In the fourth episode of our podcast series, we look at the practical, legal and ethical questions about going to set up base on the moon – and mining its resources.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, US, May 2019.
NASA Kennedy
This are looking up when it comes to launching things into space from Australia. The rules on what can be launched are currently under review and open for comment.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visits a facility to celebrate the anniversary of the 1961 first manned space mission. Space capabilities have changed a bit since then.
Alexey Nikolosky / AAP
India, China, the United States and Russia can now precisely target objects in space. But we currently lack appropriate rules and regulations to deal with space weapons.
President Richard M. Nixon welcomes the Apollo 11 astronauts aboard the USS Hornet, the recovery ship for the mission, where they are quarantined. From left to right: Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin.
NASA
Objects left on the Moon are not just abandoned rockets and rovers. There is a lot of historic and sentimental memorabilia. Some of it hints at a mission that the first Moonwalkers almost forgot.
A composite image of a satellite firing an energy weapon at a target on Earth.
Marc Ward/Shutterstock.com
In the space beyond Earth’s atmosphere, countries are focusing on nationalist pursuits and ignoring the consequences for the rest of humanity. How can we keep the peace and build a sustainable future?
It would be nice to blast dangerous nuclear waste far away from Earth, or into the Sun where it won’t cause any harm. However, it’s not as simple as it sounds.
NASA
At the end of the day, the problem is that no-one on Earth wants nuclear waste stored near them, and it’s not safe or cost-effective to blast it into space.
Smiles from Prime Minister Scott Morrison and SA Premier Steven Marshall as the location of Australia’s Space Agency is revealed to be Adelaide, South Australia.
Sam Wundke/AAP
No country can lay claim to sovereignty over a planet, moon or rocky body. But in the absence of clear laws regulating mining in space, it’s a case of first in, best dressed for resource extraction.
A US Delta IV rocket lifts off.
United Launch Alliance/AFSPC
Trunp’s new policy could lead to the militarisation of outer space and the beginning of a new space arms race.
US President Trump holds up a space policy directive he just signed during a meeting of the US National Space Council 18 June 2018.
MICHAEL REYNOLDS/AAP
China’s space station Tiangong-1 is about to crash back to Earth any day now. It’s out of control too so no one really knows where it will land. So what if it hits you or your house?
A view from the Apollo 11 spacecraft, showing the Earth rising above the moon’s horizon (July 1969).
NASA
Who is responsible for space debris? What laws should apply to humans living on another planet? Who has rights to mine asteroids? The Outer Space Treaty needs an update to address such questions.
Space exploration and exploitation has changed a lot in 50 years.
Shutterstock
The rules on armed conflict on Earth are a major source of restraint on military operations. But the rules on the use of weapons in outer space are far from clear. We need to change that.