The commercial lander, Peregrine, launched on January 8, carried human ashes, including those of renowned science fiction author Arthur C Clarke, and made a re-entry to Earth recently on January 18. The mission, owned by US company Astrobotic, was part of a commercial partnership allowing customers to send personal items to the Moon.
As space exploration shifts toward privatization, ethical and legal considerations arise. The failed Peregrine mission raises questions about the intersection of commercial ventures and international space law, prompting reflection on the evolving landscape of space commercialization.
Commercial Lunar Ethics
Astrobotic’s Peregrine, the size of a small car, encountered fuel issues after launch. The collaboration with DHL offered individuals the opportunity to send small packages to the Moon, exemplified by “vanity canisters.” For less than $500, anyone could partake in this lunar payload service. Astrobotic, a key player in US commercial lunar services, aims to deliver science and technology to the Moon. While Peregrine also carried scientific instruments, the failed mission would have marked the first commercial lunar burial.
Human ashes to space face ethical challenges
The practice of sending ashes into space is not new, with companies like Celestis and Elysium Space offering such services. However, lunar burials come at a higher cost, approximately $13,000. Legal considerations in various nations regarding the handling and transport of human ashes add complexity.
The Outer Space Treaty and Artemis Accords provide some guidance but lack specific regulations for private entities. The commercialization of space raises ethical questions about the placement of human remains and personal mementoes on celestial bodies.
Future Reflection
The failed Peregrine mission highlights the unexplored legal and ethical challenges accompanying the commercialization of space. While space law requires state authorization and supervision, the lines are blurred for private companies and individuals. The Artemis Accords, focusing on lunar protections, apply to governments, not commercial ventures.
As space privatisation accelerates, the need for comprehensive legal frameworks and ethical guidelines becomes apparent, especially with upcoming ventures like asteroid mining and space colonization. The Peregrine incident prompts a pause for reflection on the evolving dynamics of commercial activities beyond Earth.