From Philosophy of Cosmos to Space Policy: Contemporary Issues and Trends

Abstract

The paper aims to study the connection between the philosophy of cosmos and space policy. The authors argue that the research of the philosophy of cosmos stipulates the space policy research. Philosophy of cosmos studies the influence of knowledge about the Universe on human ethics. The more humans reveal for themselves the structure of the Universe and understand their place in it, the more the acquired knowledge affects space activities. The article discloses current trends in space policy that determine the perspectives for the exploration of the Universe. The authors substantiate space policy trends with the history and experience of cooperation between NASA and commercial structures. The features of the U.S. space policy development over the past five years are investigated. The results of the analysis lead to the conclusion about the dominant role of governments in modern space policy, even despite the involvement of private companies in space activities. The example of the United States proves the expanding influence of space policy in the national policy of the state due to the perspectives of the space industry, its high technological capacity and the increase in the number of jobs.