Safety,Security,and Society in the New Space Age: Exploring the Enforcement Structures and Concerns of Postplanetary Humanity

Abstract

Abstract

With a seemingly resurgent public interest in the exploration and utilization of space (and its many recent successes), the increasing likelihood of regular manned spaceflight, the general commercialization of space, the privatization of spaceflight, a reformed curiosity in planetary defense, and the nascent militarization of space, the issues of operations, exploration, and safety in space—particularly in the various Earth orbits—are now more pressing than ever before. How space is used, by whom, and in accordance with what conventions, treaties, or pragmatic considerations are now very important topics for consideration, particularly as orbital debris now poses a very serious threat to satellites and space-faring humans alike. Although often considered a fanciful notion without merit and well within the realm of science fiction, the time has come to seriously consider addressing a growing need of modernity: safety, security, and society in the new space age.