Founding a space nation utilizing living systems theory

Abstract

For the future exploration, utilization, and settlement of the apace frontier, it is proposed that a separate nation be created for the New Millennium as humankind's representative government in space. Called a “Metanation,” this innovative entity would fill the present political void in space and manage that “territory” with focus, financing, and the legal force of government. The “common heritage of mankind” (C.H.O.M.) would be protected while the orbital environment is first developed and then administered by that sovereign state in trust for all nations and all peoples of Earth. [C.H.O.M. (The Common Heritage of Mankind) is a legal term of art defined in the proposed United Notion Convention on the Low of the Sea, 1982.] This broader model of governance is “Metaspace,” for that area of our Solar System beyond our terrestrial home. In both usages, the term “meta” is used in its classical sense of above, beyond, around and about. In this article, the combination of words indicates activities that are extraterrestrial. Thus, metaspace is governance that is beyond this planet, while being comparable in operation to that of earthly nations (Le., on behalf of the all the citizenry). The suggested structure features an independent but representative governmental institution, complete with a legislature and a judicial system, which will have plenary jurisdiction to rule aloft. In planning for this off-world government, it is proposed here that living systems theory may be applicable.

A strategy is outlined here to provide a foundation for Metanation well before it is needed by actual settlers in space, a process that becomes the vehicle for transitioning humanity permanently into a spacefaring civilization. Beginning with a private sector initiative known as United Societies in Space, the design envisions the convening of a Constitutional Convention set for the year 2000 (A.D.) for the adoption of both a Metanation Constitution, as well as a Declaration of Interdependence between earthkind and spaceltind, plus election of a provisional government. This is predicated upon a time frame of less than twenty years, so that a United Nations' trusteeship is established and a Jurisdictional Treaty on Space is ratified by all spacefaring nations. During the next century, terrestrial nations can contribute to Metanation's organic principles, practices, and procedures in order to build an appropriate legal, financial, and administrative system on the high frontier. This lengthy formation time will be used to reconcile potential conflicts among the representatives founding the new space Nation. Metanation would also promote the establishment of quasi-governmental bonding and management authorities, such as a Lunar Port Authority, to encourage space industrialization and utilization of off -terrestrial resources for the benefit of humanity. These authorities would then lease and supervise off-world land, resources, and facilities by those prepared to develop such on behalf of the common heritage.