Journal of Astrobiology & Outreach

Abstract

Ten Ethical Issues in Exploring Our Solar Ghetto

Peters T

The field of Astroethics addresses moral and societal issues arising out of speculation regarding terrestrial contact with extraterrestrial life in both its intelligent and non-intelligent forms. This article tackles ten issues associated with space exploration within the solar system, wherein it is expected that only microbial life, if any life, is likely to be discovered. The ten issues are these: 1) Planetary protection; 2) Does life have intrinsic value? 3) Should space explorers invoke the Precautionary Principle? 4) Should we clean up our space junk? 5) What should we do about Satellite Surveillance? 6) Should we weaponize space? 7) Should scientific research take priority over commercial space ventures? 8) Should we terraform Mars? 9) Should we colonize Mars? 10) Should we prepare for bombardment of Earth by asteroids?