Image (c) ESA

Think about space!

Here are 70 questions to discover your "space" personality. Beware, do not forget any answer!

1. Humanity is capable of launching rockets, deploying satellites, and exploring space, either in person or through robots. Should we continue to do so?
No, we shouldn't.
Yes, to improve our knowledge of the Earth and the Universe,
Yes with the aim of expanding and improving all terrestrial activities (scientific, commercial, or military) but within a regulated framework,
Yes, because humanity must not remain limited to Earth.
2. Who should pay for space activities?
No public money should be spent on this; only private investments should be used.
The states must take charge of activities related to defense and scientific research, as well as major infrastructure; the private sector takes care of the rest.
The states must take charge of activities related to defense and scientific research, but the rest of the funding must come from the private sector.
All space activities should be under state control.
3. Should access to space be currently limited to wait until (almost) all countries have developed the required technological capabilities, in order to guarantee greater equity between countries?
No, it's just a competition among others and whoever invests the most earns the right to reap most benefits.
Maybe, it depends on what is decided at the international level.
No, but in exchange, developed countries must help others (knowledge sharing).
Yes.
4. Should we establish global space governance to avoid replicating terrestrial problems and conflicts?
Yes, and a global governance also needs to be imposed on Earth.
Yes, it's essential because, in space, one activity inevitably has repercussions on another activity.
Not necessarily, but at the very least we need an international court of justice to resolve conflicts.
No, because there is already no global governance at the Earth level, everyone takes care of their own business.
5. Advanced AI is capable of managing orbital traffic. Can it be used, and if so, why/how?
Yes, unconditionally, because it will be more effective in protecting the space environment.
Yes, regardless of the activity, but only if a legal framework exists and its application is verified.
Yes for routine activities, but important decisions must be made by humans.
No
6. An advanced AI is capable of managing a spaceship. Can it be used, and if so, why/how?
Yes, unconditionally, because it will make better, more objective and effective choices than humans.
Yes, but only for the scenarios initially planned, whatever they may be.
Yes, except for decisions involving human lives (e.g., sacrificing an astronaut to save the mission).
No
7. What should we think about military activities in space?
Space must remain a peaceful place; such activities must be banned.
Passive military activity (reconnaissance satellites, secure communication satellites, etc.) can be tolerated, but nothing active (e.g., weapons capable of destroying satellites) because that would harm the space environment.
Any type of military activity (passive or active) can be accepted as long as everything is controlled and transparent.
Any kind of military activity must be possible
8. After the navy, army and air force, should your country integrate a space component into its armed forces?
Yes, unconditionally.
Yes, if it is necessary to guarantee deterrence.
Yes, if other countries have such groups.
No
9. A nation (which could be yours) deploys a missile defense dome, composed of numerous satellites and theoretically capable of destroying a missile from space. In your opinion, does this make space safer or less safe?
Less safe: every new satellite, whatever its nature, can only cause problems.
Less safe: space must remain a common good and military activities can have irreversible consequences (debris, etc.).
No less and no more, any installation of this kind should be discussed and approved at the international level.
More sage as technological superiority is the best deterrence.
10. A country (which could be yours) establishes a "scientific" lunar base, but it actually hosts some military activities. How should people react?
This base must be eliminated by any means necessary.
This contravenes the provisions of the Outer Space Treaty, therefore intervention at the international level is necessary (UN meeting, etc.).
Once the base is installed, nothing can be done – intervention should have been done beforehand.
It is obvious that this type of installation requires a security force.
11. A country (which could be yours) is developing a weapon capable of producing a large amount of space debris to deliberately block access to certain orbits. Can it deploy it in orbit?
No, no weapons should be placed in space.
Not for this type of weapon, because it poses too great a risk to the space environment.
Such a weapon could only be installed after a change in international treaties.
Yes, such a weapon is very effective for deterrence and can therefore be deployed.
12. An AI system has proven capable of monitoring the activity of military satellites. Should it be allowed?
Yes, unconditionally, because it's better to be efficient.
Yes, if a legal framework exists and its application is verified,
Yes for routine activities, but important decisions must be made by humans.
No
13. A large private company has established a base on Mars, where its employees live and work. Among them are security agents. How do you feel about this?
Security cannot be entrusted to non-state personnel; it requires truly independent police officers.
Private security guards are acceptable, provided they comply with strict rules, decided nationally or internationally.
Private security guards are acceptable, provided they adhere to a code of ethics developed internally beforehand.
The company organizes itself as it sees fit within its own premises; no state should interfere.
14. When is it acceptable for a country to declare war following a space incident involving satellites?
Never, because that would have too many harmful consequences.
Only if a military satellite has been attacked,
As soon as a satellite registered with the country (public or private) has been taken out of service,
As soon as a satellite registered with the country (public or private) was threatened
15. When is it acceptable for a country to declare war following a space incident involving human lives?
Never, because that would lead to too many harmful consequences.
Only if state personnel (civilian or military), such as an official astronaut, have been killed,
Only if there has been at least one death, regardless of the person's role (military, civil servant, entrepreneur, tourist, etc.),
As soon as at least one life has been threatened or eliminated,
16. A satellite belonging to a private company causes a cloud of space debris. Who do you think is responsible for this debris?
The company to which the satellite belongs,
The government that authorized the launch or registered the satellite,
Both in equal shares,
Nobody, it's a bit like a natural disaster
17. A space company goes bankrupt. Shortly after, one of its former satellites causes a cloud of space debris. Who do you think is responsible for this debris?
The company to which the satellite belongs,
The government that authorized the launch or registered the satellite,
Both in equal shares,
Nobody, it's a bit like a natural disaster
18. A new technology makes it possible to eliminate inactive satellites. Can it be used?
Yes, unconditionally, because this will improve the space environment for everyone.
Yes, but only to eliminate one’s own satellites or if the owner of the satellites has consented to it.
Yes, if an international decision allows it (particularly in the event of bankruptcy of the owning company).
No, don't touch anything.
19. A company recovers a damaged satellite and repairs it. Can it then use it?
Yes, unconditionally.
Yes, if the original owner agrees.
Yes, if an international regulation allows it.
No, because that violates property rights.
20. The geological samples collected by the American rover Perseverance were supposed to return with a joint US-European mission called Mars Sample Return. Imagine that this mission is canceled for budgetary reasons. The Chinese space agency can bring back these samples with its new mission but do you think it should?
Yes, unconditionally,
Yes, if the samples are shared with the original teams.
Yes, if China financially compensates the American and European space agencies.
No
21. Human activities on Earth require certain resources; can we take them from space?
No, it is better to develop alternatives (recycling, etc.).
Yes, if the resource is renewable.
Yes, if the resource is very abundant (even if it is not renewable) or crucial (even if it is rare and non-renewable),
Yes, unconditionally.
22. Human activities in space require certain resources; can we extract them locally?
No, it is better to develop alternatives (recycling, etc.).
Yes, if the resource is renewable.
Yes, if the resource is very abundant (even if it is not renewable) or crucial (even if it is rare and non-renewable),
Yes, unconditionally.
23. Who owns the resources located in space?
The one who declares himself the owner,
The person who will pick them up on site,
The one who goes to get them, but on the condition of sharing their technology and profits with other, less developed countries.
No one can exploit space resources.
24. A country establishes a security perimeter around its space bases, which no one can enter. Is this acceptable?
No,
Yes, if it involves peaceful activities.
Yes, if this perimeter is temporary.
Yes, if the installation of such a perimeter has been permitted at the international level.
25. Some areas are given "national park" status, preventing any exploitation or alteration. Do you think this is a good thing?
No, because the rest of the space environment is no longer protected and is therefore open to exploitation.
No, because we should have access to any area of space.
No, because it will be difficult to choose objective criteria accepted by everyone to define these zones.
Yes, because it allows for the long-term preservation of areas declared important at the historical level (e.g., Apollo probe landing sites) or scientific level (e.g., giant volcano on Mars).
26. Light pollution from satellites prevents astronomers from properly studying the sky. Should we be worried?
Yes, the night sky is a common heritage of humanity that must absolutely be preserved for future generations.
Yes, science must take precedence, and therefore satellite activities must be reduced.
Perhaps: a balance must be found between the interests of astronomers and those of others.
No, satellite activities (internet, military intelligence, etc.) take priority.
27. Is it acceptable to have a luminous advertisement in orbit?
Yes, unconditionally.
Yes, but only temporarily.
Yes, regardless of the duration, if an international regulation allows it.
No
28. Is it acceptable to have an advertisement on the Moon that is visible from Earth?
Yes, unconditionally.
Yes, but only temporarily.
Yes, regardless of the duration, if an international regulation allows it.
No
29. Is it acceptable to alter the appearance of the Moon in order to obtain resources useful for human activities?
Yes, unconditionally, because obtaining resources is more important than lunar aesthetics.
Yes, but only if it's temporary.
Yes, regardless of the duration, if an international regulation allows it.
No
30. Is it acceptable to fully exploit a small asteroid that is not visible from Earth?
Yes, unconditionally, because obtaining resources is more important than the disappearance of an asteroid.
Yes, if an international regulation allows it.
Yes, provided that it improves the well-being of a majority of humanity.
No
31. Is it acceptable to fully exploit a large asteroid that is not visible from Earth?
Yes, unconditionally, because obtaining resources is more important than the disappearance of an asteroid.
Yes, if an international regulation allows it.
Yes, provided that it improves the well-being of a majority of humanity.
No
32. In the past, certain celestial bodies held symbolic, even religious, value for some human groups. Is it then permissible to exploit them?
No, these beliefs must be respected.
Yes, because that old interpretation is no longer valid.
Yes, if it improves the situation for a majority of humans.
Yes, because human needs always take precedence over symbols and religions.
33. Some celestial bodies still hold symbolic, even religious, value for some people today. For example, the Navajo people consider the Moon a sacred grandmother who must be treated with respect. Given the existence of these celestial beliefs, can we decide to exploit the stars?
No, these beliefs must be respected.
Yes, if it improves the situation for a majority of humans.
Yes, but only if the religious group in question is a very small minority.
Yes, because human needs always take precedence over symbols and religions.
34. Should space exploitation be regulated?
No, it must be banned.
Yes, on a voluntary basis (codes of good conduct),
Yes, through a treaty obtained by international consensus.
No, all of this will regulate itself.
35. Which description do you think is most appropriate for describing astronauts?
Expensive and useless people,
Human guinea pigs,
Employees with a dangerous but prestigious job
Heroes
36. Which description do you think is most appropriate for describing space tourism?
A luxury,
An irresponsible waste of resources,
A technology test,
A promise for everybody (cf. airplanes initially accessible to the rich, then to everyone)
37. An astronaut is in danger, what should be done?
Do everything possible to save the astronaut.
Try to save the astronaut if he/she is not responsible for his/her situation.
No other life should be risked to save the astronaut, but a robot can be sent.
Not do anything as accidents happen in every profession.
38. A space tourist is in danger, what should be done?
Do everything possible to save the tourist.
Trying to save him or her, but at his/her own expense.
No other life should be risked to save the tourist, but a robot can be sent.
Do nothing as accidents happen when one deliberately engages in risky activities.
39. For manned missions, the question arises of who goes. Is it acceptable to make a selection process to choose astronauts who will spend a few months or years in space before returning to Earth?
Yes, unconditionally, in order to ensure the proper functioning of their mission.
Yes, if the selection criteria are transparent.
Yes, if the selection criteria are transparent and scientifically justified.
No, because it's a form of eugenics.
40. Can anyone participate in a tourist trip to space?
No, but the participation criteria must be transparent.
No, but the participation criteria must be transparent and scientifically justified.
Yes, because selection would introduce inequalities.
Yes, because all you have to do is pay for your flight.
41. To establish humanity permanently in space, is it acceptable to select those who leave?
Yes, unconditionally, in order to ensure the proper functioning of the spaceport.
Yes, if the selection criteria are transparent.
Yes, if the selection criteria are transparent and scientifically justified.
No, because it's a form of eugenics.
42. You are responsible for selecting the people who will be stationed at a space base. A person with a physical disability applies. What do you do?
Rejection: Establishing a space base is very delicate and therefore requires a first generation of perfectly healthy colonists.
No difference: this person will be selected after going through the same tests as others.
Preliminary assessment: if the disability causes only minor problems for the intended tasks, then the person is allowed to take the tests.
Adaptation: the selection criteria are adapted for the disability
43. You are responsible for selecting the people who will be stationed at a space base. A person with a mental disability applies. What do you do?
Rejection: Establishing a space base is very delicate and therefore requires a first generation of perfectly healthy colonists.
No difference: this person will be selected after going through the same tests as others.
Preliminary assessment: if the disability causes only minor problems for the intended tasks, then the person is allowed to take the tests.
Adaptation: the selection criteria are adapted for the disability
44. Establishing a presence in space requires a great deal of additional knowledge that we don't yet possess. Should we then begin setting up space bases today?
No, because we are not adapted to space and we never will be, so we shouldn't go there.
Yes, but only after we have conducted enough experiments to improve our knowledge,
Maybe, it depends on what is decided at the international level.
Yes, let’s settle in and see how it goes; we'll deal with the problems when we encounter them.
45. You are considering working at a space base. Your employer has built shops and housing there. Would you be willing to live in such a "company town" belonging to your employer?
Yes, because the employer has interest in ensuring the well-being of its employees.
Yes, if there is no other choice.
No, because a company should not have complete control of a space base.
No, even if it means to give up going into space.
46. Someone lives in a space station but, having become disabled, can no longer work. What should be done with that person?
The person must be euthanized because resources are very limited.
The person must leave the settlement.
We must take care of that person as long as it does not represent a significant burden on the survival of the settlement.
We must take care of that person, even if it represents a significant burden for the survival of the settlement.
47. Someone lives in a space station but no longer wants to work. What should be done with that person?
This is unacceptable because everyone has to work: that person must leave the settlement.
This is unacceptable because everyone has to work: that person must be forced to work (e.g., by not paying any unemployment benefits).
The person can remain inactive as long as it does not represent a significant burden on the survival of the settlement.
The person can remain inactive, even though this represents a significant burden for the survival of the settlement.
48. Someone whose labor is necessary for the survival of the settlement commits a crime.
Being required, that person must be forgiven for this crime and allowed to continue working.
Being required, that person can be allowed to continue working, but only if the crime is not very serious (e.g., theft, minor assault, but not murder or rape) or if a mild punishment (e.g., reduced rations, prohibition of access to leisure activities) is applied.
Whatever the crime, that person must be punished accordingly, even if it has consequences on the operations.
This example shows that such a settlement cannot work: it must be closed and people must go back to Earth.
49. A Martian settler wants to return to Earth.
The opportunity must always be offered to that person, regardless of one’s level of wealth.
Yes, if it's stipulated in the contract.
Yes, if that person pays for it out of his/her own pocket.
No, that person decided to leave, let him/her take responsibility for that choice.
50. The first inhabitants of the space bases chose to settle there. To ensure their long-term viability, these inhabitants will have children. Is it acceptable to match the future parents?
Yes, because the proper functioning of the system (e.g., ensuring a wide genetic diversity, preventing genetic diseases, etc.) takes precedence over individual freedom.
Yes, but the selected partners must be able to refuse the proposed match.
Yes, as long as the selection isn't limited to just one person, so that there remains some freedom of choice.
No, one should always be able to choose a partner.
51. The first inhabitants of space bases chose to settle there. To ensure their long-term viability, these inhabitants will have children. Is it acceptable to decide when conception occurs (i.e., when it should occur or should not)?
Yes, because the proper functioning of the system takes precedence over individual freedom.
No, but parents who do not respect the proposed schedule must be severely punished.
No, but parents who do not respect the proposed schedule should be slightly penalized.
No, parents must be given full freedom.
52. The first inhabitants of the space bases chose to settle there. To ensure their long-term viability, these inhabitants will have children who will have to live, without their consent, in an environment hostile to human beings. How do you feel about this?
That's normal, children don't choose where they are born.
Not only must they not leave the base, but they must also learn a trade useful for its survival.
They must be able to freely choose where they want to settle, as long as it does not jeopardize the survival of the space base.
They must be able to freely choose where they want to settle, even if it jeopardizes the survival of the space base.
53. Can the children of settlers choose their future profession?
Yes, unconditionally.
Yes, but only if the job is useful to the operation of the space base.
Yes, but only after a test verifying their aptitude for the job.
No, the choice is made according to the needs of the settlement.
54. Can the children of settlers choose to return to Earth freely, even if it is dangerous for them?
Yes, if that's their choice, regardless of their age and the risks.
Yes, whatever the risks, but only if they make that choice as adults.
Yes, regardless of their age, but only after verifying that they understand the risks involved.
No, because they no longer belong to Earth and therefore no longer have the right to settle here; they must apply for a visa, just like when you change countries on Earth.
55. Apart from Earth, the cosmos is an environment inherently hostile to human life. Is it then acceptable to modify future space explorers through genetic manipulation so that they are more adapted to space conditions?
Yes, unconditionally, in order to ensure the survival and expansion of humanity in space.
Yes, if a clear ethical framework has been established beforehand.
Yes, if the explorers involved decide so.
No, absolutely not.
56. Apart from Earth, the cosmos is an environment inherently hostile to human life. Is it then acceptable to modify future space explorers via human-machine interfaces so that they are more adapted to space conditions?
Yes, to ensure the survival and expansion of humanity in space,
Yes, if a clear ethical framework has been established beforehand.
Yes, if the explorers involved decide so.
No, absolutely not.
57. Should modified space explorers still be considered human?
Yes, unconditionally.
Yes, if it's solely a matter of genetic manipulation.
Yes, if it's solely a human-machine interface.
No
58. Could a space base become independent?
Yes, if its inhabitants want it (after a vote on self-determination).
Yes, if it is subjected to any form of oppression.
Yes, after the efforts to build it have been reimbursed or compensated,
No
59. Who should own the space bases?
The UN or a State on Earth,
The company that built or financed them,
The inhabitants of the base (independence from Earth),
Nobody
60. Should a space base always maintain an emotional/philosophical link with Earth?
Yes, because it constitutes a part of humanity, and humanity was born on Earth.
Yes, as long as people who have known Earth live there.
Yes, for a few generations, but then it's normal for the link to disappear.
No
61. Settling in space presents numerous constraints, which may be incompatible with certain religious practices. What should be done?
The safety of everyone takes precedence over individual beliefs.
Religion takes precedence over security (individual or collective).
A common charter must be established from start.
Settle first and then examine each case individually.
62. A space explorer develops a psychological problem. Can he be forced to undergo treatment?
Yes, unconditionally, because collective security takes precedence over individual freedom.
Yes, but only after objective validation of the treatment by an expert.
Yes, but only if the problem puts someone's life in danger (whether it's the person concerned or another person).
No, consent is always necessary.
63. Settling into space is not easy, so space explorers could develop psychological problems. Could medication be added to their food to prevent these?
Yes, unconditionally, in order to ensure collective safety.
Yes, if the crew has consented.
Yes, but not constantly: only when there are indications that a problem is going to occur.
No, there can be no collective preventive treatment for this kind of thing.
64. A simple life form (e.g., bacteria) is found on Mars: what do we do?
We leave it alone and we don't touch the planet.
A security perimeter is defined, within which nothing can be done and beyond which all activities are permitted.
We study it in detail, then all activities are permitted.
Its presence does not change the planned schemes (exploitation, colonization) because humanity is more important than a bacterium.
65. A simple life form (e.g., bacteria) has been found on Mars. It is located in an area considered valuable for exploitation. Is it permissible to destroy this life form?
Yes, unconditionally.
Yes, if the planned exploitation improves the lives of many humans.
Yes, if the planned operation saves many human lives.
No, never
66. A primitive extraterrestrial civilization has been discovered. What should we do?
Nothing.
Establish contact.
Help them to develop,
Only observe them, without contact
67. An extraterrestrial civilization contacts us. Who answers?
No one, because it's too dangerous.
No one and the very existence of the message must remain secret.
Anyone who wants it,
Global coordination must first be established, then a collective response is sent.
68. Is it acceptable to terraform* a planet that does not support any local life forms? (* terraforming is modifying a planet to give it properties similar to Earth)
No, no human has the right to terraform a planet.
Yes, but only after the planet has been studied in detail at a scientific level.
Yes, if the decision is made at the international level.
Yes, unconditionally, because human needs take priority.
69. Is it acceptable to terraform a planet by destroying a local life form that is simple (e.g., bacteria)?
No, the protection of all forms of life must be absolute.
Yes, but only after this life form has been studied in detail at a scientific level.
Yes, if this life is not intelligent and sensitive.
Yes, unconditionally, because human needs take priority.
70. Is it acceptable to terraform a planet by destroying a local life form that is complex (e.g., plants, animals)?
No, the protection of all forms of life must be absolute.
Yes, but only after this life form has been studied in detail at a scientific level.
Yes, if this life is not intelligent and sensitive.
Yes, unconditionally, because human needs take priority.
71. If the aggregated responses are ever analyzed in the future, eight additional short socio-demographic questions will help us understand you better. Your answers would be extremely helpful, and we thank you in advance for your assistance. The first question concerns age: what age group do you fall into?
Under 25 years old,
Between the ages of 25 and 65,
Over 65 years old,
I don't want to answer
72. How would you describe yourself in terms of gender?
Male,
Female,
Other,
I don't want to answer
73. What is your highest level of education?
Primary school diploma,
High school diploma,
Higher education diploma,
I don't want to answer
74. How would you describe yourself politically?
Leaning right,
In the center,
Leaning left
I don't want to answer
75. How would you describe yourself in religious terms?
Practicing believer
Non-practicing believer
Non-believer
I don't want to answer
76. How would you describe your interest for space?
High interest.
Low interest.
No specific interest.
I don't want to answer
77. In your work, do you have contacts with the space domain?
Yes, frequently (more than once per month).
Yes, rarely (less than once per month).
No.
I don't want to answer
78. Is it the first time you answer this quizz?
Yes, and I never received a training on space ethics or seen information on it (books, videos, talks,...).
Yes, but I received a training on that subject or saw information on it.
No, but I re-do it without additional information.
No, but I re-do it after receiving additional information (training, book,...).

If you answered all the questions, click on "submit" - if you wish to reset the form, click on "cancel".

Author: Yaël Nazé