Today, the UN Outer Space Treaty of 1967 continues to guide international activities and missions in space—both in Earth orbit and beyond. Ratified by over 100 nations, the OST continues to fulfill its original intention that exploration and use of space be done for the peaceful benefit of mankind—whether undertaken by governmental or non-government entities.  Over time, space exploration and missions have led to new understanding about life, environments and our place in the Universe, raising a variety of questions about proposed missions and ventures ahead.  In recent years, there is growing acknowledgement of the need to revise and update various policies—particularly those related to planetary protection for robotic and human missions to the Moon and other celestial bodies. This talk will focus on the current framework for addressing knowledge gaps and requirements for activities beyond Earth orbit—where assorted questions about harmful contamination, environmental management and future commercial and private ventures will need to be addressed.

Our speaker, Dr. Margaret S. Race, is a senior research scientist at the SETI Institute.

As always, there will be free and tasty Thai food!