CSR in Space: Corporate Social Responsibility Principles for the Space Industries

Abstract

Laws already exist which govern space, as do corporate social responsibility (CSR) guidelines for companies operating on Earth and a growing movement pushing for legal clarity inter alia concerning property rights in space. Until now, no effort has been made to analyse the mutual implications of these developments-and consequently to produce CSR guidelines based on them, for space. Terrestrial CSR has evolved to fill gaps in national legal and policy frameworks by formulating principles and guidance, sometimes based on soft law instruments. This function of remedying legal uncertainties makes CSR an ideal tool and approach for defining and addressing responsible corporate behaviour in space. CSR Guidelines for Space ought to help public and private actors alike achieve the sustainable commercial exploitation of space resources. CSR should be taken seriously by space industries because: 1) It can help to guide companies to act in a socially responsible way in areas where legal standards are still developing, 2) It can help ensure a continued “social license to operate” with reference to terrestrial stakeholders, 3) It can help to build renewed support for public and private investment in space science and space industries.I argue that CSR Guidelines for Space should address the following 10 issues:Monitoring, Safety, Transparency, Accountability, Conservation, Health, Psychological Health, Environment, Space junk and Respect to Property.