Planetary Protection in the New Space Era: Science and Governance

• DOI: 10.3389/fspas.2020.589817
• Publication Date: 2020-11-13T08:47:53Z
• Authors: Thomas Cheney; Christopher Newman; Karen Olsson-Francis; Scott Steele; Victoria Pearson; Simon Lee
• Keywords: Space Policy; Space law; Mandate; Science Policy; Technocracy

Committee of Space Research’s Planetary Protection Policy is a triumph technocratic governance in the global sphere. The produced by group scientific experts and subsequently enjoys high regard among space community. However, as Research an independent organization without any legal mandate example so-called “soft law” or non-binding international instrument, short, no one under obligation to comply with them. policy linked Article IX Outer Treaty its provision calling for avoidance “harmful contamination” Moon other celestial bodies. While activities beyond Earth orbit have been exclusive preserve government agencies this has posed little problem. However private “non-science” proliferate begin spread their reach orbit, being tested. This paper will examine challenges developing maintaining effective planetary protection regime “New Space” era. involve looking at existing policies, well framework they sit within. it also necessary consider understand basis not just specifics itself but necessity it. Finally, whether broader “environmental” needed diversity type location.