Karol Darmoros, Fabio Colagrande, Eugenio Murrali
On April 1, the Artemis II mission began – the first crewed flight of NASA’s program around the Moon in over half a century. This event provides an opportunity to reflect on what space exploration is today and what principles should guide it.
Space as a common good
In an interview with Vatican media, Archbishop Ettore Balestrero reflects on the meaning of human presence in outer space, pointing to the need for dialogue between science, theology, and law. ‘Space is not no man’s land, it is not a field of conquest without laws, where the ‘first come, first served’ rule applies,’ he emphasizes.
The hierarch notes that decisions made today will have long-term consequences for all humanity. ‘To go to heaven, which is a supernatural concept, man must behave well also in space. (…) Humanity is already making decisions concerning space, moral decisions that can either build or destroy it,’ he says.
Wspólna odpowiedzialność
According to the archbishop, outer space should remain a common good. ‘Space must remain a common good, with clear legal norms and a sense of responsibility towards all humanity and future generations,’ he stresses.
The so-called ‘overview effect’ serves as an inspiration – the experience of astronauts who, seeing Earth from space, perceive it as a fragile and borderless common living space.
Ryzyko konfliktów
Archbishop Balestrero warns against the militarization of space. Although current law prohibits the placement of weapons of mass destruction, it leaves loopholes. ‘If conflict directly involved space, it would likely spare no one on Earth,’ he notes.
Therefore, the Holy See appeals for the strengthening of existing regulations and the development of international cooperation.
Nauka i etyka razem
The Church points to the need for a balance between competition and cooperation. ‘Space offers humanity a second chance to avoid the mistakes made on Earth,’ says the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN in Geneva.
In this context, science and faith are not in contradiction. ‘Science explains how, faith shows why,’ Archbishop Balestrero reminds, indicating that technological development should always serve human dignity and the common good.
