The promise of space—Prospect for a brighter future or tourist destination?

Abstract

The Declaration of Legal Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space from 1962 describes space as a new frontier that is understood by the United Nations as an inspiration and a prospect for a brighter future for humanity. The declaration describes space in almost religious terms and commits nations to high standards conduct when engaging in space exploration. With the advent of NewSpace and private actors in space exploration it seems necessary to look at the spirit and the religious undertones of the declaration and see where it is still applicable and where a comparison of space exploration and the religious promise of the original declaration can help shape the future of space exploration today.