“Perhaps we can, but should we? Ethical limits to Space exploration” - Lecture abstract

In this lecture I delve into some current debates about the ethics and law of space exploration, touching on the following questions amongst others:-

•    The debate on the so-called overprotection of Mars – what are planetary protection rules for, and should they be relaxed with respect to Mars? The ultimate relaxation of planetary protection for Mars would be terraforming - is it desirable?

•    Should Mars be colonised? If so why? Are there good and bad reasons for colonising Mars? Is the Mars One project a suicide mission and if so does it matter? Does it infringe human rights law, and does that matter?

•    How much invasive science should be done, such as vaporising comets?

•    What is space archaeology and is it important? What steps ought to be taken to preserve it? Is there a role for UNESCO? 

•    Who has the right to mine asteroids? Does the common heritage of mankind principle in the Moon Agreement inhibit asteroid mining? Should it? Is the principle out-of-date and should it be amended? How likely is it that corporations will simply ignore it?

The militarisation of space, which arguably dwarfs all of the above issues,  is not included. Another day’s work perhaps.