Episode #4: Time For A Prime Directive?

Followers of the science fiction series Star Trek® are undoubtedly familiar with “The Prime Directive” …. which held members of Starfleet® to strict ethical standards prohibiting the interference in the natural development, affairs of other alien civilizations and lifeforms.

As a planet we are now on the precipice of exploring deep space and perhaps inhabiting other worlds such as the Moon and Mars.

In fact, robots, which are simply extensions of us as humans, have been exploring Mars for over a decade. Consequently, is it time for us as a species (to go beyond the Outer Space Treaty of 1967) to seriously debate developing a set of modern, inclusive, enforceable (if this is even possible) ethical standards for space … that extends further than the issue of interference with other forms of life.