On August 23rd, just two days after a Russian spacecraft crashed into the moon, India

became the fourth nation to land on the moon successfully. This showcases India's rapidly
growing presence in the space sector, with notable achievements such as successfully
exploring previously uncharted moon areas, including the moon’s southern polar region.
In an article, published in The New York Times on July 4th, the journalist discusses India's
evolving role in the global space industry. First, he highlights India's Growing Space-Tech
Start-ups, its journey in the space race, and the evolving landscape of the space business.
With over 140 space-tech start-ups, India has become a significant hub in the space industry,
attracting considerable investment funds as the global demand for satellites is projected to
reach 30,000. Firms like Skyroot Aerospace strategically employ India's affordable
engineering talent, prioritizing specialized services rather than focusing solely on cost
competition. At their advanced rocket facility near Hyderabad, Skyroot Aerospace's engineers
work on innovative projects like developing experimental cryogenic thruster engines,
expanding the limits of satellite launch capabilities.
Since its beginning in 1963, India's space program has transformed from an ambitious
endeavor to a prominent participant in the modern space race. India's strategy extends
beyond technological competence, adeptly navigating the geopolitical landscape by forming
crucial alliances with countries like the U.S. by becoming an alternative to Russia and China.
These relationships position India as a preferred choice for satellite launches and a
diplomatic heavyweight in global space exploration. Through its collaboration with the U.S.,
India is consciously bolstering its scientific standing, forming a strong counterweight to
China's space aspirations.
The space industry has seen a significant transformation, now driven more by private
enterprises than large government budgets. Under Elon Musk's leadership, SpaceX has
instigated this evolution by significantly cutting costs associated with deploying heavy
payloads into space, challenging India's traditionally economical approach. Moreover, the
emphasis of space technology has moved from large-scale government goals to smaller
commercial needs, with functionality and efficiency becoming key growth drivers.
How much should we involve businesses in space exploration? What moral, legal, and
scientific issues come up when we let companies have a big say in the future of exploring
space?
For centuries, humans have been fascinated by the vast expanse of space, inspiring us to
expand our knowledge beyond the confines of our planet. In recent years, businesses have
joined in on the exploration of space, bringing a new dimension to this cosmic endeavor.
Modern space exploration has been significantly impacted by the inclusion of businesses.
Private companies not only bring innovation, resources, and a competitive drive, but they
also complement the efforts of governmental space agencies. However, this collaboration
brings about a set of moral, legal, and scientific challenges that must be carefully examined.
The involvement of businesses in space exploration raises a significant moral dilemma. The
conflict arises between capitalist motives and societal benefits. Companies seeking profit
may prioritize their economic interests over the greater good. For instance, the competition
to exploit space resources, like rare minerals or asteroid mining, poses questions about fair
distribution and potential monopolies. Additionally, the ethical concerns of commercializing
space activities can't be overlooked. Problems such as space tourism and the potential
environmental impact of commercial space endeavors should be examined carefully. One
concrete example of the moral challenges associated with the involvement of businesses in
space exploration is highlighted in the movie "Interstellar." In the film, a fictional future Earth
faces a global crisis. Private companies are portrayed as exploiting space resources for the
survival of a few, leaving most humanity in a desperate situation. This cinematic illustrates
the potential consequences of prioritizing profit over the common good. It is essential to
strike a balance between capitalism and the common good to ensure that space exploration
benefits humanity.
The legal landscape of space exploration is intricate, involving international agreements,
liability concerns, and intellectual property rights. International space laws govern activities
in outer space and ensure collaboration. However, as private companies become key players,
issues of liability and responsibility arise. For example, if a private spacecraft were to cause
damage or contamination in space, determining accountability and enforcing legal
consequences becomes challenging. Additionally, intellectual property rights in space are a
pressing issue. Companies investing in space technologies may seek exclusive rights to their
innovations, potentially hindering scientific collaboration and knowledge sharing. A real-
world legal challenge arises from the case of SpaceX and its ambitious Starlink project. As
SpaceX deploys a vast constellation of satellites to provide global internet coverage, concerns
have been raised about the potential for increased space debris and interference with
astronomical observations. Striking a balance between protecting private investments and
fostering a collaborative scientific environment is vital for the future of space exploration.
Collaboration between the private and public sectors is crucial for advancing space
exploration. Private companies bring innovation, funding, and efficiency, while government
agencies provide long-term vision and resources. However, finding the right balance between
profit-driven motives and scientific discovery is a challenge. Companies often prioritize
projects with immediate economic returns, potentially overshadowing long-term research
with uncertain outcomes.
Moreover, the impact of commercial activities on scientific research requires careful
consideration. The series "For All Mankind" explores an alternate history where the space
race took a different turn. In this narrative, the global competition intensifies, with both
governmental space agencies and private companies striving to outdo each other. The series
vividly portrays how the intense focus on commercial success can lead to a divergence from
purely scientific goals. Space is a delicate environment, and the exploitation of resources or
extensive commercial activities could disrupt scientific observations and experiments.
Striking a balance that allows for profitable ventures while preserving the integrity of
scientific exploration is essential for the long-term sustainability of space endeavors.

The involvement of businesses in space exploration raises moral, legal, and scientific
concerns. Balancing capitalism with the public interest, adapting legal frameworks, and
maintaining the delicate balance between economic interests, ethics, and scientific progress
are crucial. Navigating these challenges ensures space exploration benefits all of humanity,
fostering a responsible and ethical future. However, it is crucial to acknowledge instances
where the collaboration between businesses and space exploration has resulted in positive
outcomes. For example, SpaceX's successful initiatives in reducing launch costs and
enhancing accessibility to space have not only propelled scientific missions but have also
demonstrated the potential benefits of private companies in advancing the frontiers of space
exploration.