The world witnessed the conclusion of a new space race in 2021, which saw two companies send commercial passengers into suborbit. These displays demonstrated the industry’s viability, and bring with them the promise of new discoveries. In the midst of such technological achievement, however, one voice is considering such advancements from a Catholic perspective.
Brother Guy Consolmagno, SJ, Director of the Vatican Observatory recently spoke with Vatican Radio's Linda Bordoni on the topic. In the interview, Br. Consolmagno noted that there is a need for regulation of the industry for safety’s sake. As for the commercialization of space travel, he says, it’s just the way of the world:
Throughout the commercial space race there has been debate over prohibitive ticket prices. When asked if funds used for such a brief trip to space could be better put to use on more worthy causes, Br. Consolmagno saw value in both sides of the argument. He said:
Regulation of space travel is important for a variety of factors, not least of all to prevent any suborbit collisions. Another important factor to consider, however, is humanity’s place as custodians of God’s Creation.
Brother Consolmagno explained that the environmental directions put forth through Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical Laudato Si could very easily be transitioned to space. He noted that biblical references to the world often use the term "cosmos," suggesting that outer space is counted under the umbrella of God’s Creation.
Not only is the preservation of space important from a custodial mindset, but it is important for faith study. Through study of the extraterrestrial, we find deeper meaning of existence and we get just a little bit closer to understanding the mystery of life. Br. Consolmagno put it in excellent terms.
