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  • A Draft International Treaty Outlining a System of Governance for the Colonisation of Mars

    Paper number

    IAC-19,A5,2,11,x51763

    Author

    Ms. Eleanor Griffin, United Kingdom, Student

    Year

    2019

    Abstract
    Human space exploration has captured the imagination of people around the world in the 50 years since Apollo 11 and the Moon landings. We have had a continuous presence in space on the ISS for almost 20 years. The next logical step, and the task for my generation, is to send men and women to Mars, the nearest and most similar planet to Earth. ISECG’s Global Exploration Roadmap illustrates the international consensus that Mars is the next big target for manned space exploration, and the ideas and ambition of private enterprises, as well as national agencies, makes it likely that we shall visit Mars sooner than later. But… how will we conduct ourselves when we get there? 
    
    I developed a draft international Treaty to govern the colonisation of Mars by considering other treaties in force such as the Antarctic Treaty and the Treaty on the Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space. My purpose was to produce a clear Treaty that defines the basic legal framework and international laws that anyone who colonises Mars must follow. I had a particular focus on forming a strong, sustainable Martian community that has the right principles for creating a future government. I explored those aspects of a Mars Treaty which I believe are the most important to my generation, who will be the face of change and the future of space exploration, including peace and equality, sustainability and environmental protection, and research. 
    
    The treaty covers the following issues in eight articles: peace; sovereignty and ownership of Mars; scientific research and freedom of investigation; military measures; nuclear power and weapons; human rights; environmental protection; and the future of Earth. These are followed by a further five administrative articles describing where and to whom the Treaty applies, resolution of disputes between signatories, putting the Treaty into effect and procedures for revisions and amendments.
    
    I present the first draft of a proposed international Treaty for Mars colonisation and describe the considerations used to develop it. It will help us to plan colonisation, and to set the parameters for the first manned missions to Mars, to be revised prior to the departure of substantial numbers of colonists. This paper will lay the foundations for a planetary government to be developed once we better understand which legal and political solutions are uniquely relevant to The Red Planet.
    Abstract document

    IAC-19,A5,2,11,x51763.brief.pdf

    Manuscript document

    (absent)