In dreams begin responsibilities – environmental impact assessment and outer space development

ABSTRACT Although exploitation of outer space resources is still considered science fiction by many, spacefaring nations as well as private entrepreneurs such as SpaceX and Deep Space Industries are planning ventures to mine asteroids, the Moon and Mars. They are proposing to construct permanent human habitations and begin a variety of extraterrestrial industries within the next few decades. They are failing, however, to identify and assess the potential environmental impacts of these near-future actions. Without formal analyses of extraterrestrial environmental impacts, space projects may produce the unintended consequences of environmental degradation, lost opportunity, and the inefficiencies experienced here on Earth. Rather than calling for legislated requirements for assessment, industry-developed, -administered, and -enforced standards and practices are suggested. The extraterrestrial action area presents a potentially lucrative opportunity for professionals who are skilled in environmental impact assessment. This article discusses why impacts are to be expected, their nature, who is likely to initiate them, and how they may adversely affect the success of other future actions.