Ethics and the Real Star Trek: The Wild West, but in Space

Astrobiology raises many ethical questions(e.g., obligations to Earth- & ET life;obligations to ourselves as we explore;impacts on Earth & beyond,etc.) While protection of Earth life is important, so too is protection of our interests & resources. Like the Wild West, space offers profound wealth & opportunity to future government & commercial venturers, but with few policies or enforcers for governance. This presentation offers several scenarios & possible ethical solutions for consideration.