Outer space has emerged as a distinct arena of political and economic interactions that can benefit humankind. With rising commercial interest and the engagement of states, outer space has become a zone in need of regulation and of cooperative agreements to avoid severe risks. This also raises the central question of responsibility in different ways, such as accountability, appropriate behaviour and the consideration of future generations.

The “responsibility” of space politics can be understood in at least three different ways, which the book aims to explore: First, responsibility entails a legal or regulatory understanding of all activities. Measures that ensure building mutual trust, sharing of information and compliance with space law have been central in this regard. Second, acting “responsibly” can also be understood in a broader philosophical sense as measuring action against standards of appropriateness or desirability. There is political contestation over the implications this understanding might have, for instance regarding the use or ban of space weapons or exploitation of resources in the future. Third, the practical question of responsibility implies making sure that current politics have no negative impact on future generations. For instance, ensuring sustainability of resources or avoiding damages to nature and climate, while allowing the commercial use of space, will shape what room for responsible political decision-making remains in outer space politics.

The Outer Space Affairs working group at AIA NRW has developed a concept for this and recruited authors from key fields within the ongoing debates on outer space. The group of authors will meet at the Academy from 9 to 11 December to debate ideas and concepts that will shed light on current and future issues of responsibility in outer space.