From the first orbital flights 28 years ago that enabled humans to enlarge their vision of the universe and to venture beyond the confinement of Earth in search of new frontiers, humankind has begun to master the hostility of space and to apply human ingenuity to vast opportunities that space offers.

But the opportunities of space are meaningless if humankind ignores the opportunities for enriching life on Earth. For the first time, people can stand at a distance in space and monitor the condition of our home planet.

We, the members of the Association of Space Explorers, representing virtually all nations whose sons and daughters have paved new pathways into the universe, have seen from afar the dangers that can imperil our planet, and thus poison the quality of life that will be inherited by generations yet unborn.

Therefore, the Fifth Planetary Congress of the Association of Space Explorers, assembled in the capital city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, support and recommend to all nations concerned with the well-being of Earth the following:

1. Nations should design and use international environmental monitoring stations -- both manned and unmanned -- to act as perpetual early warning stations of dangers that can rob the home planet of a livable environment.

2. Greater efforts must be made to capitalize on the unique properties of space to expand the wonders of global communications that ultimately bring nations and peoples closer, and thus eliminate isolation and misunderstandings. Furthermore, the special advantages of space offer untold new opportunities to create capabilities of improving humankind's life on Earth.

3. International cooperation and opportunities for participation in the use of space for human benefit should be substantially expanded. We further believe that the planning for such cooperative programs be done in consultation with and take into account the needs of developing nations.

Home

The Association

ASE Members

Planetary Congress

Activities

Boards & Committees

Collectibles

Corporate Members