Ethical Debate Intensifies as Animals Continue to Journey Into Space

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan – Russia is poised to launch its Bion-M No.2 biosatellite this week, carrying a cargo of 75 mice and 1500 fruit flies. This event re-ignites a long-standing debate concerning the ethical considerations of utilizing animals in space research and the need for greater protections for these creatures beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

A History of Animals in Space

The use of animals in the pursuit of space exploration dates back to the dawn of the Space Age. In 1957,the Soviet Union launched Laika,a stray dog,aboard Sputnik 2,marking the first living being to orbit the planet. The mission, while groundbreaking, tragically ended with Laika’s death due to overheating and oxygen deprivation, highlighting the severe conditions inherent in early spaceflight.

The United States quickly followed suit. In 1961, Ham, a chimpanzee, undertook a suborbital flight to assess performance capabilities in a space environment. Ham endured rigorous testing, including invasive procedures and possibly distressing stimuli, though he physically recovered, signs of psychological trauma were observed afterward.

The Lingering Question of Animal Welfare

Despite advances in technology, animal casualties continue to occur. A 2019 incident saw the crash landing of Israel’s Beresheet spacecraft on the moon, carrying thousands of tardigrades-microscopic animals known for their resilience. Their fate remains unknown. Furthermore, animals used in these missions often lack guaranteed post-mission care. France’s Félicette, a cat successfully sent into orbit in 1963, was euthanised after her mission to facilitate brain research, despite her safe return to Earth.

Unlike animals serving in military capacities,who often receive transition programs into civilian life,space-faring animals currently lack formalized exit strategies. Detailed records regarding their long-term wellbeing are frequently enough scarce, and their legal standing remains unclear.

Evolving Ethical Standards and Regulations

Pressure from animal rights organizations, most notably People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), has spurred some positive changes. In 1996,NASA discontinued its participation in the BION program and introduced “Principles for the Ethical Care and Use of Animals,” informed by the 1974 Belmont Report,which addressed ethical concerns within research practices.

These principles centre around three main tenets:

• Respect for Life: employing only the minimum number of animals necessary for scientifically sound results.
• Societal Benefit: Carefully weighing the ethical implications of animal use against the potential advantages for society.
• Non-Maleficence: prioritizing the minimization of pain and distress, acknowledging the capacity for animals to experience suffering.

While these guidelines do not preclude animal use entirely, they promote thoughtful consideration and accountability.The European Space Agency, in 2010, ceased primate research, adopting simulation technologies as an choice for studying astronaut health risks. NASA also faced pressure in 2010 to cancel proposed primate research at Brookhaven National Laboratory, due to lobbying efforts by PETA. Despite these moves, NASA continues to utilize mice in space studies, with a recent mission in 2024 sending a group of mice to the International Space Station to investigate the impact of space on biological systems.

Did You Know? In 2022, KEKA aerospace, a company based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, committed to halting the use of animals in its experiments following the death of a rat named Kavira during a rocket flight.

The Legal Void in Outer Space Law

despite growing awareness, legal protections for animals in space remain worryingly underdeveloped. Existing space treaties, focusing on human and state interests, do not address the wellbeing of animal astronauts.The five core treaties govern areas like peaceful space use,astronaut rescue,and liability for damages,yet conspicuously omit provisions for animal welfare.

Arguments suggesting that prioritizing animal welfare could impede scientific advancements frequently enough surface. Though, modern perspectives challenge this notion. Many nations,including New Zealand,now legally recognize animals as sentient beings deserving of moral and legal consideration. The evolution of human rights following World War II parallels the growing animal welfare movement, yet space law remains stagnant in addressing the physical and psychological harm experienced by animals during missions.

Furthermore, the harms inflicted on animals in space-stress, injury, and death-are not fundamentally different from those accepted on Earth for purposes such as food production or medical research.This suggests that extending protections to animals in space may not be as inconsistent as some argue.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Change

A more balanced framework is urgently needed-one that acknowledges animals as sentient participants in space exploration and ensures their welfare is considered alongside human interests. This requires a proactive approach to developing international standards and legal protections for animals venturing beyond our planet. What steps should be taken to ensure the ethical treatment of animals in all future space endeavors? Do you believe the potential scientific benefits outweigh the risks to animal wellbeing?

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below!