The Charter of the International Space Association

PREAMBLE

We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in Earth's history. Humanity is entering an unparalleled era of space exploration as we seek new challenges and push our technological boundaries within Earth's orbit and far from our home. As an increasing number of people work in the space industry and visit space, the International Space Association believes it is critical to promote a shared vision of values that provide an ethical foundation for all future human space endeavors.

PRINCIPLES

I. Humanity is one, and must work together in space for the betterment of mankind, unbound by race, religion, political allegiance or nationhood.

II. Wherever possible, we must encourage cooperation between entities operating in space.

III. We must establish an ethical culture by preserving integrity, fairness and trust in all space activities.

IV. Individual human safety and the safety of all humanity shall be the foremost priority, and efforts must be made to create a safe environment in all our endeavours.

V. We must be a leading voice in advancing and influencing discussion around the utilization of the resources of space for the improvement of all human life.

VI. Our ventures must be sustainable and should not unnecessarily further the destruction of Earth's resources.

VII. We must endeavor to prevent the proliferation of space debris that may put future space ventures and human life at risk.

VIII. At all cost, we must protect Earth's ecological integrity and avoid any risk to it.

IX. The protection of biodiversity and the sanctity of life in all parts of the universe is an utmost priority to ensure the dignity and wellbeing of non-human life encountered in space activities.

X. Space exploration should benefit the education of all people, regardless of economic or social position.

XI. We recognize and abide by The Outer Space Treaty as signed and ratified by the member states:

        i. We must uphold freedom of navigation in space, unrestricted from interference by other entities, organizations, or governments.

        ii. Beyond the limits of national airspace, access to space should be free from national rights and jurisdiction.

        iii. No weapon of mass destruction, nuclear or otherwise, shall be placed in space or upon its celestial bodies.

        iv. Space and its celestial bodies shall be used exclusively for peaceful purposes.

        v. No party shall lay sovereign claim to, or restrict access to, space or any celestial body.

WORKS CITED

United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. (1967, January 27). Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. Retrieved from https://www.state.gov/t/isn/5181.htm