A couple of weeks ago, Elon Musk’s company SpaceX launched the Starlink app to help people connect with their Starlink satellite. But the app made an interesting claim in its terms of service: any future Mars colonizers will not be subject to the authority of “Earth-based government.” There is a lot to unpack there, from the implications of unchecked capitalistic imperialism to the questionable legality of ignoring established space law (yes, there are already laws in space). But before we consider the governing of space colonies, we have to determine if they are even possible. There are many practical considerations…
Comments closed