravitational fields. When an object is moving at high speeds or is in the vicinity of a massive object, time dilation occurs.
Specifically, when an object is in motion relative to an observer, time appears to pass more slowly for that object as observed from the perspective of the stationary observer. This effect is often referred to as "time dilation due to relative velocity." This means that an object moving at high speeds will experience time passing more slowly compared to a stationary observer.
In addition to relative velocity, gravitational fields also influence the passage of time. According to general relativity, massive objects like planets, stars, and black holes curve spacetime around them, creating gravitational fields. In these gravitational fields, time appears to pass more slowly when observed from a region of stronger gravitational influence compared to a region with weaker gravitational influence. This effect is known as "gravitational time dilation."
An example of time dilation in outer space is observed with satellites in orbit around the Earth. Due to the Earth's gravitational field, time on the satellite appears to pass slightly faster relative to a stationary observer on Earth's surface. This effect is crucial for the accuracy of satellite-based navigation systems like GPS.
Both the effects of relative velocity and gravitational fields have been experimentally confirmed and are important considerations in modern physics. They demonstrate that time is not an absolute and uniform quantity but can be influenced by motion and gravity.