The Future of Space Exploration: Ethical and Other Philosophical Dilemmas

Space exploration represents a frontier for global ambition and scientific innovation, stirring extensive debate surrounding its ethical, social, and philosophical implications. As nations and private entities push further into the cosmos, questions arise about the propriety, limits, and ramifications of such endeavors. Issues like space tourism catering to the wealthy, amid stark global inequalities, and the long-term prospect of extracting space resources spotlight immediate ethical concerns. Coupled with philosophical challenges, these ventures invite scrutiny over humanity's right to manipulate extraterrestrial environments.

This Research Topic aims to dissect and critically analyze the numerous dimensions associated with ethical and other philosophical considerations in space exploration over the next five decades. It seeks to evaluate the moral grounds of investing in space, considering the pressing terrestrial challenges such as global warming and overpopulation. Moreover, it intends to scrutinize the potential socio-political consequences, such as replicating historical colonial behavior and escalating geopolitical tensions through unequal advancements in space capabilities.

To gather further insights into these complex issues, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Philosophical methodologies relevant to space exploration debates.
• Ethical considerations in the context of space tourism and resource exploitation.
• Ethical analyses of investing in space activities versus addressing Earth's critical issues.
• Strategic long-term perspectives on space exploration and exploitation.
• Comparative impacts of space activities on different socio-economic global groups.

We invite contributions in the form of Original Research, Review, and Opinion articles to delve into these multifaceted discussions, providing insights and advancing thought on the philosophical and ethical dimensions of space exploration.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: space economy, Space philosophy, Space ethics, Space tourism, Bioethics

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.