The Future of Humanity in Space

On an evening where the art of the image met the cutting edge of scientific thought, the Eugenides Foundation welcomed the public on Monday, March 16, as part of the Athens International Independent Film Festival (KINO Athens). Under the auspices of the European Parliament, the New Digital Planetarium was transformed into a space for reflection on humanity’s “final frontier,” hosting a screening of the documentary “Astropolitics” and a fascinating discussion on the new geopolitics of space.

Tony Silberfeld's film, produced by The Bertelsmann Foundation, took viewers on a journey from the Australian outback to the Panama Canal and the Moon’s south pole, in search of answers to the intensifying competition among the major powers. "Astropolitics" vividly demonstrated how space is ceasing to be a realm of purely scientific exploration and is transforming into a realm of strategic and commercial interests, posing the critical question: Can we avoid repeating humanity’s historical mistakes on Earth as we expand toward the Moon?

The discussion that followed, moderated by Prof. Manolis Pleionis, the Foundation’s Science and Technology Advisor, shed light on the many facets of this new reality. Mr. Pleionis opened the discussion by drawing a parallel between the space age and the great maritime explorations of the past, emphasizing the universal responsibility to avoid “colonialist” practices in space, as well as the fact that space is and must remain a realm of cooperation and harmony.

Next, the guest speakers offered their own expert perspectives. Planetary scientist Dr. Anezina Solomonidou raised the issue of “Planetary Protection,” warning of the risk of biological contamination of other worlds by human DNA, while researcher Dr. Denia Kanellopoulou analyzed how the use of satellite data and artificial intelligence can translate into a development strategy and social benefits for Europe.

For his part, the President of the Hellenic Space Agency, Dr. Manolis Rammos, referred to the “cynicism” of the space economy, explaining how military and commercial competition —though costly—has historically served as the main driver of major technological leaps. Finally, Dr. Elena Lazarou (ELIAMEP) and the film’s director, Tony Silberfeld, focused on diplomacy and the need for a strong regulatory framework, emphasizing that space currently remains one of the few areas where international cooperation persists, despite geopolitical tensions, although rifts are beginning to emerge.

The event concluded with a shared message: Space opens up new avenues for humanity’s expansion into uncharted “waters,” but it requires prudence and respect for the common good, which depends on our ability to establish rules of law and ethics before unethical commercialization and geopolitical interests create a fait accompli.