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Space Traffic Management (STM) is becoming increasingly important as new space activities emerge, such as mega-constellations, on-orbit servicing etc. These developments, although promising great advances, nevertheless present complicated issues that demand stringent technical constraints. Effective STM necessitates extensive rules to ensure the safety, sustainability, and orderly execution of space operations. This research emphasizes the critical need for updated technical regulations that address the operational complexities involved with these new activities. It seeks to build a secure and collaborative space environment by establishing detailed legislative frameworks and emphasizing international cooperation, so ensuring the long-term profitability and success of space exploration and usage. Through meticulous analysis, the paper identifies regulatory gaps and proposes a robust framework capable of accommodating the evolving landscape of regulations. Drawing upon humanity's collective experience across different domains, the proposed framework aims to foster responsible growth in outer space while safeguarding its integrity for future generations. This paper examines the existing regulatory framework applicable to four distinct categories of New Technologies and Activities in space; identifies gaps where they exist; and suggests a capable and robust regulatory framework. This framework leverages humankind's experience in other domains to nurture and assist responsible growth in the outer space domain while ensuring proper stewardship of that domain, now and in the future. This paper is based on the report prepared by members of working group 4.2 of the Space Traffic Management Committee (TC 26). • Examined regulations across national, supranational, and international levels, distinguishing between Hard Law and Soft Law. • Supported ISO Standard 24330 for space systems on rendezvous, proximity operations, and on-orbit servicing, with updates. • Promoted development of Alternative Dispute Resolution guidelines for Space Environment Management and related technologies. • Encouraged dialog among IGOs, NGOs, commercial entities, and stakeholders on Space Operations and Management, and Traffic Management. • Advocated global commercial standards via industry associations and proposed a UN-level International Spacefaring Organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As humanity continues its space exploration, understanding biological evolution in extraterrestrial environments will become crucial. On Earth, organisms have adapted to new environments, and some genetic data indicate positive natural selection. This paper investigates the impact of space environments, such as high radiation and microgravity, which may lead to high mutation rates and positive selection, on biological evolution, using numerical analysis. It quantifies the evolutionary rates and the time until a new mutation reaches fixation (100 % frequency within population) beyond Earth. The findings reveal accelerated evolution rates, 1,000 to 10,000 times faster than on Earth for beneficial mutations, with the time until fixation being 0.002 to 0.004 times shorter, assuming mutation rates are 10–100 times higher. These results offer insights into various areas, including space facility design, space agriculture, astrobiological exploration, and life sustainability beyond Earth and Solar System, illuminating the potential for a 'Big Bang of Evolution' in outer space. • High radiation and microgravity in space accelerate evolutionary rates. • Beneficial mutations evolve 1,000–10,000 times faster in space than on Earth. • Mutation fixation time in space is 0.002–0.004 times shorter than on Earth. • Findings impact space habitats, agriculture, and biodiversity in space. • Organisms may adapt rapidly in space, leading to a "Big Bang of Evolution." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The text discusses the passage of legislation by major spacefaring nations allowing for the extraction and ownership of space resources, which violates the non-appropriation principle of the Outer Space Treaty. The lack of consensus among the Signatories of the Treaty on narrowing the interpretation of this principle poses a significant challenge. The text recommends the creation of a new multilateral treaty to define terms like "appropriation" in a space mining context and address safety zones and dispute resolution mechanisms, as well as an advocacy campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of unregulated space mining and the need for internationally agreed-upon regulations. [Extracted from the article]

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Photonics plays a pivotal role in propelling space exploration forward, providing innovative solutions to address the challenges presented by the unforgiving and expansive realm of outer space. Photonic-based devices, encompassing technologies such as lasers, optical fibers, and photodetectors, are instrumental in various aspects of space missions. A notable application is in communication systems, where optical communication facilitates high-speed data transfer, ensuring efficient transmission of information across vast interplanetary distances. This comprehensive review unveils a selection of the most extensively employed photonic devices within the realm of space exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although space colonization appears to belong to the world of science fiction, private corporations owned by Silicon Valley billionaires—and supported by the US state—have spent billions making it a reality. Analyses of space colonialism have sometimes viewed these projects as distinct from earthly histories of colonialism, instead locating them within traditions of libertarianism, neoliberalism, or techno-utopianism. By reconstructing technology elites' political visions for celestial settlements within the literature on colonial-era corporations and property, this study argues that the idea of outer space as an empty frontier relies on the same logic of territorialization that was used to justify terrestrial colonialism and indigenous dispossession. It further traces how the idea of "engineering territory" has inspired wider Silicon Valley political exit projects such as cyberspace, seasteading, and network states, which, rather than creating spaces of anarchical freedom, are attempting to recreate the territorial state in new spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines how space mining represents an extension of the extractivist paradigm rather than the beginning of a new era of resource abundance. Topics discussed include the historical continuity of resource frontiers, the concept of Cheap Nature in relation to space resources, and the geopolitical dynamics surrounding space resource exploitation.

Copyright of Romanian Journal of Information Technology & Automatic Control / Revista Română de Informatică și Automatică is the property of National Institute for Research & Development in Informatics - ICI Bucharest and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A comprehensive approach to creating a control system for the shape of the radio-reflecting surface of a large-size space reflector is considered. Large-aperture space antennas are used for satellite communications and space exploration. The design of these structures is one of the most promising areas. Ensuring the specified characteristics of the reflector is directly related to maintaining the specified shape of the radio-reflective netting. Developing a control system for the shape of the active antenna surface is an urgent task. Optimizing this process makes it possible to accomplish the mission during the operational period effectively. The paper evaluates the effects of perturbations on a large-scale structure operating in outer space. A method for adjusting the geometry of the frontal network is proposed. This allows for improved communication between spacecraft and ground stations, which is very important for the safety of space flights. The conductive parts of the reflector are considered to transmit energy and control signals to the actuators. The application results of various control algorithms of the executive device making it possible to correct the netting considering the minimization of energy costs and oscillations of the structure are shown. According to the simulation results, the optimal algorithm of the target criteria hierarchy showed greater stability in terms of convergence in the presence of measurement noise and disturbances, which allows it to be applied in real time. This algorithm is supposed to be used in the future when creating a prototype of the system for controlling the shape of the radio-reflective surface of a large-size space reflector using its current-conducting structural parts. • The design of a system for setting up and maintaining a radio-reflective network fabric has been developed. • Algorithms are developed to minimize energy when setting up a radio-reflective mesh. • The optimal algorithm of the control allows solving the problem in real time. • The method for transmitting energy and control signals through the use of conductive structural parts of the reflector is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human capacity to explore and shape outer space will increase substantially over the next 50 years. Yet, International Relations (IR) theory still treats outer space as an isolated, unique, or inconsequential realm of political life. This paper moves IR beyond its 'terrestrial trap' by theorising planetary politics as inherently embedded in relations with environments and actors that are located beyond Earth. To face the momentous and often alarming political developments taking place in outer space, from space militarisation to space colonisation, we challenge two of IR's terrestrial biases. First, we confront the assumption that developments in international relations take place only or primarily on Earth. We show how the historically constituted ideologies and political economies of colonisation and domination are extended to – but also transformed within – outer space exploration and settlement. Second, we challenge the notion that developments in outer space form a logical extension of politics as it has emerged on the habitable surface of our planet. We move beyond zones of human habitation and explore how the material conditions of space intersect with situated histories of political governance and control. By analysing politics beyond Earth, we retool IR theory to confront an extraterrestrial political future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining for natural resources on-Earth is commonplace and dates back over a hundred years at an industrial scale. Technological advances in outer space exploration are enabling the mining of extraterrestrial resources to transition from mere science fiction, to a serious possibility. In recent decades, several new start-up companies have arisen with the sole intention of exploiting resources that exist in outer space, such as on Earth's moon, asteroids, meteorites, planets, and various planetary satellites, such as the moons of Mars - Phobos and Diemos. However, despite the increased investment and interest in space mining, criminologists have remained virtually silent on outer space issues. In this paper we adopt a green criminological approach to explain the emergence of outer space mining, and argue that now is the time to be researching and debating the phenomenon of extraterrestrial mining in order to prevent future social and environmental harm (following the precautionary principle of environmental law). To do this, the paper does three things. Firstly, it examines strategies for conducting space mining (such as its feasibility, probable locations, and innovative mining techniques). Secondly, it analyses the terrestrial and extraterrestrial impacts of space mining, unveiling several avenues for the creation of social and environmental harm. Finally, it uses a green criminological approach to justify the rationale for engaging legal scholars and criminologists with problematic space mining issues. The paper concludes that now is the time to discuss these issues, prior to the industrialisation and exploitation of unique celestial bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 14 December 2021, the extraordinary event called "touching the Sun" has been heralded as a "monumental moment for solar science", in which the Parker Solar Probe opened up a new frontier of research for Space exploration, proposing the challenge of reaching, studying, and even "touching" our Sun at close range. The consequences of this event are scientific but also metaphysical and transcendental, offering the opportunity to reflect on the complex reality and meaning of the "boundaries" as opportunities for relationships and then for ethics. In this paper, I would like to propose an attempt to develop a possible discussion for an extension of Space Sustainability as an ethical guide for humanity which, as it goes out into outer Space, is helped to rediscover new, expanded dimensions of perception along the path of mystery and humility, in order to return back to Earth enriched for new relationships in pursuit of the common good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploration of outer space has ushered in a new era of challenges for international law, particularly in the realm of Private International Law (PIL). As the space industry continues to evolve, it is imperative to assess how PIL can effectively address these emerging legal complexities. This research employs the doctrinal method to critically analyse the existing framework of space law, exploring the historical and theoretical foundations of PIL in the context of space activities. It highlights the need for adaptation and innovation in legal norms to ensure the regulation of activities beyond Earth's boundaries. Examining international agreements and conventions governing space endeavours, this study identifies gaps in the legal landscape, particularly concerning liability issues, resource extraction, and dispute resolution mechanisms. In conclusion, this research calls for a comprehensive review of PIL in the context of space exploration, advocating for adjustments to existing legal instruments to accommodate the unique challenges posed by the new frontier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This special issue addresses some of the many discourses related to religion and outer space with attention to the impacts that space exploration, space expansionism, and encounters with extraterrestrial life—both in the ancient past and the future—might have on religious systems. Contributions to this issue were developed from a Symposium on Space Exploration, Astrobiology, and the Future of Religion held in March 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In space exploration activities, a large amount of materials needs to be carried, which limits the sustainable development of exploration activities. In‐situ resource utilization (ISRU) is an important means to realize resource recycling and continuous space exploration, which converts space resources into oxygen and hydrocarbon fuels. The traditional ISRU in outer space mainly uses high temperature and high pressure to electrolyze water or reduce CO2, having problems such as low conversion efficiency, high energy consumption, and excessive equipment volume. Here, an electrochemical catalytic synthesis technology based on a microfluidic device is proposed, which can convert H2O and CO2 into O2 and organic matter by electrocatalytic method at room temperature and achieve efficient energy and matter conversion. The gas‐liquid mixing and electrochemical reaction were analyzed. A mathematical model of gas‐liquid two‐phase mixing and microfluidic chemical reaction was established. The research results demonstrate the reliability and efficiency of the microfluidic reaction device designed in this paper for ISRU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Space law today rests on the bones of a Cold War paradigm that the United States and the Soviet Union created in furtherance of détente. While these States have not superseded the black-and-white legal framework from the era of Sputnik, the space industry today is technicolor and challenges antiquated laws in novel ways. Space law is unequipped to satisfy modern State and private actors because its particulars are not adequately particular. The conciliatory tones of space law's founding documents avoid bringing doomsday weapons to outer space, but this Article argues that space law now finds legal relevance through subfields of law: property law, environmental law, and tort law. These subfields--seemingly deaf to space law--ironically form the backbone for permissions and limits on space exploration that constrict a gold rush in outer space and protect U.S. interests. This Article provides a foundation of space law as it relates to lunar mining operations and the environmental constraints that limit future exploration. It argues that space law is insufficient to forestall the most unscrupulous space explorers. A prototype formula weighs the tools of space treaties against the threats of space exploration while keeping environmental targets in mind. Upon finding that space laws are inadequate to protect these concerns, this Article assesses alternative legal measures to guide future space exploration and resource extraction. Absent an appetite for new space treaty law, States and corporations must grasp space law-adjacent concepts for law with force. This Article reaches the surprising conclusion that dusty space law, read through novel subfields of law, yields answers for space operations and in ways previously unexplored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reveals the latest perspectives of global digital governance for space exploration. Approaches to the formation of a general concept of global digital governance, which is focused on ensuring security, stability and inclusiveness in the digital space, are analysed. It was revealed that the formation of a model of global digital governance is characterized by certain trends that reflect the aspirations of states to ensure national security, technological leadership and economic growth. The key trends in the formation of digital governance have been identified. The importance of global digital governance for space law is determined. The main possibilities of global digital governance for space exploration are highlighted: development of international coordination and cooperation; ensuring security and infrastructure protection; development of technological innovations; expansion of economic opportunities and inclusiveness; development of science and education in the field of space law; guaranteeing environmental responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of the political and legislative regime concerning use of outer space becomes every day more relevant. The research is intended to further expand current studies devoted to this issue by providing thorough information on the formation of the world’s first international legal framework for outer space territories use. The author examines in chronological order the regulatory and institutionalization process of the world’s first informal system that determined interaction among the participants of the space race. At the same time, this study provides a detailed analysis of the problems related to the formation of a comprehensive international regime, allowing author to make a conclusion about the ineffectiveness of the current system based on targeted international treaties and the necessity of modifying the formalisation approaches. In addition, article proposes potential scenarios for the formation of a political and legal outer space regime. The author assesses the possibility of establishing military hegemony alongside militarisation of outer space, analyses prospects for a codified peaceful co-development regime in the absence of workable space diplomacy initiatives, as well as considers the possibility of privatisation of space under free competition and the probability of preserving the current regime.

Studies of large-scale space processes and phenomena require the scientific efforts of many countries and the use of expensive technical resources, the development and manufacture of which requires intergovernmental cooperation. These are just some of the things that lead to the need for cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space. From the very beginning of the space age, the Soviet Union offered the international community all kinds of cooperation, and, after its collapse in 1991, Russia, as its legal successor, assumed obligations to implement previously planned international projects under the Intercosmos program and continued cooperation with national space organizations in the United States, Europe, India, China, Japan, etc., on the basis of bilateral intergovernmental agreements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The space research scene in India is on the rise, and this study takes a closer look at what's happening. We explore how big the space research market is, what's making it grow, and who the key players are. In India, space research is booming thanks to cool projects and better technology. We check out the main players, from new start-ups to the big research centres, and see how they're making their mark in this busy space. The city is home to lots of space research spots, each doing different things like making satellites and exploring outer space. We look at the city's tech strengths and skilled pros, predicting that India is all set for more growth and cool stuff in space research. This study gives you a peek into what's happening now and what's in store for India as it becomes a major player in India's space exploration dreams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human space flights fostered dreams and technological advances of humankind in the last centuries, since Jules Verne's visionary anticipations. However, exploration of the outer space challenges human adaptive response to a hostile environment in which cosmic radiation, microgravity, physical confinement, vacuum, and altered magnetic field, overall sum up to threaten human health. The Artemis program is organizing international efforts aiming to return to the Moon, and enabling a future Mars mission. A unified international human space flight policy should clarify the rationale, the acceptable risk, and the required countermeasures to reach the proposed objectives. To address such a challenge, proper medical and technical countermeasures should be developed for mitigating health hazard secondary to prolonged exposure to both radiation and weightlessness. Overall, development of artificial gravity devices, proper radiation shielding strategy, and the integrated network of biosensors that could provide a timely detection of health markers, constitutes indispensable requirements in supporting the next generation of human space flights. Thereby, to achieve such endeavors we need to bring in multidisciplinary skills and technologies in an integrated way. The Artemis program offers the opportunity to advance the basic knowledge and medical technologies in fulfilling such requirements, while adopting the prudent strategy of reducing to a minimum short- and long-term risk that space travelers shall face. • Identification of biological hazard for prolonged stay in the outer space is mandatory for future human space missions. • Developing a device for achieving artificial gravity and performing an integrated network for remote diagnosis – including new biochemical sensors – are necessary achievements. • Providing a reliable shield protection from radiation exposure is an absolute requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As public and private institutions recognize the role of space exploration as a catalyst for economic growth, various areas of innovation are expected to emerge as drivers of the space economy. These include space transportation, in-space manufacturing, bioproduction, in-space agriculture, nuclear launch, and propulsion systems, as well as satellite services and their maintenance. However, the current nature of space as an open-access resource and global commons presents a systemic risk for exuberant competition for space goods and services, which may result in a “tragedy of the commons” dilemma. In the race among countries to capture the value of space exploration, NASA, American research universities, and private companies can avoid any coordination failures by collaborating in a public–private research and development partnership (PPRDP) structure. We present such a structure founded upon the principles of polycentric autonomous governance, which incorporate a decentralized autonomous organization framework and specialized research clusters. By advancing an alignment of incentives among the specified participatory members, PPRDPs can play a pivotal role in stimulating open-source research by creating positive knowledge spillover effects and agglomeration externalities as well as embracing the nonlinear decomposition paradigm that may blur the distinction between basic and applied research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orbital space enables many essential services, such as weather forecasting, global communication, navigation, Earth observation for environmental and agricultural management, and national security applications. Orbit use is increasingly defined by firms launching coordinated fleets—“constellations”—of satellites into low-Earth orbit. These firms operate in markets with few or no competitors, such as the market for broadband internet provision to rural areas. How will oligopolistic competition shape the allocation of orbital space? We analyze orbital-use patterns and economic welfare when two profit-maximizing firms operate satellite constellations with sophisticated collision avoidance systems. We compare this duopoly equilibrium to public utility constellations designed and regulated to maximize economic welfare from orbit use. We show that imperfect competition reduces economic welfare from orbit use by up to 12%—$1.1 billion USD—per year and distorts the allocation of orbital space. The nature of the distortion depends on the magnitude of constellation-related environmental damages. When damages are low, economic welfare is maximized by larger-than-equilibrium constellations. When damages are high, economic welfare is maximized by smaller-than-equilibrium constellations. Between the growing commercial and national interests in outer space and the importance of low-Earth orbit to space exploration, orbit-use management is likely to be a fruitful and policy-relevant area for economic research. We conclude with a discussion of future research directions in orbit-use management relevant to policymakers around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive investigations in outer space have revealed not only how life adapts to the space environment, but also that interesting biophysical phenomena occur. These phenomena affect human health and other life forms (animals, plants, bacteria, and fungi), and to ensure the safety of future human space exploration need to be further investigated. This calls for joint research efforts between biologists and physicists, as these phenomena present cross-disciplinary barriers. Various national organizations provide useful forums for bridging this gap. Additional discussion avenues and database resources are helpful for facilitating the interdisciplinary investigations of these phenomena. In this paper, we present the newly established Space Life Investigation Database (SpaceLID, https://bidd.group/spacelid/) which provides information about biophysical phenomena occurring in space. Examples obtained using the database are given while discussing the underlying causes of these phenomena and their implications for the physiology and health of life in space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploration of outer space is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking endeavor. The fascination about what may be out there is only matched by asking who might be out there. Exopsychology is concerned about how humans think about extraterrestrials, but also how extraterrestrials may think, feel, and behave. It strives to find generalizable psychological theories to enrich and extend the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). Producing technosignatures requires that a species skillfully realizes the relevant possibilities for action, which the environment offers in all its socio-material richness. These possibilities are called affordances. They are not fixed but relational to individual and collective available abilities and customs. We apply an affordance perspective to specify the relation between information processing, body, environment, and material engagement in the context of space exploration and SETI. In this way, we can uncover aspects of the psychological configurations that SETI requires from its extraterrestrial targets, but which are also critical to the human practice of space exploration. Moreover, we elaborate on arguments against employing the concept of "intelligence" in SETI. A successful first contact requires a mutual attunement to species-typical diachronic backdrops, which constitute meaning. One possibility for a meaningful message form and content is the reference to the material environment and its respective engagement. Meaningfulness of affordances is conserved in a form of life and transmitted via social interaction. Considering affordances within SETI fosters an understanding of how the thinking, feeling, and behavior of life forms in the Universe emerge in relation to their socio-material environment. • The psychological concept of affordances is explored in context of space exploration and SETI. • To create technosignatures, extraterrestrials must exploit the opportunities for action provided by their environment. • Communication with extraterrestrials may be possible by commutating with and about material engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planetary protection enables scientific return from solar system bodies investigations and at the same time protects life on Earth. As we continue to explore our solar system by landing machines and humans on other planets, we need to ascertain that we do not bring potentially dangerous material home to Earth or carry anything from Earth that may contaminate another planetary body and prevent scientific investigations. A Planetary Protection Policy has been developed by the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), which provides a forum for international consultation in the area of space research. The COSPAR Planetary Protection Policy, and its associated requirements, is not legally binding under international law but is an agreed standard with implementation guidelines for compliance with Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty. States Parties to the Outer Space Treaty are responsible for national space activities under Article VI, including the activities of governmental and non-governmental entities. The current members of the COSPAR Panel on Planetary Protection are representatives from national space agencies and thematic experts from the science community of different countries (https://cosparhq.cnes.fr/scientific-structure/ppp). Other stakeholders, including the private sector, are invited to attend and present at the PPP meetings. The COSPAR PPP maintains and updates the COSPAR Planetary Protection Policy regularly, always reviewing all available scientific knowledge leading to updates to the policy, in particular as concerns the outer solar system and lunar exploration. Such updates are performed in a careful and balanced way to ensure that the right measures are envisaged to fulfil the rationales for planetary protection. • Planetary protection enables scientific space exploration and protects the Earth. • A Planetary Protection Policy has been developed by the Committee on Space Research. • It is an agreed international standard with guidelines for compliance with the OS Treaty. • It is based on the most recent scientific knowledge. • A COSPAR Panel maintains and promotes updates to the Planetary Protection Policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the multifarious roles played by state actors in space, tracing the historical context of the Cold War space race and discussing the current landscape where commercial entities dominate much of space activity, yet states still hold regulatory and oversight responsibilities. Topics include the evolving balance between state and commercial involvement in space, the significance of state policies and regulations, and the importance of international political economy.

Among many contemporary threats, which include threats in the military, economic or social sphere, issues related to threats in cyberspace, artificial intelligence (AI), genetic modifications of the human genome and threats related to with space exploration. This work, based on a qualitative analysis of the literature, aims to identify selected, often overlooked and not functioning in the common awareness of contemporary threats to state security. The analysis undertaken allows us to conclude that an important factor contributing to the increase in the level of threat to the security of the state and nation today are the contemporary "black swans" in the security sphere, the weakness of political leadership, unknown directions of AI development and changes in the human genome, threats related to the outer space exploration and threats in cyberspace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The space industry has grown significantly in importance, with more and more private companies aiming to provide services within the space environment. These include space tourism and the extensive deployment of satellites for earth monitoring, communication, and space exploration. Technological developments have accelerated the ability of private companies to provide services and establish businesses in the space area, with several new businesses providing services worldwide. With the technological advances in AI, the space area has been an essential area for AI to be deployed and the challenges it may face. The challenges with AI in the space sector and regulations in the space sector overall is the global regulatory nature of the environment. This is incredibly challenging given the significant discussion regarding national AI regulations to deal with this fast-developing area. Based on the challenging regulatory environment and associated risks, financing these new business models has presented new complexities that must be taken care of. Asset-based financing of such operations represents vital opportunities to deal with the intricate complexities of such operations and the various legal environments. While liability and other challenges have to be considered both in light of national and international regulations that may have to be taken into account, asset financing represents a very attractive option given the priority and security of the interest in the space asset. Specifically, there are various remedies given that it reduces the risk of various non-compatible regulations in order to secure their concerning asset rights. Furthermore, pre-existing third-party interests can be looked up via online registries, reducing potential risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Any future outer space exploration and exploitation should more fully consider disaster and health risks as part of aiming for sustainability. The advent of the so‐called "New Space" race, age, or era characterized by democratization, commercialization, militarization, and overlapping outer space activities such as tourism presents challenges for disaster‐related and health‐related risks in and for outer space. Such challenges have been extensively researched for earth, but less so for space. This article presents an overview of key aspects for addressing disaster and health risks in outer space within a wider sustainability framing. After an introduction providing background and scope, this article's next section considers some key health and disaster risks within sustainable outer space and offers insights from earth. The following two sections apply this knowledge by focusing on how analogue missions and international legal and voluntary regimes can each be used to reduce risks and potentially make outer space healthier and safer. The findings advocate that there is a wealth of knowledge and experience about mitigating risks to health and disaster risk reduction on earth that can inform spaceflight and exploration. The examples explored include the physical, legal, and regulatory aspects of the "New Space" industry, which highlights the relevance of equating examples on earth. The article concludes that expectations must be managed regarding scenarios for which response, rescue, and recovery are precluded, prompting a necessary focus on prevention and risk reduction. In doing so, earth‐based scenarios and aspects of the so‐called "Old Space" offer useful insights and should be examined further for "New Space." Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:994–1001. © 2022 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC). Key Points: More should be done to draw on the wealth of knowledge and experience that exists on earth for addressing health risks and disaster risk reduction and response (DRR/R) for sustainable outer space exploration.As the space industry grows, there is a danger that pursuing the opportunities of outer space may be counterproductive to humanity's recent efforts to transition to more sustainable living.Embracing sustainability and risk reduction can create a better and safer future on earth and in outer space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Science and technology are at the origin and development of the international community. And even more outside our terrestrial frontiers where the basic principle of the legal regime of outer space affirms that outer space, the Moon and other celestial bodies "shall be the province of all mankind". For this reason, science and technology have been the main engine of international cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space, and have fostered the values of equality and free access for the benefit of all countries. However, the cultural impact on humanity and the role of art in space exploration should also be noted. From the earliest works of art to the most avant-garde art orbital sculptures, space art seeks to enhance the synergies between science and culture; bring space technology applications closer to society, which are essential for the great global challenges, and reinforce the peaceful uses of outer space. With their works, artists intend to generate a greater planetary awareness, as symbols of peace and unity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Against the broad background of existing "Earth law", this article aims to provide an initial assessment of existing "Space law" to start the conversation about what is still needed from a legal perspective to best facilitate the ongoing "commercialisation of Outer Space". This article considers the ongoing commercialisation of Outer Space primarily from a legal perspective, investigating the rol law (Earth law as well as Space law) and so‐called "space lawyers" may be able to play in it. The focus of the article is to, first and foremost, raise some key questions that need (legal) consideration, without attempting to already provide answers to any of those questions. The article starts by addressing the relevance now of commercialisation of Outer Space and therefore the question asked in the title. It then goes on to briefly explore the existing Space law, highlighting separately the most relevant Space Treaties and Space Principles. Against that background, the article then reflects on what (if any) guidance this provides on the key concept of Space Property. In addition, the article also briefly addresses the 2001 Cape Town Convention on international interests in mobile equipment and explains why this convention, and in particular its Space Protocol, are also very relevant to consider in the context of the commercialisation of Outer Space. Finally, the article provides its initial assessment and ends with a number of concluding remarks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to explain the competition among spacefaring states in outer space. In contrast to rivalry among great powers on Earth, the competition in space does not merely reflect the situation on Earth. Spacefaring states tend to put their preferences to the most beneficial stakeholders possible. The United States, as the current hegemon in space exploration, has to share its partners on Earth, for instance, the European States, with rival states, such as China. Through a neorealist approach and secondary data collected from various sources, this paper advances that in line with the neorealist assumption, neither ideology nor traditional alliance shapes the international political posture, but rather rational consideration and ability to maximize national interests. In the end, this paper shows that the behavior among states in terms of space exploration related to defence is more varied, unlike the pattern of military competition that occurs on Earth. Choices and changes in the power structure in space are possible based on capability and strategic actions among competing spacefaring states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing activities in outer space, many driven by private actors, coincide with the resurgence of competing systems of world public order. An authoritarian bloc, led by China and Russia, promotes a competing world order based on values, including authoritarian capitalism, that differ greatly from the liberal rules-based public order led by the United States. In the space arena, interactions are complicated by two changing circumstances: the divergence between two frameworks, the U.S.-led Artemis program and the Chinese-Russian program; and the obsolescing of applicable norms due to technological innovation, changing participants, and increasing disputes. These developments require reevaluating paths toward securing minimum and optimum orders in space. Predominant legal scholarship for space, however, has approached emerging claims and negative externalities in space from the perspective of "law," as a body of rules, rather than as a field of "governance." Such an approach fails to appreciate the international lawmaking process and overestimates the authority, control, and endurance of applicable norms. This article proposes that under modern circumstances, it is preferable to detach from "space law" for a "space governance" mode of thinking based on policy-oriented jurisprudence. The article outlines six analytical components of the proposed space governance framework which is geared toward a contextual appreciation of interactions between various participants. It then utilizes the approach to confront two urgent aspects of space governance. First, it proposes a regime of coordination between the two systems of world public order which may alleviate conflicts in lunar operations. Second, it demonstrates that the correlating interests of the competing blocs generate incentives for installing a cooperation regime of non-proliferation and testing prohibition for anti-satellite weapons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst a worsening climate crisis, there is growing public discourse theorising the possible colonisation of outer space to secure a sustainable future for humanity. In the face of these escapist fantasies, political discussion on humanity's relation to the universe is notably limited and primarily frames space exploration as a dangerous Promethean endeavour. While I do not contest this claim, I argue that humanity's technological capabilities and acquired knowledge of the universe can alternatively facilitate an Earth-centred engagement with the Cosmos as a sublime aesthetic experience. I frame the sublime Cosmos and its infinite expanse of dynamic material forces, as a site of resistance against Promethean visions of human mastery and colonisation. I then theorise how the sublime Cosmos can be productively engaged as a source of political imagination and spiritual elevation. Recovering a spiritual attachment to Earth is necessary, for we are irrevocably tied to this rapidly destabilising planet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The growth of human activity in outer space is attracting more International Relations (IR) scholar's attention, enabling an understanding of the involvement of specific groups of actors and the dynamics of political negotiations that lead to concluding agreements on using outer space for peaceful purposes. This article provides analysis based on the triangulation of qualitative data gathered via document analysis and in-depth semi-structured expert interviews to gain insight into the involvement of the actors responsible for the negotiations that led to the Artemis Accords and their diplomatic communication style. The results identified different uses of public and private diplomatic communication for advancing norms of behaviour and transparency. Negotiators used public diplomatic communication in order to influence foreign governments on the need for norms of behaviour and transparency to further peaceful space exploration beyond low Earth orbit. Private diplomatic communication facilitated the inclusion of commercial partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses dynamics of warfare and weaponization in space, emphasizing the implications for global security, technological advancements, and humanity's future in space exploration.