NEW ETHICS FOR SPACE COMMERCE
- Paper number
IAC-09.E8.4.15
- Author
Dr. Gurbachan Sachdeva, India
- Year
2009
- Abstract
Governments and public exchequer are no longer going to remain sole players in the space arena. Space commerce is next thing in the offing whether for profitability, entrepreneurial vanity, business aggrandizement or commercial adventurism. Fortunately, technology is also advancing equally rapidly and becoming affordable to make these visions feasible and viable. Space commerce is growing in the fields of communication, television, transportation, remote sensing and many others. Even space industrialization does not seem far behind. Products have been identified that require gravity-free or super-cold or sterile environment of outer space for manufacturing or processing. However, man has not covered himself with glory on his commercial and business activities on the earth due to his unquenchable greed for profit, cut-throat competition, dubious trade practices, debased business values and abdication of commercial morality. To carry this corporate culture to outer space is least desirable and new ethical doctrine needs to be evolved. This proposition begs a question that whose ethical norms and morality should be emulated. Now, at the threshold of launching on space commerce man would be wiser to reinvent moral values and trading discipline. It behoves him to cultivate New Ethics for Space Commerce with justice, fairness and equity as pillars. These differ even within each nation and international variations are marked and conflictive. Its answer may not be easy to find, yet collective wisdom under the aegis of United Nations can negotiate a common-denominator. This decision cannot be procrastinated indefinitely. No denying that commerce and industrialization have their own game-rules, but New Ethics based on high standards of business probity and commercial honesty with moorings in conscious social responsibility is advised. This paper adduces examples of unequal dealings and dubious intentions in business practice and leads onto a rational choice of New Ethics for Space Commerce for sustenance of healthy commerce in outer space. Amicability and cooperation are strongly recommended. It is submitted that United Nations or any other appropriate international organization should take initiative to enunciate ethical commandments for regulating commercial conduct and business discipline of nations, corporations and individuals in the outer space. Today, we have an opportunity to create a culture of benign economics and perpetuate social obligation for righteous distribution of resources with the avowed object of common good of humanity and optimum welfare of all leading to peace and pleasure. This slogan should echo worldwide
- Abstract document
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