Challenges in International Research on Celestial Bodies. The Prospects of the Bulgarian Space Policy

Abstract

The article explores the present political challenges in international research and exploration of states and private actors of celestial bodies. The lack of shared vision of what type of space activities should be planned and the principles of creating research facilities and scientific missions on the Moon and other celestial bodies is causing uncertainty in future space missions and increases the possibility for a military conflict. The political alliances that exclude specific states will increase the risk of a generation of unnecessary space debris and space waste on celestial bodies. This dangerous outcome could be prevented by agreeing on a shared vision of exploitation and exploration of celestial bodies that preserve the outer space environment and adopting comprehensive guidelines for space activities accepted by the leading space-faring nations.