Appendix I
Question 1. How can we improve our values and ethical understanding to ensure the responsible and beneficial expansion of life in space?
Answer: This question was raised due to the uncertainties discussed around impacts on future space populations that may come into existence through human actions (Prof. Jeff Sebo, New York University). Sebo emphasized we need to "become better versions of ourselves" and address welfare risks for all beings to help ensure lives involve more happiness than suffering. Anders Sandberg (University of Oxford) also noted the importance of convening experts to develop principles before irreversible expansion occurs. Here are some key strategies for implementation :
International Cooperation and Frameworks : Strengthen international agreements and frameworks that govern space activities to include explicit ethical guidelines and values.
Example: The Outer Space Treaty (1967) already establishes principles such as non-appropriation of space by any one nation and the peaceful use of space. Expanding on these principles to include detailed ethical considerations can help.
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), "Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies" (1967) [UNOOSA - Outer Space Treaty] (https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/treaties/outerspacetreaty.html)
Educational Programs and Public Awareness: Develop and implement educational programs that emphasize space ethics, sustainable space exploration, and global cooperation.
Example: NASA’s educational programs, which aim to inspire the next generation of explorers and include modules on the ethical implications of space exploration.
NASA Education, "Space Exploration Educator’s Guide" (https://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/about/index.html)
Inclusive Dialogues and Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate inclusive dialogues involving all stakeholders, including private companies, governments, scientists, ethicists, and the public to discuss the ethical implications of space activities.
Example: The European Space Agency (ESA) conducts workshops and public consultations to gather diverse perspectives on space ethics and sustainability.
European Space Agency (ESA), "Space Debris and Clean Space".[ESA - Space Debris and Clean Space](https://www.esa.int/Safety_Security/Clean_Space)
Development of Ethical Guidelines and Policies: Develop comprehensive ethical guidelines and policies that are enforceable and align with international norms to govern space activities.
Example: The Artemis Accords outline principles for the responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond, emphasizing peaceful purposes, transparency, and interoperability.
NASA, "The Artemis Accords: Principles for a Safe, Peaceful, and Prosperous Future" (2020).[NASA - Artemis Accords](https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis-accords/index.html)
Promotion of Sustainable Practices: Encourage sustainable practices in space activities to prevent harmful impacts such as space debris and environmental degradation of celestial bodies.
Example: The Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines adopted by the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), "Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space" (2007). (https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/topics/space-debris/mitigation-guidelines.html)
Ethics in Space Research and Exploration:Integrate ethics into space research and exploration missions, ensuring that scientific progress does not come at the expense of ethical considerations.
Example: Ethical guidelines for space research can be modeled after the principles set out in the Declaration of Helsinki for medical research ethics, ensuring that experiments and missions respect human and environmental rights.
World Medical Association (WMA), "Declaration of Helsinki" (https://www.wma.net/what-we-do/medical-ethics/declaration-of-helsinki/)
Question 2. What new governance frameworks and legal structures need to be developed to adequately address new issues being raised by increasing space activity and settlement?
Answer: Panelists like Sandberg and Allison Duettmann (Foresight Institute) recognized existing space treaties are outdated given new issues around activities like mining and large satellite constellations. Sandberg proposed convening space lawyers and futurists to develop alternative frameworks, noting jurisdiction is unclear under current structures. The discussions highlighted the need for updated international cooperation mechanisms such as:
Space Resource Utilization:
Need: As private companies and countries look to exploit resources on the Moon, asteroids, and other celestial bodies, clear legal guidelines are needed to manage claims and ensure fair distribution.
Recommendation: Establish an international regulatory body to oversee space mining activities, similar to the International Seabed Authority, ensuring activities are conducted sustainably and benefits are shared equitably.
Source: United Nations, "Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space".
Website: UNOOSA - Space Resources (https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/copuos/index.html)
Environmental Protection in Space:
Need: Protecting the space environment from contamination and preserving celestial bodies for future generations is critical.
Recommendation: Create legally binding international agreements specifically focused on space environmental protection, including guidelines for preventing biological contamination and limiting space debris.
Source: International Institute of Space Law, "Policy Brief on Space Environmental Protection".
Website: IISL (https://iislweb.org/)
Space Settlement and Habitation:
Need: Future space settlements will require legal structures to govern living conditions, rights, and responsibilities of inhabitants.
Recommendation: Develop a comprehensive legal framework for space settlements, covering issues such as property rights, citizenship, legal jurisdiction, and governance structures, drawing from maritime and Antarctic treaties as models.
Source: International Astronautical Federation, "Human Space Settlement: International Legal and Policy Challenges".
Website: IAF (https://www.iafastro.org/)
Commercial Activities and Intellectual Property:
Need: Clear regulations are needed to support commercial activities in space, including the protection of intellectual property and commercial rights.
Recommendation: Establish international agreements on commercial space activities that include provisions for intellectual property rights, commercial dispute resolution, and market regulations to foster innovation and fair competition.
Source: United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, "Guidelines for the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities".
Website: UNOOSA - Long-term Sustainability (https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/topics/long-term-sustainability-of-outer-space-activities.html)
Security and Defense in Space:
Need: With the increasing militarization of space, frameworks are needed to prevent conflicts and manage military activities.
Recommendation: Strengthen and expand international treaties to prevent the weaponization of space, such as updating the Outer Space Treaty, and create a dedicated UN body to oversee the peaceful use of space and resolve conflicts.
Source: United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), "Security in Space: The Next Generation of Treaty Making".
Website: UNIDIR (https://unidir.org/)
Question 3. How can we maximize happiness, well-being and civilization for all sentient beings that may exist in space under human influence?
Answer: This question emerged from Sebo's emphasis on filling the cosmos with as much happiness as possible, but he acknowledged uncertainties around definitions of sentience and impacts on different populations. Sandberg envisioned spreading life, intelligence and civilization over billions of years to create value, though welfare considerations remain an open question under human influence.
Maximizing happiness, well-being, and civilization for all sentient beings that may exist in space under human influence requires a holistic approach that integrates ethical considerations, governance frameworks, technological advancements, and inclusive policies. Key strategies for achieving this would be:
Ethical Frameworks: Develop and adhere to a robust ethical framework that prioritizes the well-being of all sentient beings. Establish international ethical guidelines for space exploration and habitation that include the protection of sentient beings, inspired by existing bioethics and animal welfare principles.
Source: International Institute of Space Law, "Space Ethics and Law".
Website: IISL - Space Ethics (https://iislweb.org/)
Inclusive Governance: Create inclusive governance structures that represent the interests of all stakeholders, including sentient beings. Form an international space governance body under the UN that includes representatives from various countries, private sector, and advocacy groups for ethical considerations in decision-making processes.
Source: United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, "International Governance and Space Law".
Website: UNOOSA - Space Governance (https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/index.html)
Sustainable Practices: Ensure that all space activities are conducted sustainably to protect environments and resources. Adhere to and expand upon the Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines and develop new sustainability standards for resource utilization, habitat construction, and environmental protection.
Source: United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, "Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines".
Website: UNOOSA - Space Debris Guidelines (https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/topics/space-debris/mitigation-guidelines.html)
Technological Advancements: Leverage technological innovations to enhance the quality of life and well-being in space.
Implementation: Invest in research and development of life-support systems, health monitoring technologies, and sustainable living habitats to ensure the well-being of all sentient beings in space.
Source: NASA, "Advanced Life Support and Space Technology".
Website: NASA - Life Support Technology (https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/home/index.html)
Psychological and Social Support: Provide comprehensive psychological and social support systems for inhabitants of space habitats. Develop mental health programs, social interaction platforms, and recreational activities to support the psychological well-being of space inhabitants.
Source: European Space Agency, "Mental Health and Well-Being in Space".
Website: ESA - Mental Health (https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Mental_health_in_space_How_to_support_astronauts_psychological_well-being)
Legal Protections: Establish legal protections for the rights and welfare of sentient beings. Enact international laws and regulations that protect the rights of sentient beings, ensuring they are not subjected to harm, exploitation, or neglect.
Source: United Nations, "Universal Declaration of Human Rights" (adapted for space contexts).
Website: UN - Human Rights (https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights)