January 24, 2024 As NASA attempted its first Moon mission in 50 years with the Peregrine lander, ethical and legal concerns arose due to the inclusion of human ashes, including those of science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke, in the payload. The commercial partnership with DHL allowed paying customers to send mementos to the Moon, raising questions about the ethical and legal implications of commercializing space exploration.
Astrobotic, the US company that owns the Peregrine lander, collaborated with DHL to offer “vanity canisters,” allowing anyone to send small packages to the lunar surface for less than $500. While sending ashes into space is not new, a Moon burial, available for purchase at around $13,000, represents uncharted territory in the intersection of commercial enterprise and international space law.
The ethical concerns are exemplified by the opposition from the Native American Navajo people, who sought to stop the launch due to the sacred significance of the Moon. The legal landscape is complicated, with the Outer Space Treaty declaring space as the “province of all mankind” but lacking specific regulations for private companies and individuals.
The recent Artemis Accords, signed by 32 nations, focuses on protecting lunar sites of historical significance but applies only to government missions, not commercial endeavors. The absence of clear regulations raises questions about ownership, burial rights, and the responsibilities of private companies engaging in space activities.
The failed mission highlights the need for a robust legal and ethical framework to address the challenges arising from the commercialization of space exploration. As space privatization accelerates, the international community faces the task of establishing guidelines and regulations to ensure responsible and ethical practices beyond Earth’s boundaries.
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