Blog - Space Renaissance

Jul

2026

SRIC4 Day 4: From Reusable Launchers to Space Habitats, Interstellar Travel and Art Beyond Earth

by Enes Beşli

The fourth day of Space Renaissance International’s Fourth World Congress examined the technologies, infrastructure, health systems and cultural initiatives needed to transform space from a destination for short missions into a place where civilian communities could live, travel and create.

3 July 2026 — The Fourth Space Renaissance International World Congress continued on Friday with a wide-ranging programme focused on space technology, transportation, industry, human safety and the cultural use of outer space.

Day 4 brought together engineers, researchers, advocates and artists to explore subjects ranging from reusable launch systems and space elevators to rotating habitats, nuclear propulsion, lunar launch infrastructure, radiation protection and space art.

The day’s discussions reflected a common theme: becoming a spacefaring civilization will require an integrated system of transportation, construction, energy, health protection and culture. Participants argued that no individual technology will be sufficient. Civilian expansion will depend on how these systems are connected and made safe, sustainable and accessible.

Engineering the Foundations of Life in Free Space

The principal technology session was chaired by Werner Grandl and moderated by Alberto Cavallo.

Grandl opened the technical programme with an examination of the scientific and engineering requirements for living in free space.

His presentation covered artificial gravity, the construction of rotating habitats, in-situ resource utilisation, radiation shielding, protection against micrometeoroids and the creation of artificial biospheres.

Grandl argued that the ability to maintain long-term human health will influence the dimensions and architecture of future habitats. Although partial gravity may be sufficient during early experimentation, he suggested that environments approximating Earth-normal gravity may ultimately be required for permanent civilian communities.

The presentation also highlighted the importance of constructing large structures using materials obtained in space. Transporting every component from Earth would impose significant cost and logistical constraints, making extraterrestrial resources and orbital manufacturing central to long-term settlement.

The discussion established a framework that connected many of the day’s later contributions: safe human settlement will require artificial gravity, radiation protection, sustainable life-support systems and large-scale construction capabilities.

Reusable Launchers and the Transformation of Space Access

As moderator of the session, Alberto Cavallo also presented an overview of the development of reusable launch systems.

He examined the increasing launch activity of the United States and China and discussed the growing influence of commercial operators, particularly SpaceX, on global access to orbit.

Cavallo reviewed systems including Falcon 9, Blue Origin’s New Glenn and Rocket Lab’s Electron programme. He contrasted emerging reusable systems with more traditional expendable or partially reusable government programmes and questioned whether high-cost launch architectures can remain economically competitive.

The presentation argued that reusability is essential to reducing transportation costs and increasing launch frequency. However, reusable rockets were presented as one stage in a broader evolution rather than a complete solution to civilian space transportation.

For large-scale settlement to become possible, space transportation will eventually need to develop the reliability, safety, frequency and passenger orientation associated with mature terrestrial transport industries.

Space Elevators as Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure

Peter Swan presented the space elevator as a potential alternative or complement to rocket-based access to orbit.

He argued that conventional launch vehicles devote most of their initial mass to propellant and vehicle systems, while only a limited proportion reaches orbit as usable payload. A space elevator, by contrast, could move significantly larger quantities of cargo while requiring less propellant.

Swan described a Galactic Harbour architecture involving two major tether systems. Such infrastructure could support high-volume transportation, space-based solar power, planetary defence and construction throughout the Earth–Moon system.

The presentation also addressed risks from orbital debris and collisions. Swan noted that tethered systems have previously operated in orbit and argued that future elevators would require continuous monitoring, manoeuvring capability and integrated space-traffic-management procedures.

The space elevator was presented not merely as a transportation device, but as infrastructure capable of enabling an industrial economy beyond Earth.

Space Tourism as a Driver of Civilian Industry

Patrick Collins examined the economic and social role of space tourism.

He argued that the aerospace sector has historically depended heavily on government and military expenditure. Space tourism could help redirect the industry towards civilian passengers and commercially sustainable transportation services.

Collins compared the possible development of spaceflight with earlier revolutions in rail, maritime and air transportation. In each case, expanding passenger demand supported infrastructure, reduced costs and created industries extending far beyond the original transport service.

Space tourism was therefore framed as more than a leisure market. It could stimulate the production of safer vehicles, passenger facilities, accommodation, training services and orbital destinations.

Collins argued that a large civilian transportation economy could eventually grow into a major global industry and provide a peaceful alternative use for industrial and technological capacity currently directed towards military activity.

Advancing the Space-Elevator Roadmap

Dennis Wright presented the work of the International Space Elevator Consortium.

He reviewed the organization’s efforts over approximately two decades to advance research, education and public understanding concerning space-elevator systems.

The presentation addressed developments in carbon nanotubes, graphene and other high-strength materials. Wright explained that many individual components of a space elevator could already be engineered, while the production of a sufficiently strong and continuous tether remains one of the principal challenges.

He also discussed collision avoidance, risk assessment, tether dynamics and counterweight design.

Wright emphasized the role of knowledge curation and interdisciplinary coordination. Space elevators require expertise in materials science, orbital dynamics, transportation engineering, safety, policy and economics, making sustained cooperation among different research communities essential.

Space-Based Solar Power and the O’Neill Vision

Ghanim Alotaibi discussed space-based solar-power systems and their relationship to the space-settlement vision developed by Gerard K. O’Neill.

He compared current commercial proposals with O’Neill’s broader concept, in which solar-power satellites would form part of an industrial system supporting permanent settlements.

The presentation argued that scaling space-based solar power through materials launched entirely from Earth would be difficult. Lunar resources could eventually supply structural and industrial materials, allowing solar-power infrastructure to expand without an equivalent increase in launches from Earth.

This approach would connect energy generation, lunar resource use, orbital manufacturing and settlement development within a single economic system.

Space Cruisers for Cislunar and Interplanetary Travel

Werner Grandl later presented concepts for large spacecraft intended for travel within cislunar space and towards Mars.

The proposed vehicles would be assembled in low Earth orbit through modular construction rather than launched as complete systems from Earth.

Nuclear thermal propulsion was examined as an option because of its higher specific impulse compared with conventional chemical propulsion. The discussion also addressed technical concerns, including long-term hydrogen storage and propellant boil-off.

Walter Putnam contributed to the propulsion discussion, explaining the rationale for selecting nuclear thermal propulsion and considering whether advanced coatings, including graphene-based materials, could help address storage and thermal-management challenges.

The presentations reflected a shift away from mission-specific vehicles towards reusable space cruisers capable of supporting repeated journeys.

Looking Beyond the Solar System

Giancarlo Genta addressed the long-term possibility of interstellar travel.

He presented a concept for a large starship capable of transporting a substantial population to another stellar system over several centuries. Such a vessel would need to function as a self-contained community rather than a conventional spacecraft.

The presentation examined the mass, propulsion and population requirements of a generation ship and considered whether humanity could begin expanding beyond the Solar System within the coming centuries.

Niklas Järvstråt continued the interstellar theme by comparing possible strategies for long-term expansion through the galaxy.

He discussed routes directed towards the galactic centre and alternatives following the Orion Arm. Rather than minimising only average travel distance, he argued that route planning should reduce the most difficult individual stages of expansion.

His contribution addressed population growth, recycling, shielding, industrial capacity and communication delays between distant settlements.

Järvstråt also proposed the creation of a terrestrial generation-ship simulation in Sweden. The project would use a closed-loop environment incorporating habitation, agriculture, mining and manufacturing to test whether a small community could sustain itself over extended periods.

Launching Cargo from the Moon

Margarita Safanova examined the use of electromagnetic railgun systems for launching payloads from the lunar surface.

The Moon’s lower gravity and lack of a substantial atmosphere could allow cargo to be accelerated without the aerodynamic and energy constraints affecting similar systems on Earth.

The presentation considered how lunar launch systems could transport materials to orbit or other locations in cislunar space.

The discussion also addressed the need to circularize payload trajectories after launch. Safanova proposed further collaboration on strategies for orbital insertion and on a broader comparison of methods for leaving planetary surfaces.

Such a comparative study could assess rockets, mass drivers, railguns, elevators and other transportation concepts according to their energy requirements, payload capacity, safety and infrastructure needs.

A Proposed High-Thrust Electric Propulsion Concept

Gregory Harrison presented a proposed electric propulsion concept referred to as the H-drive.

The system was described as using sequenced electrical interactions and Coulomb forces to generate propulsion. Harrison presented highly ambitious theoretical performance estimates and outlined plans for a prototype operating with controlled electrode sequences.

Participants asked questions about the proposed physical mechanism, interaction with surrounding matter and the distinction between the concept and conventional reaction-mass propulsion.

As the technology remains at the prototype and theoretical stage, the performance claims discussed during the presentation require experimental validation and independent scientific assessment.

Making Human Risk Central to Exploration Architecture

The following session turned towards radiation protection and human safety.

Alessandro Bartoloni presented a strategic approach to space-radiation protection, arguing that research remains fragmented across separate disciplines and institutions.

He proposed a more integrated agenda encompassing:

Moon-to-Mars radiation infrastructure;
translational space radiobiology;
validated digital human twins;
autonomous monitoring and warning systems; and
common standards for assessing exposure and health risk.

Bartoloni traced a complete protection pipeline beginning with galactic cosmic rays and solar-particle events, continuing through radiation transport and biological effects, and ending with operational decisions for crews and habitats.

Digital human twins could eventually combine environmental measurements with individual health data to support mission planning and real-time responses.

The central argument was that human-risk assessment should not be added after vehicles and habitats have already been designed. It should instead serve as an organising principle of exploration architecture from the beginning.

Artificial Magnetospheres and Planetary Protection

Jim Green discussed the possibility of creating an artificial magnetic field to protect Mars.

Mars lacks the strong global magnetosphere that protects Earth from solar particles and helps preserve its atmosphere. A sufficiently large artificial field could potentially reduce atmospheric loss and form part of a very long-term strategy for planetary protection or environmental transformation.

The proposal illustrated the scale of engineering that may eventually be considered for permanent planetary settlement.

It also reinforced the distinction between protecting individual astronauts and protecting entire inhabited environments. Long-term settlement may require defensive infrastructure operating at habitat, regional or even planetary scale.

Towards an Independent Space Safety Institute

Tommaso Sgobba addressed the need for stronger safety certification within the commercial space sector.

Although connectivity problems prevented parts of the presentation from being delivered as intended, the discussion introduced a proposal for an independent Space Safety Institute.

Such an organization could perform applied research, establish standards and provide certification services, functioning in a manner comparable to classification and safety bodies in aviation, maritime transport and other mature industries.

The proposal reflected the growing diversity of commercial space activities. As more private vehicles, habitats and services become operational, safety oversight cannot depend exclusively on mission-specific government procedures.

Participants discussed radiation protection, active magnetic shielding and the need for standards addressing the health and safety of civilians as well as professional astronauts.

Culture as Part of Space Settlement

The final major section of Day 4 shifted from engineering and health to the cultural utilisation of outer space.

The Space Renaissance 4 All Gallery & Culture Beyond Earth session was introduced and chaired by Bernard Foing.

Cheryl Gallagher, Minister of Culture of Asgardia and an SRI member, opened the cultural discussion with an examination of current trends in space art and the increasing use of artificial intelligence in creative practice.

She argued that AI should serve as a collaborative tool rather than replace human artistic intention. Responsible use will require transparency concerning how works are created, respect for artists’ contributions and continued emphasis on human imagination.

Gallagher also discussed her experience in sending artwork beyond Earth and expressed interest in future collaborations connecting art, science and space exploration.

Habitats as Cultural Environments

Guy Pignolet connected space-habitat development with the cultural history of human communities through his paper “Cooking-up APAS Cakes for a Peaceful Development of Space Habitat.”

As Pignolet reminded us through the Apollo–Soyuz example, space has already shown that former adversaries can meet, dock, cooperate and build together. The 1975 Apollo–Soyuz encounter, enabled by Vladimir Syromiatnikov’s APAS docking system, became a powerful symbol of peaceful cooperation beyond political division. His contribution drew attention to the role of food, cooking and shared practices in social development. These elements help transform an engineered shelter into a lived environment with identity and meaning.

The discussion suggested that future habitats must provide more than air, water and radiation shielding. Communities also require rituals, creativity, shared spaces and opportunities for cultural expression. This perspective linked the art session to the earlier engineering discussions. Technical habitability makes survival possible, but cultural life makes a settlement socially sustainable.

Developing the Space Renaissance for All Art Gallery

Bernard Foing presented an overview of the Space Renaissance for All Art Gallery and related projects developed over approximately two decades.

The initiatives have connected artists, educational institutions and space organisations through exhibitions, events and artworks sent beyond Earth.

Foing also discussed the Moon Gallery project and plans to display space-related art at future international events.

Dr. Gülin Dede presented “From Orbit to Exhibition: Developing the Space Renaissance for All Art Gallery as an Art Media and Outreach Platform.”

Speaking from the perspective of the SRI Art and Media Lab, she examined how the gallery could evolve from a collection of individual projects into a more coherent curatorial and public-engagement programme.

Recommendations included:

developing thematic curatorial sequences;
strengthening partnerships with museums and cultural institutions;
improving documentation and interpretation;
involving artists from different cultural backgrounds;
establishing meaningful collaboration with Indigenous artists; and
connecting exhibitions with education and public outreach.

The presentation positioned art as a way to communicate the social, cultural and human meaning of space development to wider audiences.

In the discussion, Aziz Alareedh also referred to archaeological and cultural artefacts from Kuwait that had been sent into space, underlining that human expansion beyond Earth can carry the histories and traditions of many societies rather than separating itself from Earth.

Gallagher also discussed opportunities to present the Space Renaissance gallery at forthcoming conferences and cultural venues, as well as future concepts including additional art missions and an “Art to Mars” initiative.

Technology and Culture Must Develop Together

Day 4 of SRI4C demonstrated the scale and diversity of the systems required for civilian life beyond Earth.

Reusable launchers may reduce the cost of initial access, while space elevators, lunar launch infrastructure and reusable cruisers could support higher transportation volumes. Orbital manufacturing and extraterrestrial resources may enable large habitats and energy systems that cannot be supplied solely from Earth.

At the same time, advances in transport and construction will have limited value unless human beings can live safely within the resulting environments. Radiation protection, artificial gravity, health monitoring, certification and independent safety standards must therefore develop alongside propulsion and infrastructure.

The cultural session added another layer to discussions. Permanent settlements will require art, heritage, shared practices and public narratives as much as engineering.

The main conclusion emerging from Day 4 was that a spacefaring civilization cannot be built through technology alone. It must combine engineering capability with human safety, economic access and cultural meaning.

See the recorded videos of SRIC4:

Day 4: https://www.youtube.com/live/TGRlBhMKZEM
Day 3: https://www.youtube.com/live/MFDcRiJo8Bg
Day 2: https://www.youtube.com/live/Z0eZOV_MC9c
Day 1: https://www.youtube.com/live/7r80QYrcHwQ

Follow the Congress last day, in less than two hours!

Here are the links to the YouTube livestream for each day: https://spacerenaissance.space/event/the-sri-4th-world-congress-30-june-4-july-2026/

ATTENTION PLEASE!!! All the new SRI Members registered during the Congress will get a special edition membership card! Join SRI now!

https://spacerenaissance.space/membership/international-membership-registration/

Jul

2026

SRIC4 Day 3: Living in Space, Space Habitats, 18th SDG, Young Generations and Sci-Fi Future Narration

by Adriano V. Autino

This was the third day of the Space and NASA’s International Support for Congress, with multiple panel sessions and presentations. The meeting began with Robert Katz welcoming attendees to Day 3 on July 2, 2026.

The Living in Space Session

The session began with Adriano Autino presenting on the importance of simulated gravity for long-term space habitation, emphasizing the need for 1G environments to support human health, well-being, and freedom of bi-directional migration and tourism. Brooke Mills then discussed her company’s development of technology to profile radiation degradation in pharmaceuticals for long-duration space missions, presenting their HERO Lab payload design. Colin Lennox presented on reintroducing wetlands into habitat systems as a natural solution for environmental needs, avoiding high-energy requirements for processing. David Brody discussed bioethical and socio-political frameworks for child-rearing in space, highlighting challenges such as gravity, radiation, and the ethical considerations of reproducing off-planet. Joseph Pelton explored the concept of terraforming Mars and the Moon, focusing on the challenges of creating artificial magnetic fields to retain atmospheres and the massive amounts of mass required for atmospheric generation. Peter Swan discussed the modern space elevator concept, explaining how graphene-based materials could enable a 100,000 kilometer tether system that would deliver 170,000 tons of mass annually to space with 70% efficiency, allowing routine Mars missions and assembly at the geosynchronous anchor point. Dr. Susan Jewell addressed neurological and neurobehavioral health challenges in space, proposing policy recommendations including behavioral health monitoring standards and human-centered AI governance, and outlined plans to test AI integration in upcoming analog missions. Madhu Thangavelu discussed the potential for commercially sustainable space missions using the International Space Station as a staging point for lunar exploration, proposing a 14-day mission profile using existing SpaceX technology. Dr. Claire Nelson introduced the concept of Lunaria, a citizen-owned lunar conservancy cooperative that would enable 150 people to live permanently on the Moon by 2050, focusing on research, heritage preservation, and collaborative governance rather than competing national interests. Mike Helton presented a solution for managing dangerous asteroid orbits using artificial intelligence robots and thruster systems that could gradually move asteroids out of Earth’s vicinity into the asteroid belt, requiring minimal budget and involving a phased approach from human crews to fully autonomous robotic systems. Joe Pelton closed the session, recalling the publication of a book collecting several article written by some of the partners of the Living in Space initiative, carried on by ACES Worldwide and SRI since 2 years.

The Space Habitats Session

Jerry Stone presented a comprehensive history of space station and habitat design concepts, tracing ideas from early 20th century proposals by Hermann Nudnung and Arthur C. Clarke to modern concepts like Gerard O’Neill’s large-scale space habitats. He discussed the challenges of planetary surfaces for long-term human habitation, particularly the issues with gravity on the moon and Mars, and proposed a small scale O’Neill habitat demonstrator called Island Zero, which would provide simulated gravity through rotation while being more cost-effective, for an initial experimentation. Jerry Stone also presented his Island Zero project, which proposes a space habitat designed for medical research on different gravity levels, with potential for income generation through leasing modules to commercial organizations. Bernard Foing and his team demonstrated their exospacer habitat, which has been used in various locations for astronaut training and lunar mission simulation, including testing rovers and conducting scientific experiments. Silvia Schmalzl presented a compelling argument for incorporating living systems, particularly moss, into space infrastructure to support long-term human habitation beyond Earth. She emphasized that current space habitats rely heavily on mechanical systems with limited biological redundancy, arguing that pioneer organisms like moss could serve as “biological hardware” for life support, psychological well-being, and creating habitable environments that feel like homes rather than machines. Joe was scheduled to present on rotating LEEO resorts but experienced technical difficulties with screen sharing, preventing him from delivering his planned discussion about artificial gravity requirements for multi-planetary settlement. Joseph Carroll presented his paper on Rotating LEO Resorts as Training Wheels for Space Settlements.

The Space 18^th SDG Panel

The meeting transitioned to a panel led by Dr. Gülin Dede on the proposed 18th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) focused on space sustainability. Dr. Dede presented SRI’s efforts to advocate for space sustainability within the UN framework, highlighting their side event at the legal subcommittee meetings and the need for structured engagement moving forward. Frank White emphasized that incorporating space into the 18th SDG is a “no-brainer” as space activities increasingly affect life on Earth, and he called for greater awareness and education about this connection. Gary Barnhard discussed the importance of providing opportunities for engagement rather than entitlement in space, highlighting the need to help nations develop capacity to utilize space technology and data effectively. The discussion included insights about creating a “snowball effect” by helping people understand how to become effective actors in space-related initiatives. Adriano Autino also recalled earlier campaign efforts at the UN in New York, where Dr. Claire Nelson contributed to the exchange in support of the 18th SDG, and linked them to the success of these earlier initiatives. The meeting focused on discussing the organization’s progress and initiatives related to the 18 SDG and space sustainability. The panel discussed the importance of combining brain, heart, and gut perspectives in their work, with participants sharing insights on living in harmony with nature and the challenges of presenting visionary ideas. Alberto Cavallo described the Space 18th SDG as currently the most important initiative within SRI. On the margins of the panel, the group also addressed the concept of arcology and the development of space habitats, with Frank L’Italien referring to his work on a 3D-printing asset library for high-density ecosystems. Frank White offered a thoughtful closing reflection, drawing on his experience with the Space Studies Institute and praising SRI for carrying forward its “heart,” while expressing renewed optimism about the future of space exploration. The discussion included updates on the 18th SDG initiative, with Ammar Jafri providing information about potential formal presentation at the UN General Assembly involving over 40 countries advocating for SDG 18.

The Target Young Generations session

Ghanim Alotaibi introduced the Young Generation Committee’s activities, including a student competition and scholarship opportunities, followed by Enes Beşli‘s message about integrating younger generations into space missions and advocacy work. Miracle Kuchibusa-Masel presented the Pan-African Citizen Science Laboratory, a non-profit organization using astronomy and space science to support STEM learning across Africa since 2020. The organization has engaged over 5,000 learners from 50+ countries in various citizen science projects including asteroid hunting, exoplanet research, and amateur radio programs connecting students with astronauts. Ghanim Alotaibi announced that SRI will soon launch an essay competition for young generations. Adriano Autino invited organizations to join the 18^th SDG coalition, noting they currently have 121 member organizations. Poojan Sanyara then presented his work on “Beyond Survival,” a governance framework for cultural continuity and political autonomy of space settlers, discussing how power structures might evolve in isolated settlements and the importance of self-correction mechanisms.

The Sci-Fi and Future Narrative session

The Sci-Fi and Future Narrative session, chaired by Adriano Autino and moderated by Enes Beşli, featured Adriano Autino’s presentation on the “Universal Dark Forest” hypothesis, arguing against the paranoid theory that the universe is filled with hostile civilizations. He analyzed 42 prominent science fiction authors, finding that 50% were cosmic optimists who reject zero-sum fatalism, while 35% were pessimists and 50% represented cosmic realism. The discussion included comments from Madhu Thangavelu about cultural mythologies and human values, and Gary Barnhard‘s observation about the suspension of disbelief in science fiction, with participants expressing interest in exploring mythology and storytelling aspects further. Cheryl Gallagher presented on the global cultural implications of potential extraterrestrial disclosure, discussing how humanity should prepare for such a transformative discovery through scientific verification protocols, international coordination mechanisms, and public communication strategies. Victoria Ustimenko then explored how modern science fiction plays a crucial role in accelerating civilian space development by inspiring public desire and recruiting engineers, investors, and supporters before technical feasibility is achieved. Adriano Autino wrapped up the session pointing out that Science Fiction literature is covering a missing key cultural part in philosophical history: futurology. Also, the research going on in the SRI Academy framework is evidencing the persisting fracture between scientific and humanistic research, and the very need of connecting rationalism with intuition in all future human activities.

See the recorded videos of SRIC4:

Day 3: https://www.youtube.com/live/MFDcRiJo8Bg
Day 2: https://www.youtube.com/live/Z0eZOV_MC9c
Day 1: https://www.youtube.com/live/7r80QYrcHwQ

Follow the Congress the next days!

Here are the links to the YouTube livestream for each day: https://spacerenaissance.space/event/the-sri-4th-world-congress-30-june-4-july-2026/

ATTENTION PLEASE!!! All the new SRI Members registered during the Congress will get a special edition membership card! Join SRI now!

https://spacerenaissance.space/membership/international-membership-registration/

Jul

2026

SRIC4 Day 2: Philosophy, Governance and the Choices Shaping Humanity’s Future in Space

by Enes Beşli

The second day of Space Renaissance International’s Fourth World Congress brought together philosophers, policy specialists, lawyers and space advocates to examine the cultural foundations of spaceflight, the governance of future settlements, the proposed 18th Sustainable Development Goal and the prevention of conflict beyond Earth.

1 July 2026 — The Fourth Space Renaissance International World Congress continued on Wednesday with a programme examining the ideas, institutions and international agreements that will shape humanity’s expansion beyond Earth.

Following the opening day’s focus on civilization and quality of life, Day 2 shifted attention towards space philosophy and history, governance of extraterrestrial communities, the Space 18th SDG Coalition, lunar geopolitics and the prevention of weapons in space.

The discussions highlighted a recurring concern: while technological capabilities are developing fast and offer great opportunities to improve humanity’s quality of life, our immature ethical, political and legal frameworks are hindering us from taking profit of this glorious perspective. Participants underlined the importance of philosophical reflection: we cannot become a spacefaring civilization without science and technology, yet without philosophy we cannot conceive humanist requirements for vehicles, habitats, or governance, nor can we shape inclusive institutions and credible safeguards against potential conflict.

Recovering the Philosophical Roots of Spaceflight

The day opened with the session “Space Philosophy & History,” chaired by Dr. Marie-Luise Heuser.

Dr. Heuser explored the wave of public and intellectual enthusiasm for space that developed during the early twentieth century. She traced the cultural roots of space habitation through movements such as Russian Cosmism and Germany’s interwar “space fever,” discussing pioneers who imagined rotating habitats, artificial gravity and permanent human communities beyond Earth.

Her presentation showed that many concepts commonly regarded as products of the modern space age were already being developed by artists, philosophers, scientists and filmmakers during the 1920s.

The history of these ideas also served as a warning. Technological visions created for peaceful exploration can be redirected towards military or authoritarian purposes when their political context changes. Therefore, the presentation connected the history of spaceflight with the responsibility to protect its humanistic foundations.

Dr. Maria Harney examined a more contemporary challenge: the ethical governance of artificial intelligence in space. She argued that technological development often moves faster than the ethical systems intended to guide it, leading to a delay in “moral maturity” that may become particularly dangerous in remote and extreme environments.

AI-supported missions may require systems to make decisions concerning safety, health, privacy and access to resources. Yet human beings cannot be treated merely as components in an automated system. Dr. Harney, therefore, called for clearer principles concerning consent, human oversight, accountability and personal autonomy.

Dr. Julio Rezende presented the concept of “Astrodesertanism”, drawing on analogue activities in Brazil’s semi-arid and remote environments. He described how desert landscapes can function not only as training environments for future missions but also as places for reflecting on isolation, resilience, sustainability and the human relationship when exposed to extreme surroundings.

Amalie Sinclair addressed the identities and responsibilities of modern space philosophy. She argued that philosophy should not remain separate from practical policy but should provide leadership by clarifying the values and assumptions underlying space governance.

The session also included a contribution associated with Natale Viscomi on the spirit as an “invisible body” and its relationship with scientific construction, reason, beauty and cosmic consciousness.

Together, the presentations showed that space philosophy is not simply an abstract discussion. It influences how technologies are designed, how risks are understood, and what forms of society humanity may attempt to build beyond Earth.

Designing Governance while Settlements Are Built

The second session, “Space Policy,” examined the legal, political and socio-technical foundations required for future off-world communities.

Veronica Chiaravalli discussed the need to design inclusive operational and economic protocols for settlements in which humans, robots and intelligent systems work together. She argued that future space communities will require new forms of training, professional expertise and participatory design. Rather than adapting social arrangements after infrastructure has been constructed, future residents and stakeholders should be involved in shaping the systems through which settlements operate.

Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom examined the role of “space enablers” in creating sustainable space ecosystems. Drawing on examples from countries including Luxembourg, the Philippines and New Zealand, she described how cooperation among governments, private companies, universities and communities can create opportunities in regions without long-established space industries.

Poojan Chanjara presented a governance framework focused on civilizational continuity and political autonomy in future settlements. He raised questions about the concentration of authority, the relationship between terrestrial governments and off-world populations, and the need for adaptive institutions capable of evolving as settlements mature.

The session also considered symbolic questions of international cooperation, including the idea of placing a United Nations flag on the Moon. The proposal prompted reflection on how common human interests might be represented beyond Earth.

Dennis O’Brien addressed the legal status of settlements and extraterrestrial resources. The discussion distinguished between the prohibition of national appropriation under the Outer Space Treaty and the legal treatment of resources after they have been extracted.

Participants acknowledged that substantial disagreement remains regarding the application of the non-appropriation principle to private actors and permanent settlements.

Adriano Autino emphasized SRI’s opposition to colonial models of space-resource use, arguing that space resources belong to space settlers and should be used to build space infrastructures and sustain their communities.

Lars R. “Jones“ Vadjina examined algorithmic sovereignty, warning that artificial intelligence may become critical infrastructure for navigation, communications, logistics and decision-making. He argued that such systems will require transparency, auditability, resilience, human oversight and international cooperation.

The session underlined that governance should not be postponed until permanent settlements already exist. The rules governing human–robot relations, political authority, resource access and digital infrastructure must begin to be developed in parallel with the technology.

Reconsidering Sustainable Development Through Space

The third session focused on the “Space 18th SDG Coalition,” an initiative proposing that responsible space development be recognized as a new Sustainable Development Goal.

Dr. Gülin Dede introduced the session, while Adriano Autino reviewed the coalition’s history and rationale. He argued that the existing 2030 Agenda does not adequately address the potential contribution of space development to energy, resources, environmental protection and long-term human resilience.

Dr. Gülin Dede chaired the Space 18th SDG Coalition session.

The proposal does not treat space as separate from sustainability on Earth. Instead, it suggests that responsible expansion beyond Earth could strengthen the existing Sustainable Development Goals through environmental monitoring, communications, disaster response, new resources and future space-based infrastructure.

Veronica Chiaravalli proposed an agile and human-centred formulation capable of adapting to rapid technological and societal change. She argued that a new goal should address challenges such as decentralized decision-making, cognitive safety, secure digital environments and access to emerging technologies.

Amalie Sinclair advocated a design-oriented and non-regulatory approach to international cooperation. She proposed an expert working group that would bring together contributors from different countries and political traditions while maintaining independence and broad international participation.

The session invited researchers, organizations and policymakers to contribute perspectives to the continuing development of the initiative.

Navigating Competition in Cislunar Space

The panel on Lunar Astropolitics examined the changing strategic environment between Earth and the Moon.

Participants considered the growing activities of the United States, China, Russia and other spacefaring actors, as well as the implications of expanding scientific, commercial and security interests in cislunar space.

Leonard David questioned whether existing treaties and institutions possess sufficient enforcement mechanisms to prevent geopolitical rivalry from extending to the Moon.

Alberto Cavallo compared contrasting national approaches to lunar activity, including cooperative language in Chinese policy and the United States’ emphasis on strategic leadership and the Artemis Accords. The discussion considered whether national ambitions could coexist with inclusive international governance.

Speakers also addressed lunar resource extraction, safety and rescue obligations, transparency, space traffic management and confidence-building measures.

Participants stressed that more scientific knowledge is needed before assumptions about the abundance and commercial value of lunar resources become the basis of policy. They also noted that competition does not inevitably lead to conflict if clear rules, communication channels, and shared safety practices are established early.

The panel concluded that no single safeguard will be sufficient. Peaceful cislunar development will require a combination of legal agreements, political dialogue, technical coordination, scientific transparency and ethical responsibility.

Preventing Space from Becoming a Battlefield

Dr. Gülin Dede organized and chaired the final panel, ‘A Ban on Space Weapons’ guiding the discussion across sustainability, governance, peace, dual-use ambiguity, and the prevention of conflict in outer space.

Starting the panel with a keynote speech from a distinguished astronautical voice, but as a true pioneer, Dorin Prunariu, the first and only Romanian Cosmonaut, a veteran of the Soyuz 40 mission, former Chair of UNCOPUOS, and the godfather of ATLAC (the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation at COPUOS). Dorin Prunariu discussed why outer space should be protected as a human environment and a domain of peaceful cooperation. The space infrastructure is enabling the many aspects of human life and capabilities on Earth, and the dangers to our orbit due to weaponization may not be easily reversible. If the law for the ban on space weapons is not comprehensive and enforced, it may lead to misuse in the future. The future settlements must not begin with such an environment but through peaceful uses and international cooperation.

Adriano Autino argued that outer space should be protected as a domain for humanity’s long-term civilian future rather than treated as a new strategic high ground. He warned that the deployment of weapons in orbit could threaten space infrastructure, increase debris and undermine the cooperation required for settlement and development.

Dr. Eligar Sadeh distinguished between the militarization and weaponization of space. Military organizations have relied on satellites for communications, navigation and observation for decades, but the deployment or use of offensive weapons represents a further and more dangerous development.

Dennis O’Brien reviewed existing international legal frameworks and the gaps that remain. While the Outer Space Treaty prohibits certain weapons of mass destruction in orbit, it does not establish a comprehensive prohibition of conventional or dual-use systems.

The panel discussed the United Nations process on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space and considered whether SRI should seek a more active role in related international discussions.

Joseph N. Pelton broadened the security discussion to include asteroids, comets and orbital debris. He argued that genuine planetary defense should prioritize shared threats to humanity and proposed greater attention to active debris removal and international liability arrangements.

Alberto Cavallo called for a general prohibition of space weapons and warned that existing civilian and military systems could be transformed into instruments of conflict.

Participants also explored the possibility of converting military technologies and industrial capacities towards peaceful space applications. Converting the military industry to civilian space might be the subject of a great campaign to boost both peace on Earth and civilian space development.

Public education, outreach to political leaders, and wider awareness of the Overview Effect were identified as possible elements of a broader cultural strategy for peace.

Institutions Must Keep Pace with Technology

Day 2 demonstrated that the future of space will be determined not only by what humanity is capable of building but also by the principles and institutions it chooses to establish.

The historical presentations showed that visions of space settlement have always carried philosophical and political assumptions. The policy discussions demonstrated that these assumptions will affect the rights of settlers, the distribution of resources, the role of artificial intelligence, and the relationship between Earth and future off-world communities.

The Space 18th SDG session connected these questions to sustainability, while the final panels confronted the geopolitical risks surrounding the Moon and Earth’s orbit.

Across the programme, speakers called for governance to develop before conflict, inequality or concentrated technological power becomes embedded in future space systems.

The challenge emerging from Day 2 was therefore clear: humanity must develop its ethical, legal and diplomatic capacities at the same speed as its technological ones.

SRI does not advocate a two-step strategy in which humanity must first become socially mature before expanding into space. On the contrary, we maintain that expanding into space can itself become one of the drivers of humanity’s maturation. In this sense, Gaia may be understood as a metaphor for Earth giving birth to a wider spacefaring civilization. If that birth takes place amid conflict, exclusion, or unsustainable development, it will be painful and dangerous; if it is pursued peacefully, inclusively, and sustainably, it can become a hopeful civilizational transition. As humanists, we regard this as a primary responsibility.

See the recorded videos of SRIC4:

Day 2: https://www.youtube.com/live/Z0eZOV_MC9c
Day 1: https://www.youtube.com/live/7r80QYrcHwQ

Follow the Congress the next days!

Here are the links to the YouTube livestream for each day: https://spacerenaissance.space/event/the-sri-4th-world-congress-30-june-4-july-2026/

ATTENTION PLEASE!!! All the new SRI Members registered during the Congress will get a special edition membership card! Join SRI now!

https://spacerenaissance.space/membership/international-membership-registration/

Jul

2026

SRIC4 – The Quality of Life on Earth and Beyond – the Congress 1st Day

by Enes Beşli

The first day of Space Renaissance International’s Fourth World Congress brought together space leaders, philosophers, engineers, lawyers and advocates to examine how civilian space development could improve quality of life on Earth and support humanity’s future beyond it.

30 June 2026 — Space Renaissance International (SRI) opened its Fourth World Congress, SRI4C, on Tuesday with an appeal for greater international cooperation, peaceful space development and a more human-centred vision of expansion beyond Earth.

Held online and broadcast internationally, the five-day congress is organized around the theme “The Quality of Life on Earth and Beyond.” Its opening day combined keynote addresses from prominent figures in the international space community with presentations examining the condition of human civilization and discussions about SRI’s future structure and priorities. The official programme divided the day into keynote speeches, the session “Status of Civilization and Quality of Life,” and a concluding with the session “Space Renaissance International Organization, Structure and Planning.”

Opening the congress, SRI representatives presented civilian space expansion not simply as a technological objective, but as a possible response to the environmental, economic and social pressures facing humanity. SRI founder Adriano V. Autino argued that civilian space development is the only way to revert the global crisis, defuse resource wars, and offer hope and practical opportunities to future generations, while Congress Chair Robert S. Katz emphasized the importance of moving from broad aspirations towards coordinated action.

SRI President Bernard Foing reviewed the organization’s recent activities and its efforts to connect education, culture, policy and technology. The opening remarks established a theme that would be repeated throughout the day: space should not be treated as a distant arena reserved for governments, large corporations, but as an emerging domain whose development should benefit wider society.

From the Overview Effect to International Cooperation

Space philosopher Frank White framed the opening discussions through the Overview Effect, the change in awareness often reported by astronauts when viewing Earth from space. White described Earth as a shared planetary system whose inhabitants must increasingly think and act as one crew.

His address placed cooperation above political and national division, suggesting that the perspective gained through space exploration could contribute to a broader transformation in how humanity understands itself.

Johann-Dietrich Wörner, former Director General of the European Space Agency, continued the theme of international cooperation through his long-standing vision of a Moon Village. Rather than describing a single settlement or a limited controlled programme, Wörner presented the Moon as a platform through which different countries, institutions and commercial actors could cooperate while pursuing their own objectives.

Gabriella Arrigo, President of the International Astronautical Federation and Director of International Affairs at the Italian Space Agency, highlighted the importance of international professional networks and forums in maintaining dialogue across the global space community.

The keynote programme also featured Gregg Li, President of the Orion Astropreneur Space Academy in Hong Kong, who focused on education, entrepreneurship and the development of new generations of space professionals. Paul Werbos examined the relationship between space technology, artificial intelligence and global sustainability, while Rick Tumlinson called on civil society and space advocates to take a more active role in shaping humanity’s future in space, with an heartfelt call to ban weapons in space.

Isaac Arthur, president of the National Space Society, underlined the urgent need to invest in research for life and health protection in space, in the frame of a general paradigm shift from space exploration to civilian space settlement.

Several speakers, including Sam Coniglio – cofounder of the Space Tourism Society – advocated for a space design conceived for humanity, for civil travelers and residents, based on comfort, ergonomics, beauty, and suitable for a thriving society, not only surviving.

Across these contributions, speakers repeatedly highlighted to the need for peaceful cooperation and for preventing geopolitical warlike confrontation from defining the next era of space activity.

What Kind of Civilization Will Expand into Space?

The first main congress session, “Status of Civilization and Quality of Life,” moved the discussion from institutional cooperation to a more fundamental question: what kind of civilization is humanity building, and what values will it carry beyond Earth?

Adriano Autino presented SRI’s first congress thesis, which argues that civilian expansion into space will help address pressures created by resource consumption, energy demand and environmental limits. The proposal included the development of orbital habitats, space-based energy systems and infrastructure capable of supporting increasing numbers of civilian population beyond Earth.

The session was intentionally interdisciplinary to incorporate different perspectives. Alberto Cavallo reconsidered Maslow’s hierarchy of needs in the context of human expansion into space, arguing that psychological development, altruism and personal responsibility must accompany technological progress.

Veronica Chiaravalli examined the human and organizational capabilities needed to build a multi-world civilization, particularly the changing relationship between people, robotics and intelligent systems.

Alastair Brown addressed the potential of extraterrestrial resources to reduce terrestrial competition over scarce materials. His presentation considered whether responsible space-resource development could provide an alternative to resource conflict on Earth.

Eligar Sadeh discussed the broader political and civilizational transformation associated with becoming a spacefaring society.

Speakers including Isaac Arthur, President of the National Space Society (NSS), argued that civilian space development should make space not only a site for scientific research, but also a place where people can work, build businesses and establish communities.

Sam Coniglio brought attention to the practical and human details of living beyond Earth. His work on “creature comforts” highlighted the need to design future habitats for ordinary citizens rather than only highly trained astronauts. The discussion covered factors such as food, recreational activities, social life, comfort and psychological well-being. These elements are often treated as secondary in early mission planning but essential for permanent communities.

Governance Must Develop Alongside Technology

Legal and political questions featured prominently throughout the opening day.

Space-law expert Prof. Sergio Marchisio discussed the increasing importance of sustainability principles, international guidelines and capacity-building as commercial and governmental activity grows in Earth orbit and beyond. He warned that congestion, space debris and unequal access cannot be managed by technology alone.

Joseph N. Pelton, Chairman of ACES Worldwide and Dean Emeritus of the International Space University (ISU), similarly identified orbital debris as one of the most urgent challenges facing the international community.

Giuseppe Reibaldi, President of the Moon Village Association (MVA) and Executive Secretary of the Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities, presented ongoing efforts to coordinate lunar activity and develop shared practices for sustainable operations on the Moon.

Steve Wolfe, President of the Beyond Earth Institute, considered how commercial lunar development could move beyond conventional government contracting. He called for policies that create genuine opportunities for private investment, infrastructure development and in-situ resource use while maintaining appropriate governance.

Space lawyer Michelle Hanlon addressed the legal foundations of future off-world communities, including questions surrounding property, access, responsibility and the rights of people living beyond Earth. Her intervention underlined that many concepts frequently used in public discussion about space do not yet provide clear legal answers for permanent communities.

Together, these contributions demonstrated a shared concern: engineering may make sustained human activity beyond Earth possible, but legitimacy, stability and public trust will depend on governance developing at the same time.

SRI Looks Towards Its Next Organizational Phase

The final part of the day turned inward, focusing on how Space Renaissance International should organise itself during the next five years.

Dr. Gülin Dede presented a strategic framework for SRI built around three broad areas: culture, ethics and civilizational futures; policy, governance and institutional strategy; and engineering and applied systems. The proposal included a directorate-based organizational model supported by stronger executive coordination.

Bernard Foing outlined possible leadership portfolios covering strategy and partnerships, education, policy and legal affairs, engineering, culture, intercultural cooperation, youth engagement and the development of an international network of Space Ambassadors.

Public Outreach Coordinator Enes Beşli presented a communication strategy aimed at increasing SRI’s visibility, strengthening public trust, encouraging collaboration and improving public understanding of civilian space development. Proposed actions included building dedicated social-media and website teams, engaging SRI’s volunteer network and relaunching the organization’s website ahead of the 2026 International Astronautical Congress.

The organizational session reflected one of the clearest conclusions from Day 1: ambitious ideas must be supported by durable institutions, consistent communication and opportunities for members and volunteers to contribute.

From Vision to Action

The opening day of SRIC4 covered an unusually broad range of subjects ranging from the Overview Effect and lunar cooperation to resource use, habitat design, space law and to organizational reform. Most notably, a common argument connected the discussions: space development should be assessed according to how it improves human life, strengthens cooperation and contributes to a sustainable future.

Participants presented expansion into space as a necessary solution to terrestrial problems: without expanding into space, civilization is condemned. Yet, they argued, its outcome will depend on the political choices, ethical principles and institutional structures established now.

As the congress moved towards its second day, the challenge facing delegates was therefore not merely to imagine a spacefaring civilization, but to identify the policies, partnerships and practical actions needed to build one peacefully and responsibly.

See the recorded video of SRIC4 Day 1: https://www.youtube.com/live/7r80QYrcHwQ

Follow the Congress next days!

Here are the links to the YouTube livestream for each day: https://spacerenaissance.space/event/the-sri-4th-world-congress-30-june-4-july-2026/

Jun

2026

Space Renaissance International at COPUOS 69, Vienna, 10 – 18 June 2026

Space Renaissance International (SRI) was represented at the 69th Session of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) in Vienna, Austria, by Bernard Foing, Dr. Gülin Dede, Werner Grandl, and Enes Beşli. The SRI delegation contributed to the session’s dialogue through two technical presentations: one delivered by Werner Grandl, “The Legacy of Gerard K. O’Neill and the Urgency to Start Experimentation on Simulated Gravity,” and another by Dr. Gülin Dede titled “Sustainability Beyond Earth: The Case for an 18th Sustainable Development Goal.” Throughout the session, the delegation engaged in productive discussions with international stakeholders and explored potential avenues for collaboration in support of SRI’s vision for a sustainable and inclusive space future.The delegation also attended the side event “Delivering Water Diplomacy through Space,” jointly co-organised by the European Space Policy Institute and Slovenia.

SRI further observed the “Space4Industry, UNOOSA/UNIDO Signing Ceremony,” co-organised by UNOOSA and UNIDO, as well as the “Space4Resilience Initiative, From Data to Decision: AI-Driven 3D Digital Twin Technologies for Disaster Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainable Industrial Development,” co-organized by UN-SPIDER and Japan.

SRI supports the utilization of space technologies in addressing global challenges, advancing sustainable industry, and strengthening international cooperation.

See the SRI presentations on the Space Renaissance YouTube channel:

Werner Grandl – “The Legacy of Gerard K. O’Neill and the Urgency to start Experimentation on Simulated Gravity” https://youtu.be/KxunbMOecaM

Dr. Gülin Dede – “Sustainability Beyond Earth: The Case for an 18th Sustainable Development Goal.” https://youtu.be/TKafpnsZ9p0

*****

Register for the SRI 4^th World Congress. 30 June – 4 July 2026 (virtual)

https://spacerenaissance.space/sric4-registration/

Join the Space Renaissance!

Also download a pdf version of this article.

Apr

2026

GERARD K. O’NEILL WAS NOT HONORED AS DESERVED, SO FAR… BUT MAYBE IT’S NOT TOO LATE!

While doing research during the works of the SRI 4^th World Congress, I am trying to deepen my knowledge of the immense work done by Gerard K. O’Neill and his Space Studies Institute (SSI) during the second half of the past century.

Gerry took the work where Tsiolkovsky, Oberth, von Braun, and others had left it, on the great theme of rotating habitats in free space. And more, the SSI, founded by him, has developed an incredible amount of very high-profile studies about space manufacturing [1], covering many aspects of living in free-space habitats. Not only scientific and technical issues. According to the O’Neill teachings—as his main references, like Krafft Ehricke and others, had done—human requirements, attention to life and health protection, human rights, and social needs informed all of the developed studies and conceptual design.

Great outreachers like Isaac Asimov, Arthur Clarke, and Stanley Kubrick were ready to follow O’Neill and promote his concepts in their artworks and in their interviews to TV and media magazines.

Not so the space agencies. While making studies and keeping research activities on the O’Neill’s themes, his “Islands” in space never got real priority in NASA’s plans. Supporters of space expansion, including those with influence at the agency, have not pushed this issue hard enough. More than 50 years after the publication of the High Frontier [[2]], no experimentation with simulated gravity was initiated, or even just planned.

Many trillions of dollars are being wasted each year on death weapon systems! Our civilization seems unable (culturally? morally? both?) to properly honor its highest profiles and to allow them to help real sustainable development.

Humanity has now initiated to ask artificial intelligence oracles for giving responses to many high-profile and trivial questions. Yet, we are still not able to use some responses given by some very great human intelligences, like Gerry O’Neill.

Isn’t that a shame? Shouldn’t we get down to working flat out to recover this huge delay??

Institutions are reluctant to move from the old space exploration-only paradigm to the new one, encompassing space settlement. Yet, history is moving ahead. The ARTEMIS and the ILRS coalitions are working to establish permanent human bases on the Moon and to kick off the cislunar economy.

Shouldn’t O’Neill’s concepts and the SSI’s works be part of such a great development??

We, at SRI, are doing our best. And we call the whole space community O’Neill’s pupils to join us in this worthy activity.

In our SRI 4^th World Congress (SRIC4), taking place virtually from 30 June to 4 July, we have several sessions and panels discussing simulated gravity and free-space habitats. Hopefully we’ll come up with good proposals and planning for the next 5 years.

Also see this documentary: “Colonies in Space – The High Frontier: The Untold Story of Gerard K. O’Neill”^[3]

*****

https://spacerenaissance.space/sric4-registration/

Let’s work together to make a great congress!

Join the Space Renaissance!

[1] https://ssi.org/ssi-conference-abstracts/

[2] O’Neill, Gerard K. “The High Frontier: Human Colonies in Space” https://www.amazon.com/High-Frontier-Human-Colonies-Space/dp/1686872720/

[3] “Colonies in Space – The High Frontier: The Untold Story of Gerard K. O’Neill” https://youtu.be/TGtbHn76HwU

Also download a pdf version of this article.

Mar

2026

PERSPECTIVES ON AN EMERGING 18TH SDG ARTICULATION – AN SRI SIDE EVENT AT COPUOS LEGAL SUBCOMMITTEE

Space Renaissance International (SRI) will organize a high-level side event during the COPUOS Legal Subcommittee on 16 April 2026 at UNOOSA (Vienna), proposed and convened by Dr. Gülin Dede, titled “Operationalising Space as a Cross-Cutting Enabler of Sustainable Development: Perspectives on an Emerging 18th SDG Articulation.”

The session will bring together legal, policy, industry, and Global South perspectives to examine how outer space is evolving from a sectoral domain into a critical enabling infrastructure for the 2030 Agenda, while simultaneously requiring stewardship as an environment in its own right.

Positioned as an early contribution to shaping how space sustainability is framed within the broader UN system, the event will also be broadcast by the United Nations, extending its reach beyond the room to a global audience.

As part of SRI’s Space 18th SDG Coalition, now bringing together 120 partner organizations worldwide and supporting the 18th SDG articulation, the initiative aims to strengthen institutional coherence, reinforce the role of space within global sustainability governance, and support the continued development of this emerging framework.

SRI committed to add an 18^th SDG focused on Civilian Space Development to the UN 2030 Agenda in 2021. This goal was mentioned in the SRI 3^rd World Congress Final Resolution. In 2023 we initiated the campaign at COPUOS, in partnership with the National Space Society, that advanced this proposal already in 2018. The Space 18^th SDG Coalition has now grown up to 120 organizations world-wide. It is now time to reach the next institutional level!

*****

Check the Call for Papers, and submit your abstract(s)!

Let’s work together to make a great congress!

Join the Space Renaissance!

#space #spaceresources #civilianspacedevelopment #spacerenaissance #lifeinspace #quality #qualityoflife #18thsdg #spacesettlement #congress #younggenerations #space18thsdg

Mar

2026

SRIC4 NEWS #05: A MESSAGE TO THE YOUTH: BE THE VOICE OF PEACE

While space agencies globally recognize space applications, diplomacy, and national prestige as core justifications for their work, they remain hesitant to embrace a critical concept: the urgent humanization of space, or the urgent expansion of civilization into space. Similarly, educational institutions have not yet integrated matters related to civilian space development into their curricula.Reviewing the Space Renaissance Manifesto provides a deeper understanding of why the “humanization of space” is essential for the future. The proposition of diverting military spending toward civilian space development is simple yet transformative: it would directly elevate human quality of life. Wars are the worst experience a human population can encounter, and today we are witnessing more military confrontations around the world than at any time since WWII, action is necessary. With this short letter, we are calling the youth to take action.Youth working, or aspiring to work, in the space domain, are welcome to join Space Renaissance International (SRI) and become part of our cause. The Towards the Young Generation Committee is dedicated to guiding the next generation and advocating for the expansion of humanity into the cosmos.

This year marks the IV SRI World Congress (SRIC4), a landmark online event held every five years to set strategic guidelines. For the first time, a dedicated Youth Session is being hosted. Please see the specific EHTOS Call for Papers. And submit your abstract. Be sure to flag the EHTOS checkbox: “I am under 35 years old, this abstract is for the EHTOS context”

As a young professional or student, you will receive a discount when joining SRI. By submitting an abstract to the SRI World Congress, you will automatically join the youth special session.

Young Participants will benefit of a Competition Entry: High-quality papers will compete for scholarships to participate in either physical or virtual analog missions.

To learn more about the competition and how to submit your abstract, please check the EHTOS page.

SRI leads an international coalition whose mission is to add an 18th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) related to civil space development to the United Nations 2030 Agenda. The Space 18^th SDG has a dedicated Call for Perspective, connected to the SRIC4 18^th SDG session.

Join SRI and be the voice of peace in your community. In addition to the Towards the Young Generation Committee, we encourage you to explore all SRI committees and join the one that aligns with your interests and career goals. Learn more about SRI here.

Help us spread the word about the urgency of expanding humanity into outer space and encourage your national space agency to adopt important space concepts that can bring prosperity and peace for everyone.

The Congress website: https://2026.spacerenaissance.space/

Looking forward to see you at the Congress.

Ad Astra!

Ghanim Alotaibi, SRI Board of Directors

Mar

2026

SRIC4 Newsletter #04 – What is Quality of Life?

What truly defines “Quality of Life” (QoL), and why we have titled the SRI IV World Congress on it?QoL is a broad concept, including all of the aspects of the life of us, human inhabitants of the third planet of this Solar System. Traditionally, we define QoL through the essentials—food, shelter, health, and education. These are the pillars of economic and cultural development, and they are non-negotiable. Yet, at Space Renaissance, we believe QoL aims higher. It is the freedom to pursue our highest ideals, to have a beautiful life, to explore spirituality, and to seek a global reduction in suffering.Interestingly, the perception of QoL varies wildly across our globe today. The Western post-industrial societies are often clouded by a lack of confidence and a fading hope for what lies ahead. The Eastern emerging societies, fueled by rapid industrial growth, look toward the horizon with immense anticipation. If we could measure QoL through the lens of hope, these emerging societies might actually outrank the West. Why? Because the belief that one is part of a “great project”—one that glorifies human intelligence and potential—is the ultimate antidote to social suffering.

Whether we progress or regress, fall into crisis or rise in a renaissance, it all depends on the mass-psychological mood of the people. When survival is secured, and economic growth creates opportunities for all, social fear dissolves. And as John Lennon famously sang, when fear fades, we finally “give peace a chance.”

We align ourselves with this progressive spirit, like a modern Promethean manifesto. However, we must be realistic: this hope has an expiration date. Without the launch of civil space development by 2030, the “closed world” will inevitably reach its limits. Eastern hopes will be dashed, and Western lifestyles will suffer a sharp decline.

The truth is simple. Quality of Life needs space. The hope in the future needs space. Our creativity needs space. Our spirituality needs space. Even the non-human life on Earth needs us to move outward, so our home planet can finally recover and breathe.

Join us at the SRI IV World Congress as we chart the path toward a future without limits, a sustainable luxury life for All!

See two special sessions:

Expanding Humanity To Outer Space (EHTOS) – Young Generations session https://2026.spacerenaissance.space/index.php/expand-humanity-into-outer-space-ehtos-youths-programme/
Space 18^th SDG session https://2026.spacerenaissance.space/index.php/the-space-18th-sdg-call-for-perspectives-2026/

Register to the Congress here: https://spacerenaissance.space/sric4-registration/

And submit your abstract(s): https://spacerenaissance.space/sric4-abstract-submission/

Also see the keynote speakers participating to the opening session the 30 of June: https://2026.spacerenaissance.space/index.php/sric4-keynote-speakers/

The Congress website: https://2026.spacerenaissance.space/

Looking forward to see you at the Congress.

Ad Astra!

Adriano V. Autino, SRI CEO & Founder

Mar

2026

SRIC4 News #03 – by Dennis O’Brien

THE 4TH SPACE RENAISSANCE INTERNATIONAL WORLD CONGRESS

June 30 – July 4, 2026

Work continues on the five-year Congress; SRI sends delegates to COPUOS Scientific & Technical Subcommittee meeting in Vienna.
The preliminary SRI Academy webinar series is online. It includes past presentations, including last week’s by Alberto Cavallo on “Date Centers in Space”, a practical assessment made newsworthy by SpaceX’s recent announcement of plans to do so. There are 10 more webinars scheduled before the Congress in late June. Click on the “series” link above for a complete list, including past presentations and links to videos/streams.
We have already received several abstracts for the Congress. Main topics are Philosophy & Policy, Science & Engineering, and Art & Media. Subtopics include: Resources (overshoot day, unsustainable demand); Beautiful Life in Space (quality of life, ergonomics); the 18th Sustainable Development Goal; and the Rights of Settlers/Settlements (“We speak for the settlers”). For more information, please go to our Congress page which contains links for submitting abstracts and registering for the Congress (free). Click here for current list of speakers.
New! SRI’s Towards the Young Generation Committee is pleased to invite students and young professionals to join Expanding Humanity to Outer Space (EHTOS) paper competition that will be held during the IV Space Renaissance International Congress (SRIC) from 30 June to 4 July. For more information, please click here. Deadline for abstract submission is March 30.
Much of our effort is informed by our work with the United Nations’ Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). At this month’s meeting of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, we made two presentations, “Living in Free-Space Habitats, a Choice of Freedom” by Adriano Autino, and “Space Habitats and Vehicle Design” by Werner Grandl. SRI is a Permanent Observer and is permitted to address the committee/subcommittees on our areas of our expertise.
SRI also had three delegates (M.L. Heuser, Amalie St. Clair, and Gülin Dede) who observed informal discussions involving ATLAC (Action Team on Lunar Activity Consultation) and EG-SSA (Expert Group on Space Situational Awareness). They report that SRI’s contribution to ATLAC was “well received and genuinely appreciated”; it is now posted on their dedicated UN web page. Although SSA is not a prime focus of SRI at this time, the EG has issued a questionnaire to COPUOS members and observers, which we will complete to stay engaged pending future developments.
Our observers also reported that the commitment to sustainability, long part of the UN and COPUOS efforts (e.g., the Sustainable Development Goals and the Guidelines for Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities), was being challenged by the United States and Russia, who refused to agree to the STSC final report unless it included a disclaimer that the report does not prejudice the adopted positions of state parties. The subcommittee adopted the disclaimer. We look forward to the STSC final report, which should include reports from the working groups.
Thank you for your interest in SRI and its work. If you do not wish to receive such updates, please reply with the word “unsubscribe”.–