INCORPORATING THEMES OF HIGH STAKES FOR CLIMATE, CONGESTED SPACE, AND NEW FRONTIERS OF CONFLICT 

In the early 2030s, the Celestial Stewardship Initiative (CSI) has been established in New York City, with centres in nations historically impacted by colonial exploitation. These countries, once heavily mined for valuable minerals, now lead a movement for sustainable and equitable space resource management. CSI’s mission draws on these regions’ historical experiences in order to avoid the unregulated and exploitative practices of the past.

The “Guardrails for the Galaxy” campaign is CSI’s flagship initiative, promoting stringent regulations and collaborative approaches to space mining. By fostering technology-sharing, CSI aims to prevent monopolization and ensure that space mining benefits all nations, especially emerging economies.

CSI successfully brokered negotiation of the “Lunar Legacy Pact,” an international agreement signed by major spacefaring nations and private entities. This pact establishes sustainable quotas and responsible methods for lunar mining.  It also created a global fund, financed by space resource revenues, to support renewable energy projects on earth, particularly in regions historically disadvantaged by colonial practices.

CSI addresses potential conflicts over space resources by facilitating dialogue between nations and industries. It works to establish cooperative rules, deterring behaviors that could lead to geopolitical tensions.

Through partnerships with environmental groups, policymakers and the United Nations, CSI helps shape a global policy framework that includes rigorous environmental impact assessments and requires restoration bonds from companies involved in space mining.

By situating its key units in countries once marred by colonial exploitation, CSI underscores the importance of learning from history to safeguard the future. This strategic location symbolizes a commitment to managing space with equity, sustainability and foresight, protecting these new domains for generations to come.

ARTEFACT 01: CSI PROGRESS REPORT

CELESTIAL STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE THREE-YEAR PROGRESS REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Since its inception in 2030, the Celestial Stewardship Initiative (CSI) has promoted sustainable and equitable space resource management. Based in New York City with operational centers globally, CSI ensures that space resource utilisation avoids the mistakes of past resource exploitation.

Achievements

1. Launch of the “Guardrails for the Galaxy” Campaign - CSI’s flagship campaign has successfully advocated for stringent regulations and collaborative approaches to space mining.
2. Negotiation of the “Lunar Legacy Pact” - This international agreement, signed by major spacefaring nations and private entities, sets sustainable quotas and environmentally responsible methods for lunar mining. A portion of space resource revenues funds renewable energy projects on earth.
3. Averting International Conflict - CSI mediated a peaceful resolution between two major spacefaring nations over a contested asteroid.
4. Environmental and Social Governance - CSI has partnered with environmental groups, policymakers and the UN to create a global policy framework for space resource management, including rigorous environmental impact assessments and restoration bonds.
5. Educational and Outreach Programmes - CSI has launched programmes to raise awareness about sustainable space resource management and responsible space exploration.
   Challenges and Opportunities

While harmonizing international regulations and ensuring compliance remain challenges, they also present opportunities to strengthen global cooperation and set higher standards for sustainable space resource management.

Future Direction

CSI’s first three years have laid a strong foundation for sustainable and equitable space resource management. Through historical insights and international collaboration, CSI is committed to ensuring that space exploration benefits all of humanity.

CSI will advocate for further international treaties, expand educational programmes and enhance global cooperation to ensure that technological progress in space mining benefits all nations and safeguards resources for future generations.