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A Multi-Planet Species: Ethical and Environmental Impacts of Privatized Space Travel

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  • Natalie Pierson

    (The New School, United States)

Abstract

This paper examines private exploration and colonization of space, inspired by the growing interest and advancements in developing space by private industries, notably SpaceX. Marx’s theory of primitive accumulation and David Harvey’s theory of “spatial fix†provide a framework from which to understand why billionaires are attracted to the business of space. Matters of legality are considered in the regulation of space including treaties, their applications, and the unforeseen gaps in the law left by unanticipated private sector growth. Economic feasibility is discussed through cost and revenue estimates of possible marketable products. Environmental impacts, both on Mars and Earth, are reviewed regarding physical landscape and biological contamination. Finally, it explores the ethics of a developing colony in a stressful environment and seeks to unpack the term colonization in a celestial setting. This paper concludes that bringing capitalist ideals and methods into space is not a solution for problems created by capitalism on Earth. Given the concerns identified, it may well exacerbate them.

Suggested Citation

  • Natalie Pierson, 2021. "A Multi-Planet Species: Ethical and Environmental Impacts of Privatized Space Travel," RAIS Conference Proceedings 2021 0091, Research Association for Interdisciplinary Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:smo:lpaper:0091
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Victor L. Shammas & Tomas B. Holen, 2019. "One giant leap for capitalistkind: private enterprise in outer space," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 5(1), pages 1-9, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Julia M. Puaschunder, 2022. "Advances in Socially Responsible Investments in Resilience Finance," RAIS Conference Proceedings 2022-2023 0167, Research Association for Interdisciplinary Studies.
    2. Julia M. Puaschunder, 2022. "Behavioral International Law: Law-in-books vs. Law-in-action, Resembling the Neoclassical Economics vs. Behavioral Economics Debate," RAIS Conference Proceedings 2022-2023 0184, Research Association for Interdisciplinary Studies.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Mars; space; colonization; primitive accumulation; private industry;
    All these keywords.

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