Exploring Other Planets Sustainably: Astronomers’ Warning
The past decade has witnessed a rapid expansion of the commercial space industry, with rival nations vying for prime military and economic positions beyond Earth. Public and private entities are eager to mine the Moon, while a growing halo of space junk is polluting low Earth orbit. In a 2023 white paper, a group of concerned astronomers issued a warning against repeating Earthly “colonial practices” in outer space.
The concept of colonialism in space raises ethical questions and concerns about the potential environmental impact of human activities beyond Earth’s atmosphere. As government agencies and private companies set their sights on the stars, parallels to historical European Christian imperialism have become apparent in the high-speed, high-tech world of space exploration.
Space industry leaders like Mars Society President Robert Zubrin argue that European-style colonialism may be necessary to advance humanity’s presence in outer space. Zubrin warns that any attempts to regulate or slow down the space industry could hinder progress towards establishing human colonies on Mars, leaving Earth as the only viable option for future generations.
Is Space Really Empty?
While some may argue that outer space is empty and devoid of life, Indigenous communities around the world have long held spiritual and cultural connections to celestial bodies. The People of Bawaka Country in northern Australia believe their ancestors guided human life from their home in the galaxy, a relationship now threatened by large orbiting satellite networks. Inuit elders regard celestial bodies as the dwelling places of their ancestors, while Navajo leadership has asked NASA to refrain from landing human remains on the Moon.
These Indigenous perspectives challenge the notion that space is empty and lifeless, emphasizing the need for respect and care in human activities beyond Earth. Secular space enthusiasts can align with Indigenous communities by adopting practices that preserve natural formations, limit mining activities, reduce satellite permits and launches, and address the issue of space debris in orbit.
Environmental Concerns in Space
The emerging field of space ecology focuses on understanding the delicate balance between human artifacts and natural environments in Earth’s orbit, on the Moon, and on other planetary bodies. Unregulated commercial space activities have the potential to disrupt orbits, damage the Moon’s atmosphere, and hinder scientific research on planetary formation and conditions necessary for life.
The accumulation of space junk, consisting of defunct satellites, spacecraft fragments, and other debris, poses a significant threat to astronomers and astronauts in space. The light reflected by such debris can obstruct observations and navigation by stars, impacting scientific research and exploration efforts.
Furthermore, the environmental impact of the space industry extends beyond Earth, with rocket emissions contributing to climate change and pollution in the upper atmosphere. The destruction of wetlands in Boca Chica, Texas, by SpaceX’s rocket tests and launches highlights the tangible consequences of unchecked commercial space activities on terrestrial ecosystems.
Human Consequences of Space Exploration
As the space industry envisions space as the new frontier for human exploration and colonization, considerations about labor arrangements and worker rights become crucial. Sending individuals to staff hotels, build infrastructure, and engage in asteroid mining in outer space raises questions about living conditions, healthcare, and overall well-being for space workers.
The Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which prohibits any nation from claiming ownership of planetary bodies, reflects a historical commitment to peaceful cooperation in space exploration. However, the treaty’s effectiveness in regulating contemporary commercial space activities remains limited, necessitating updated legislation to address current challenges.
Moving Forward: Toward Sustainable Space Exploration
Preventing colonialism in outer space requires a collective effort from industry participants, policymakers, and stakeholders to establish a set of standards for ethical and sustainable space exploration. By aligning with Indigenous perspectives, adopting environmentally conscious practices, and prioritizing human rights in space activities, the space industry can navigate the complexities of exploring other planets sustainably.
In conclusion, the exploration of other planets presents both opportunities and challenges for humanity. By integrating ethical considerations, environmental stewardship, and respect for cultural diversity into space exploration efforts, we can embark on a sustainable and inclusive journey towards a shared future beyond Earth.
Mary-Jane Rubenstein is the Dean of Social Sciences and Professor of Religion and Science and Technology Studies at Wesleyan University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.