Cosmic Footprint Society
Research and dialogue on the impacts of human activities in outer space
🇫🇷 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 🇨🇦 🇩🇪 🇦🇺 🇯🇵 🇫🇮 🇧🇷 🇮🇹 🇧🇪 🇳🇱 🇸🇪 🇮🇳 🇳🇿 🇰🇷 🇹🇳 🇮🇶 🇬🇭 🇹🇹 🇮🇩 🇧🇩 🇪🇸 🇸🇳 🇨🇭
The Cosmic Footprint Society is an international research and dialogue platform, formed as a non-profit association, dedicated to supporting the informed consideration of humanity’s footprint beyond Earth through research, open science, and scholarly dialogue with the public, the scientific community, and relevant institutions.
Active since 2022, administratively founded in 2024, the Society brings together researchers, policy experts, and practitioners from 25 countries across six continents. It operates as an independent civil society organisation under French law. (RNA: n° W942012266, registered 5 July 2024)
The “cosmic footprint” refers to the range of effects produced by human activities in outer space and on celestial bodies. The concept is descriptive and analytical: it does not presume that such effects are beneficial or harmful, but provides a framework for scientific assessment and governance discussion.
The Society adopts A Call to Address Humanity's Cosmic Footprint (Nature Astronomy) as its foundational scholarly reference.
Space activities are increasingly capable of producing long-lasting, large scale effects - raising scientific and ethical considerations - including : Reshaping celestial landscapes; Altering asteroid trajectories; Introducing terrestrial organisms to other worlds; Changing the chemical makeup of extraterrestrial environments; Modifying Earth's detectable electromagnetic signals.
Developing a shared scientific understanding of these developments is an important step toward informed international discussion on the peaceful uses of outer space. This effort provides an opportunity for the footprint to be better understood and considered.
To support the follow-up and implementation of the conclusions of the Call to Address Humanity's Cosmic Footprint , and to bring them to the attention of the United Nations. The Society does not promote a specific policy position but seeks to support informed international discussion.
To develop a comprehensive review of humanity's cosmic footprint — its current extent, its trajectory, and its implications for the long-term sustainability of outer space. This includes:
2. Policy dialogue at United Nations level
To engage with relevant UN bodies, including COPUOS, ECOSOC, and UNESCO/COMEST, on issues of responsible space stewardship.
3. Building a global civil society constituency
To grow an international community of researchers, policy experts and practitioners committed to addressing the long-term consequences of human activities beyond Earth.
The Society emerged from a sustained intellectual process spanning several years.
In 2022, a de facto working group on large-scale space ethics formed around the initiative spaceethics.org. This group brought together researchers concerned with the long-term, civilisational-scale implications of humanity's expansion into space — questions that existing institutions were not yet systematically addressing.
In January 2024, this work reached a formal milestone: the ISSI Forum on the Cosmic Footprint, held at the International Space Science Institute (ISSI) in Bern, Switzerland. The Forum gathered leading researchers to assess the state of knowledge, identify gaps, and recommend directions for scientific and policy action. Its conclusions provided the intellectual foundation for the Society.
The need for a formal organisational structure became clear during the Forum: the issues identified required sustained institutional capacity — for research coordination, for UN engagement, and for building a global constituency that no informal working group could provide.
The Cosmic Footprint Society was founded in April 2024 in direct response to that need.
Endorsers of “A Call to Address Humanity’s Cosmic Footprint”
The Society brings together researchers, policy experts, and practitioners from multiple disciplines concerned with the long-term implications of humanity's activities beyond Earth.
Member countries (Countries: 25 - Continents: 6):
France · United States · United Kingdom · Canada · Germany · Australia · Japan · Finland · Brazil · Italy · Belgium · Netherlands · Sweden · India · New Zealand · South Korea · Tunisia · Iraq · Ghana · Trinidad and Tobago · Indonesia · Bangladesh · Spain · Senegal · Switzerland
astrophysics · planetary science · astrobiology · philosophy · ethics ·law · space policy · sociology · anthropology · archaeology · mathematics · biology · environmental science · engineering · knowledge systems & cultural heritage · science communication · foresight & innovation
Sorbonne Université · Université Paris-Saclay / CentraleSupélec ·
Goethe University Frankfurt · Birkbeck College, University of London · University of Manchester · University of Edinburgh · University of Turku · Western Washington University · York University · Western Sydney University · Universidade de São Paulo · Chiba University · ISSI Bern · Paris Observatory · SETI Institute · Blue Marble Space Institute of Science · ESA · Imperial College London · The Open University · Penn State · University of Washington · CNRS · James Cook University · South Asian University
Legal form: Non-profit association — French law (loi 1901)
Initial name: Cosmic Footprint Foundation
Current name: Cosmic Footprint Society
The Society was founded in April 2024 and registered in July 2024 under French law. Its institutional development is aligned with the eligibility requirements for consultative engagement with the United Nations system. Preliminary intellectual work traces to the Large Scale Space Ethics initiative (spaceethics.org), established in 2022.
The legal pack can be accessed in the Documents Section of this site, with the exception of internal governance documents requiring
The Society operates on a zero-cost volunteer model.
This lean structure is a deliberate organisational choice — it ensures independence, eliminates conflicts of interest, and reflects the Society's commitment to responsible stewardship, beginning with its own operations.
All Board members and Advisory Board members disclose their institutional affiliations publicly on this website.
Board members are required to recuse themselves from any decision in which they hold a personal, institutional, or financial interest.
No Board member holds a commercial interest in the space industry in a capacity that could influence Society decisions.
The Society does not collect personal data without explicit consent. Where personal data is collected (e.g. membership registration, endorsement forms), it is processed in accordance with applicable French and European law (GDPR). Data is not shared with third parties. Data subjects may request access, correction, or deletion at any time. Contact: contact@cosmicfootprint.org
Elected at the General Assembly of 4 December 2025.
Secret ballot. Result: 95% Yes / 0% No / 5% Abstain.
The Patron, appointed by the Board Resolution 2026-1 , is acting in an honorary, non-executive, and non-remunerated capacity, in accordance with Statutes Art. 3.6 (Symbolic and Consultative Roles).
Appointed by the Board Resolution 2026-1 , in accordance with: Statutes Art.3.6; Bylaws Art. B.3.6; Guidelines Art. G.3.6 and R.3.3 (Advisory Board Member).
The Advisory Board is a consultative, non-decision-making body, acting in an honorary and unpaid capacity. The participation is voluntary. Advisory Board members are grouped under three thematic domains, and consulted as groups topically formed.
A. EMPIRICAL & ARCHIVAL SCIENCES
B. SOCIETAL DIMENSIONS & ETHICS
Affiliated Research Group: spaceethics.org — Research Group on Large-Scale Space Ethics (established 2022, founding intellectual home of the Society)
The General Assembly is the sovereign body of the Society.
It elects the Board of Directors and approves major decisions.
Voting is conducted through a single Google Form configured to require authentication with the member’s registered email address. Only members listed in the official Voting Register can vote, and each member may submit one response. The system records identity and timestamp, ensuring traceability while keeping individual ballots confidential. Votes are stored in a protected Google Sheet accessible only to the Secretary General (edit) and the President (view). After closure, results are computed from the Form summary and published in aggregated form (total votes, participation rate, distribution). Raw data and summary exports are archived as PDF files. The General Assembly formally adopts the results on this basis. >> → See full procedure in Annex.
Resolution submission process: Board resolutions are initiated by any Director and managed through a single shared Resolution Document (Google Docs or equivalent), with version history enabled. Each proposal includes the resolution text, rationale, and voting options, and is circulated to all Board members through traceable digital means. The President verifies formal admissibility and ensures proper circulation; in case of conflict of interest, this role is assumed by the Secretary General. Resolutions may be submitted at any time, including outside formal meetings. Each resolution is classified as ordinary or urgent, with urgency explicitly justified when applicable. This system ensures that all Board members work from the same document throughout the process. >> → See full procedure in Annex.
Voting procedure: Board voting is conducted directly within the Resolution Document, which serves as the single reference for drafting, voting, and results. At vote opening, the number of Board members in office, quorum requirement, and participating Directors are recorded, and the resolution text is frozen. If quorum is not reached, the vote automatically continues through an asynchronous phase, remaining open for up to 15 days, with a formal verification at Day 7. Directors may vote remotely, and all participation is traceable through the document history. At closure, results (for, against, abstain) and quorum status are recorded in the same document. The final document is then locked, exported to PDF, and archived as an official Board Resolution or as a non-adopted resolution in case of lack of quorum. >> → See full procedure in Annex.
Elected by the General Assembly by secret ballot.
Most recent election: 4 December 2025.
Result: 95% Yes / 0% No / 5% Abstain.
Term and renewal procedures: see Statutes.
Most recent appointment: Board Resolution 2026-1.
Free and open. Applications processed by the Board.
The Society's work is organised around three priorities:
1. Scientific synthesis: A comprehensive account of what humanity has already done — and is doing — beyond Earth, with reference to non-anthropogenic phenomenons.
2. United Nations engagement ECOSOC consultative status application in progress. COPUOS observer status: application submitted March 2026
3. Growing the global constituency. The Call (Nature Astronomy, 2025) has gathered 150+ endorsers. Membership in the Cosmic Footprint Society is free and open. [CTA button: Join | popup form | 2]
In July 2025, a group of researchers published a call in Nature Astronomy urging the international community to address humanity's cosmic footprint — the full scope of human impact on the space environment, past, present, and future.
The Call notes that humans are ending the relative isolation of the terrestrial biosphere from its cosmic environment, and now may lead changes at scales unknown before. It calls for scientific synthesis, international governance, and civil society engagement.
As of August 2025, 150+ individuals and organisations have endorsed the Call.
https://hal.science/hal-05170293v1
Published version (Nature Astronomy):
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-025-02606-7
>> SOURCE NOTE: Current on site. Reformat only. Do not reproduce here — carry forward as-is.
As of jan 2026, 150+ individuals and organisations have endorsed the Call to Address Humanity's Cosmic Footprint.
Definition: The “cosmic footprint” refers to the range of effects produced by human activities in outer space and on celestial bodies. The concept is descriptive and analytical: it does not presume that such effects are beneficial or harmful, but provides a framework for scientific assessment and governance discussion.
The cosmic footprint encompasses:
State of the Art: There is currently no comprehensive review of humanity's cosmic footprint, nor any overarching registry or related scientific synthesis. Efforts are either regional (e.g. on Earth's orbits) or have restricted focus (e.g. radio-leakage from mobile towers). Entire subdomains remain unaddressed. (e.g. organic plumes in deep space)
Conceptual Roots and the Framing of the Cosmic Footprint: Concern for the long-term consequences of space activities has been building for decades, expressed through frameworks such as planetary protection, space sustainability, and cosmic stewardship. The term “cosmic footprint” itself has independent roots. It appears in astrobiology and SETI research : a 2021 study in Acta Astronautica proposed a quantitative measure of a technosignature's cosmic footprint. It has also been used in policy-adjacent writings ( Sustainability Times , phys.org ) to describe the aggregate physical and biological trace of human space activity.
The Call to Address Humanity's Cosmic Footprint, represents the first scholarly effort to synthesise these threads into a unified evidence-based framework— one that is empirical rather than normative, bridging the crossdomain need for scientific assessment, ethical evaluation, and international governance.
A comprehensive scientific volume on humanity's cosmic footprint is currently in preparation, to be published by Springer Nature in the International Space Science Institute (ISSI) Scientific Report Series (open access). The volume is being coordinated through an ISSI working group
Anthropogenic Footprint in Outer Space: A Comprehensive Scientific Review.
ISSI Scientific Report Series (Springer Nature). Open Access — freely readable and downloadable worldwide. Publication: 2028 (indicative).
The project is conducted within the framework of the ISSI Scientific Report Series , which publishes interdisciplinary syntheses produced by international teams convened by ISSI. The objective of the Working Group is to assemble a state-of-the-art scientific overview of the impacts of human activities beyond Earth, drawing on expertise from planetary science, astrophysics, exobiology, space history, philosophy, and computational modeling.
The resulting volume aims to provide:
The Working Group contributes to scientific understanding and interdisciplinary dialogue. It operates independently as a scientific initiative hosted by ISSI and does not represent a policy or advocacy position.
Further information and updates are available on the official official ISSI Working Group page
The Society is developing a proposal for a comprehensive Solar System Registry — a systematic record of humanity's presence and impact across the Solar System, connecting to a visualisation system and offering API endpoints to allow the independent development of Visualisation.
The Society works is focused on theoretical and ontological development, upon which it holds intellectual property. The current visualisation system is developed by a third party that has granted an unlimited licence to the Society, allowing [link to license]
This work connects directly to the Society's UN engagement objectives. [See /united-nations/copuos]
The Society's primary institutional research partner is the International Space Science Institute (ISSI), Bern, Switzerland.
Members maintain active affiliations with institutions including Sorbonne Université, University of Manchester, Goethe University Frankfurt, Birkbeck College London, University of Edinburgh, Western Washington University, York University, and others. [Insite link: Full list at /About/international]
The Society engages with international governance processes relevant to the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. Historic engagement includes a conversation with COSPAR. Current areas of engagement are UNESCO/COMEST, COPUOS, and the space law community.
In January 2024, the ISSI Forum on Cosmic Footprint , organised by the Society's founding community, brought together senior figures from COSPAR for the first substantive exchange with an active international space governance body. The Forum suggested clarifications to be introduced during the Policy's ongoing rewriting process. The proposal was received but did not advance further. The exchange nonetheless established an early proof of concept: that the questions raised by humanity's cosmic footprint are of direct relevance to existing governance institutions, and that civil society engagement with those institutions is both possible and necessary.
UNESCO's World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST) is the principal advisory body through which UNESCO develops ethical frameworks for emerging scientific and technological domains. COMEST produces authoritative reports that shape international norms and inform United Nations policy processes. Its mandate on outer space represents one of the longest-standing multilateral efforts to address the ethics of space science and technology.
In September 2025, Adrien Normier and Pierre Léna presented the Society's work at the COMEST public hearing on space ethics, held as part of the drafting process for the Commission's report on space exploration and utilisation. The Society submitted a formal note proposing, among other contributions, the establishment of a global register to qualify and quantify humanity's cosmic footprint — a proposal aligned with the Society's core research programme.
The Society's work was subsequently cited in the published UNESCO/COMEST Report on Space Exploration and Utilisation (2025). Recognition of this kind — by a UN-mandated advisory commission, at this stage of the Society's development — reflects both the scientific grounding of the cosmic footprint concept and its relevance to the international governance agenda
The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) is the primary multilateral forum for the consideration of scientific, ethical, and governance questions relating to the peaceful uses of outer space. It is the body through which the Society seeks to bring the question of humanity's cosmic footprint into the formal United Nations governance conversation.
The Society's work is directly relevant to COPUOS priorities in three areas.
First , the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. The cosmic footprint concept provides a neutral empirical framework for assessing the full range of human impacts beyond Earth — physical, chemical, biological, electromagnetic — across all spatial scales, from Earth orbit to interstellar reach. This is precisely the scope that existing sustainability frameworks address incompletely.
Second, the registration and monitoring of space objects. The UNOOSA Object Registry, established under the 1975 Registration Convention, documents objects launched into space but does not systematically capture the broader range of anthropogenic effects. The Society has identified this gap and is developing a proposal for a more comprehensive registry — a scientific initiative that complements rather than duplicates existing UN mechanisms, and which the Forum's conclusions envisaged eventually being integrated into COPUOS or UNOOSA structures.
Third, the ethical and societal dimensions of space exploration. COPUOS increasingly engages with questions that extend beyond technical coordination into governance, equity, and long-term responsibility. The Society's interdisciplinary membership — spanning planetary science, philosophy, law, anthropology, and space policy across 25 countries — is structured precisely to contribute to this dimension.
The Society is pursuing observer status with COPUOS. Observer status would allow the Society's research outputs and international expert network to contribute analyses and perspectives through the Committee's work and subsidiary bodies, in accordance with established modalities.
The Society maintains engagement with the international space law community through its Advisory Board members in the Governance & Law domain, including practitioners in space policy and doctoral researchers specialising in emerging and small spacefaring nations.
The Society's UNESCO/COMEST submission (2025) constitutes its first formal policy document. Further briefings are in preparation.
Joint projects: The society holds intellectual property on ontology and theoretical work. Adrien Normier holds property on the visualisation system. Database providers retain the intellectual property on their contributions.
Uusi Suomi · Turun Sanomat · Aamuset
Pierre Léna — Atlas Historique du Ciel
UQAM — DSR8421 CSR course focused on Space Responsibility. Taught by Nicolas Merveille (UQAM), Adrien Normier as contributor. Approximately 40 contact hours, split equally between lectures and supervised group project work.
More in In development. To be announced.
This section presents the Society's engagement with United Nations processes relevant to outer space governance and the long-term sustainability of humanity's activities beyond Earth.
Why the Cosmic Footprint is a UN-Level Issue
Humanity's activities beyond Earth now affect shared global interests in ways that no single nation can address alone.
The issues raised by humanity's cosmic footprint are international
These are precisely the kinds of issues the United Nations system was designed to address.
The Society's mission is to bring a comprehensive, scientifically grounded account of humanity's cosmic footprint into the international governance conversation — through ECOSOC, through COPUOS, and through UNESCO/COMEST.
The Society seeks to engage with the following UN frameworks:
Outer Space Treaty (1967) The foundational instrument of international space law. It establishes outer space as the province of all humankind, prohibits national appropriation, and affirms that activities in outer space are governed by international law. Several key provisions are particularly relevant:
These provisions provide a common legal framework while leaving room for interpretation in their implementation.
COPUOS Long-Term Sustainability Guidelines (2019)
Adopted by consensus by UNCOPUOS in 2019, the Long-Term Sustainability (LTS) Guidelines provide a set of 21 voluntary measures to promote the safe and sustainable use of outer space. They address key areas including space debris mitigation, space weather, regulatory frameworks, data sharing, and international cooperation. The Guidelines are implemented and further discussed within the Working Group on the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities of the COPUOS Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, which serves as a platform for continued exchange among States on practical implementation.
SPACE2030 AGENDA The UN's overarching framework for space as a driver of sustainable development. Adopted by the General Assembly in 2022. Identifies space as a cross-cutting enabler of the SDGs.
UNESCO / COMEST FRAMEWORK ON SPACE ETHICS
UNESCO's World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST) has developed a framework addressing the ethical dimensions of space exploration and utilisation. The Society's work was cited in the 2025 COMEST report .
Although not a statutory UN body, the COSPAR is considered by the space community as a key resource in particular because it is editing the planetary protection policy document. Despite being non-binding, this document is standard-setting at global level regarding Forward and Backwards contamination prevention.
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is the principal UN body through which civil society organisations engage with the UN system. Consultative status with ECOSOC grants NGOs the right to attend relevant UN meetings, submit written statements, and make oral interventions. The Cosmic Footprint Society is pursuing ECOSOC consultative status.
The Society's profile is relevant to ECOSOC engagement in several ways:
The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) is the UN body mandated to govern the exploration and use of outer space for the benefit of all humanity.
The Society's work connects directly to COPUOS priorities:
The Society's research on the Solar System Registry project directly addresses gaps in the existing UNOOSA registration framework — a matter currently before COPUOS.
Observer status at COPUOS is a medium-term objective of the Society.NGO observer status at COPUOS is granted provisionally for three years and reviewed for renewal.
On 15 September 2025, the Cosmic Footprint Society submitted a note to the UNESCO World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST) during its public session on space ethics. Building on the Nature Astronomy publication A Call to Address Humanity’s Cosmic Footprint , the note proposes practical contributions to ongoing international discussions, including the development of a global register to qualify and quantify humanity’s activities beyond Earth. It also highlights the need for strengthened ethical frameworks, institutional capacity, and public accountability within emerging space governance. The note was formally received in the context of COMEST’s report to the United Nations.
→ Read the full note submitted to UNESCO COMEST (15 September 2025).
Become a member of the General Assembly.Free. Open to all.
Members participate in governance and working groups.
Sign the Nature Astronomy Call to Address Humanity's Cosmic Footprint.
Endorsers are distinct from members.
NOTE ON MEMBERSHIP VS ENDORSEMENT
Members of the Society and endorsers of the Call are distinct.
Endorsing the Call does not make someone a member of the Society, and vice versa. Both forms of participation are valuable and welcome.
Questions? Contact us at contact@cosmicfootprint.org
Members of the Cosmic Footprint Society are members of the General Assembly — the sovereign body of the organisation.
- Open to individuals from any country or discipline
- A formal governance relationship: members vote, participate in working groups, and shape the Society's direction
- Vote in General Assembly decisions
- Participate in Society working groups
- Receive Society communications
- Be listed in the Society's membership (by consent)
Voting rights are tied to a minimal annual contribution to works
The Board reviews applications on a rolling basis.
Contact: contact@cosmicfootprint.org
91 members · 25 countries · 6 continents
The Call to Address Humanity's Cosmic Footprint, published in
Nature Astronomy in July 2025, calls on the international community
to recognise, assess, and govern the full scope of human impact
Endorsing the Call is a statement of support for this objective.
It takes one minute and is free and open to all.
As of August 2025, 150+ individuals and organisations have endorsed.
All enquiries: contact@cosmicfootprint.org
General enquiries contact@cosmicfootprint.org
Institutional & partnerships contact@cosmicfootprint.org
Media contact@cosmicfootprint.org
Membership contact@cosmicfootprint.org
Governance contact@cosmicfootprint.org
The Society is registered in France.
Response time: typically within one week.
Open letter, published in Nature Astronomy
Contextual note: as of 21/08/25, 150 individuals and entities endorse this letter. To support scholarly follow-up and dialogue on the questions raised in this correspondence, the Cosmic Footprint Society (non-profit) was formed. Scientists, stakeholders and members of the public are invited to endorse the correspondence or join the Cosmic Footprint Society (1 min - membership is free).
Adrien Normier¹, Asmaa Boujibar 2 , David Boulesteix 3 , Oskari Sivula 4 , Ian A. Crawford 5 , Claudius Gros 6 , Charles Horikami 7 , Koji Tachibana 8 , Raushan Ali Firaq 9 , Valentin Degrange 10 , Noemi Giammichele 11 , Pierre Léna 12 , Noémie Mazaré 13 , Claude Nicollier 14 , George Profitiliotis 15 , Enock Rutunda 16 , Douglas Vakoch 17
¹UMR 8011 - Sorbonne Université, Bureau G071, 17 Rue de Sorbonne,75005 PARIS; 2 Department of Geology, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Advanced Materials and Science Engineering Center, West Washington University; 3 LGPM laboratory Centrale Supélec, 91190 Gif-sur-yvette, France; 4 Department of Philosophy, Contemporary History and Political Science, University of Turku; 5 Birkbeck College, University of London; 6 Institute for Theoretical Physics, Goethe University Frankfurt; 7 Attorney at Law, Regulatory and Space Policy Advisor, Founder, LunarMVI, USA; 8 Faculty of Humanities, Chiba University, Japan; 9 Independent Researcher, Hulhumale, Maldives; 10 Independent Researcher, Lyon, France; 11 Independent Researcher, Montréal, Canada; 12 Académie des Sciences, Institut de France, 23 Quai de Conti, 75006 Paris, France; 13 Independent Researcher, France; 14 École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne; 15 Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, 600 1st Avenue, 1st Floor, Seattle, Washington 98104; 16 Spring Institute for Forests on the Moon,15700 Pleaux, France; 17 METI International,100 Pine Street, Suite 1250,San Francisco, CA 94111-5235
*Corresponding authors: Ian Crawford (i.crawford@bbk.ac.uk) ,
Adrien Normier (adrien@cosmicfootprint.org)
Notice: Submitted Manuscript (03/05/2025, PDF ). The original was published in Nature Astronomy ( DOI: 10.1038/s41550-025-02606-7 ; Online Viewer ). To provide fuller context, this version restores references present in early drafts and considered of interest to readers, but removed during the editorial process (refs 12, 13). It is released under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license, in accordance with the Springer Nature Licence to Publish (v.4.1.5, 19 May 2025, clause 3.b).
This is a critical moment in the history of Earth: Humans are ending 3.5–3.8 billion years of relative isolation¹,², and may now leave lasting physical, chemical, biological, and unforeseen impacts on space environments. Crewed missions, alongside technological advancements in the New Space age—such as miniaturization and the use of artificial intelligence—accelerate this trend. Decisions with potentially far-reaching cosmic consequences are being made. Hence, there is an urgent need for action.
Amongst the array of possible effects following our space endeavors, some may lead—through chain reactions or exponential mechanisms—to significant, large-scale and/or irreversible changes, such as: (1) geomorphologic alterations 3 impacting entire planetary landscapes; (2) changes of celestial dynamics 4 , leading to asteroid impacts or exponentially growing orbital debris; (3) large-scale spread of chemicals 5 , altering chemical evolution and the potential for emergence or evolution of lifeforms on a given body; (4) the spread of terrestrial lifeforms, inducing the creation of new biospheres or destruction/interaction with pre-existing ones 6 , 7 ,13 ; and (5) the changes in Earth’s electromagnetic signature, thereby increasing the potential for the identification by putative extraterrestrial intelligences 8 , 9 .
The above scenarios may result in unprecedented consequences and prompt critical questions, such as: is it acceptable to spread terrestrial lifeforms to other celestial bodies, knowing their introduction could significantly impact environments and potential local life or even create new biospheres? Do humans have a responsibility to do so? Or rather to prevent it? Do we, as a species, want to create, destroy, or interact with extraterrestrial bio- and geo-spheres, either by accident or intentionally? Is it acceptable to signal nearby exoplanets? Beyond the scientific considerations, is it acceptable to allow biological or chemical contamination onboard spacecraft, even when landing in places in the solar system likely to host life? Is it desirable that such actions are decided by informed groups, having, however, limited representation with respect to the majority of humanity? Or unilaterally by governments, corporations, or individuals? How to respect the variety of cultural representations? Is there a need for specific laws, regulations and governance structures addressing these questions 11 ?
These questions concern the intergenerational responsibility of humanity, which extends beyond our own species and biosphere 12 . They address the large-scale, irreversible impacts that humans have and will continue to have, following today's decisions. They connect contemporaneous actions, with consequences at scales unheard of in history, raising ethical questions we have no easy answer to. They relate to one overarching consideration: what is humanity’s responsibility, concerning its footprint on the cosmos?
Established in 1967, the Outer Space Treaty included the imperative to avoid "harmful contamination" of celestial bodies. Since then, several relevant issues related to humanity's cosmic footprint have been addressed; notably, the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Panel on Planetary Protection developed guidelines for biological transfers in order to safeguard studies regarding the origin of life and to protect our planet from contamination. Further, a broader interest in space ethics has emerged, encompassing questions concerning humanity’s impact on the cosmos. In 1999, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST) created a Sub-Commission on the Ethics of Outer Space. For 2024-2025, COMEST aims to formulate ethical principles for space exploration and exploitation. In 2010, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) established the Working Group on the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities.
These initiatives, especially at the multilateral UN Level, are commendable and should be supported (for example through the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space). However, no entity today is dedicated explicitly to the empirical evaluation of our overall cosmic footprint or to the exploration and development of responsible strategies to address it.
In response to this situation, we, stakeholders and specialists from various nations, involved in a broad spectrum of space-related disciplines and activities, collectively call to humankind, the nations of Earth, scholars, experts, policymakers, stakeholders, space-related corporations and ethics committees, to unite in recognizing the need to assess and responsibly address humanity's impact beyond Earth.
Acknowledging prior work completed by dedicated individuals and organizations, we encourage everyone, from their respective areas of expertise or position of action, to engage in a comprehensive evaluation of our cosmic footprint, explore the related ethical considerations, challenge the current governance practices, and take action. In particular, we encourage:
To amplify the impact of this work, we invite all interested parties to co-endorse the ‘Cosmic Footprint’ initiative, alongside the individuals and institutions listed here: Endorsement
We acknowledge the International Space Science Institute, for facilitating a forum fostering productive research and conversations, and Justin A. Holcomb for their support in this endeavor.
Note: References 12 and 13 were present in early drafts of this manuscript and are restored here for the benefit of the reader; they do not appear in the final published version.
1. Beech, M. Lithopanspermia – the terrestrial input during the past 550 million years. Am. J. Astron. Astrophys. 6, 81 (2018). https://dx.doi.org/10.11648/j.ajaa.20180603.14 .
2. Melosh, H. J. Exchange of meteorites (and life?) between stellar systems. Astrobiology 3 , 207–215 (2003). https://dx.doi.org/10.1089/153110703321632525 .
3. Holcomb, J. A., Mandel, R. D. & Wegmann, K. W. The case for a lunar anthropocene. Nat. Geosci. 17 , 2–4 (2023). https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01347-4 .
4. Fenucci, M. & Carbognani, A. Long-term orbital evolution of Dimorphos boulders and implications on the origin of meteorites. Mon. Not. R. Astron . Soc. 528 , 6660–6665 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stae464 .
5. Shipley, S. T., Metzger, P. T. & Lane, J. E. Lunar Cold Trap Contamination by Landing Vehicles. https://dx.doi.org/10.1061/9780784479179.018 .
6. Sivula, O. The Cosmic Significance of Directed Panspermia: Should Humanity Spread Life to Other Solar Systems? Utilitas 34 , 178–194 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1017/S095382082100042X .
7. Charles S. Cockell. Planetary protection—A microbial ethics approach. Space Policy 21 , 287–292 (2005). https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.spacepol.2005.08.003 .
8. Wright, J. T., Haramia, C. & Swiney, G. Geopolitical Implications of a Successful SETI Program. Space Policy 63 , 101517 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spacepol.2022.101517.
9. Haqq-Misra, J. & Baum, S. D. The Ethics of METI: Messaging to Extraterrestrial Intelligence. Space Policy 25 , 141–149 (2009).
10. Ehrenfreund, P. et al. Editorial to the New Restructured and Edited COSPAR Policy on Planetary Protection. Space Res. Today 10–13 (2024). https://elib.dlr.de/205614/ .
11. Crawford, I. A. Who Speaks for Humanity? In Astrobiology Ethics (eds. Chon-Torres, O. & Peters, T.) 313–338 (Scrivener, 2021).
12. Normier, A. Kingmakers: Life’s Gateway to the Stars. Master II Thesis, Philosophy of Science, Paris-Sorbonne University (2020). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16408518
13. Gros, C. Developing ecospheres on transiently habitable planets: The genesis project. Astrophys. Space Sci. 361, 324 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10509-016-2911-0.
Endorsement: The below individuals or entities, endorse the correspondence A call to address humanity's cosmic footprint , as submitted to Nature Astronomy . Endorsements are made in a personal capacity unless the endorser is an organization or institution. Apart from the authors—whose names are listed in the original authoring order—other endorsers are presented in chronological order of their endorsement. Scientists, stakeholders, and members of the public are invited to endorse the correspondence or join the Society.
The Cosmic Footprint Society was created to facilitate continued scholarly discussion and international dialogue regarding the questio
Participation: To endorse this call or join the Cosmic Footprint Society (free), simply fill out the 🖋️ Express Action Form (1 minute).
Relevant Contemporary publications
This selection of publications is provided for their contemporary relevance to discussions concerning humanity’s footprint beyond Earth. The works listed are independent of the Cosmic Footprint Society, although some authors may also participate in its working groups. The list is not exhaustive and is intended as an entry point highlighting a range of perspectives. Readers are encouraged to consult the original sources and engage critically with the material.
Publications listed here are academic and peer-reviewed where available. In a limited number of cases, relevant coverage from news or journal outlets is included pending related academic publication.
Note: An alert system is planned to notify interested readers on a monthly basis of publications and developments related to the concept of a cosmic footprint. To express interest, fill out this form 🖋️ (1 min), select “other,” and write: “request for cosmic footprint alerts.”
To suggest a publication or development for inclusion, the same form may be used (select “other,” message: “proposed addition – publication/news”).
This section provides access to the official documents, publications, and reference materials of the Cosmic Footprint Society. All documents are publicly archived and freely accessible.
These documents define the legal basis, governance framework, and institutional history of the Society.
Note: For privacy and security reasons, signatures and personal data (including addresses and contact details) are redacted in publicly accessible versions of these documents. Original signed versions are retained by the Association and may be provided to competent authorities upon request.
1.1 Legal Foundation — Statutes
The statutes are the foundational legal document of the Society, adopted in accordance with French non-profit law (loi 1901). The current version was adopted on 25 July 2025.
Current: Statutes established on the 2025-07-25
Official administrative registration receipt issued by the French authorities:
LEG_2025-07-25_RegistrationReceipt_Modification.pdf Adopted as a modification to the original statutes, on the 2025-07-25:
STAT_2025-07-25_Statutes_EN.pdf
Statutes at foundation on the 2024-04-18
Administrative registration receipt by the French authorities on 2024-07-03:
LEG_2024-04-18_RegistrationReceipt_Creation.pdf
Original statutes, established on the 2024-04-18:
STAT_2024-04-18_StatutesFoundation.pdf
Bylaws, in use over 2024-2025, adopted by GA on 2025_12_04:
ANN_2025-12-04_GA_VotingProcedure.pdf
GUIDE_2025-12-04_GA_VotingImplementation.pdf ,
Minutes and records of General Assembly meetings
GA_2025-12-04_GA-02_GeneralAssembly_Minutes.pdf
GA_2025-12-04_GA-02_GeneralAssembly_Report.pdf
GA_2025-07-25_GA-01_StatutesAdoption_Minutes.pdf
GA_2024-04-18_GA-00_FoundingGeneralAssembly_Minutes.pdf
LEG_2025-12-04_ListOfDirectors_PUBLIC.pdf
LEG_2025-07-25_ListOfDirectors.pdf
BR_2026-03-10_BR-03_LicensingFramework.pdf
BR_2026-01-28_BR-01_AppointmentAdvisoryBoard.pdf
The use of CFS materials is governed by the licensing framework defined in Board Resolution BR_2026-03 .
One of the assets of CFS is a worldwide, perpetual, irrevocable, and royalty-free license to use and distribute SolarSystemRegistry.org . This license is documented in:
LIC_2026-02-05_SSR-CFS_LicenseGrant.pdf
The Public Licence for SolarSystemRegistry.org is archived in:
Scientific and policy contributions produced by the Society.
A Call to Address Humanity's Cosmic Footprint — Normier et al., Nature Astronomy (2025)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-025-02606-7
Preprint (HAL): https://hal.science/hal-05170293v1
Theoretical contribution to Solarsystemregistry.org
Documents relating to the Society's engagement with international governance processes.
Note submitted to UNESCO/COMEST — 15 September 2025
The Society's work was cited in this report in the context of developing measurable and visible approaches to space ethics and environmental stewardship. Full report: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000395058 or EXT_2025-09-18_UNESCO_COMEST_ReportSpaceEthics.pdf
The Society operates on a zero-cost volunteer model. No paid staff. No government funding. Financial records are available upon request: contact@cosmicfootprint.org
This section links to a curated selection of independent publications relevant to the concept of humanity’s cosmic footprint.
These are regrouped in the Litterature tab
All documents are maintained in stable digital formats (PDF), archived with version control where applicable, and referenced with dates and sources. The PUBLIC ARCHIVE folder is publicly accessible and freely downloadable.
Where appropriate, documents are linked to external repositories or publishers to ensure long-term accessibility.
This page distinguishes between:
This separation is intended to ensure clarity for readers, partners, and institutional reviewers.