We live in a time where the development of an off-world civilization might become the solution to one of the grand challenges of our time. As we venture off of Earth, experienced space and ethics professionals can help us face challenges and questions such as how we will adapt, survive, and thrive in outer space. Where does the human ecosystem begin and end? Do we have a responsibility to protect inhospitable planets? As we evolve off our planet as a species, will we mature and choose to be the best version of ourselves, or will our ego-driven selves prompt us to repeat the same mistakes? An astronaut, a veteran space executive, an ethicist, and a visionary engineer explore the possibility and potential of a future space civilization and the chance we have to build on lessons of our past.

Speakers

Kathryn Denning, York University

Sandy Magnus, OSD, Undersecretary for Research and Engineering

Minoo Rathnasabapathy, MIT Media Lab

Wanda Sigur, Lockheed Martin