Experts Call for a More Ethical and Sustainable Approach to Space Exploration

During a presentation aimed at university students in the Mexican capital, leading experts in space exploration called for the integration of ethics and sustainability into the industry, emphasizing the importance of balancing technological advancement with environmental responsibility.

Guillermo Trotti, a renowned space architect who has worked on NASA projects including a lunar base and the International Space Station, stressed that while economic benefit is essential for the continuation of space missions, it should not be the industry's sole driving force.

“The space business is really important. We all need income, food, shelter. But there needs to be a shift in how corporations think solely about profit. We need to develop a conscience about the planet,” he said.

Trotti added that many of the recycling technologies developed for space missions could be adapted to help address environmental challenges on Earth.

Manuel Sánchez, an associate researcher at the MIT Media Lab’s Space Exploration Initiative, also pointed out that scientific discoveries made in space could benefit life on Earth.

“We’ve discovered bacteria that have evolved aboard the Space Station and don’t exist on Earth. It’s a delicate issue, but the technologies we develop in space can help us create new air-based systems for decontamination and disinfection. It sounds like science fiction, but it’s real,” he explained.

Dava Newman, former deputy administrator of NASA and former director of the MIT Media Lab, also participated in the event. She highlighted the importance of involving students in space-related topics through events like this, which also provide insight into academic opportunities in the United States.

Newman is currently involved in a project to redesign traditional bulky spacesuits. Her team is developing a more form-fitting suit that enhances mobility during missions, using multi-layered 3D-printed fabric made from heat-resistant polyethylene fibers.

“Current suits are bulky and restrict movement. Our design aims to better adapt to the human body and facilitate missions beyond our planet,” she said.

The event concluded with a clear message: space exploration must not only look to the stars but also back to Earth—with the goal of ensuring that every technological advancement leads toward a more sustainable and ethical future.