Our work is inspired and driven by a set of core principles:
Space is an environment and is now a part of the human environment.
The Earth and space environments alike are worthy of respect and consideration and long-term stewardship. Rather than simply using space as a means to make Earth more sustainable, the sustainability of the entire Earth-space system for all stakeholders must be considered.
Terrestrial ecosystems and pristine space environments alike are at significant risk of irreversible harm unless proper precautions are taken or incorporated into regulation.
A continuum exists between the coupled system of the Earth’s environment and the space environment, and the increase in human space activities stand to affect both. If left unchallenged, the rapid acceleration of human space activities may yield irreversible changes in the Earth and space environments alike.
Humans have an obligation to consider the long-term consequences of their space-related activities on the Earth and space environments, as well as on the rights of future generations and the rights of nature.
Given limitations of current scientific and policy research, and recognizing what we do not presently know about the space environment, the Precautionary Principle should be employed in decision making when appropriate.
Increased interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches among the humanities, arts, social sciences and physical sciences are necessary to more completely consider and find solutions to emerging issues related to human engagement with the space environment.
Proper stewardship of the space environment is required in order to bring about a truly just, equitable, and sustainable future for humanity in outer space.
While we do not assert that we are the sole entity to speak on behalf of the space environment, we will take every opportunity to stand up in its defense.
These are our mission, vision and values:
MISSION
To inspire, inform, and guide the preservation and protection of the space environment.
VISION
Humanity's interaction with the natural world beyond the Earth’s atmosphere is minimally intrusive and informed by rigorous assessment and research, preserving the pristine nature of space for enjoyment, science, and inspiration for current and future generations.
VALUES
Equity: We adhere steadfastly to the notion that all humans have an equal right to experience and express their relationships to the cosmos, free of social, economic, or geographical disparities.
Collaboration: Decision making involving outer space should be jointly debated and decided among all stakeholders, including those that have neither an historical presence in outer space nor the intent to establish such a presence in the future.
Precaution: Where unknowns dominate, decisions should defer to the notion of precaution in which measures are taken in advance to prevent possible outcomes or consequences of decisions that are unjust, uncontrolled, unanticipated or inconvenient.
Stewardship: The material contents of outer space, including resources on other worlds valuable to humans, are not mere commodities available for exploitation to those who reach them first. The space environment, including Solar System bodies, has intrinsic value, cannot be owned, and is entitled to remediation when human activities damage it.