Talks and shows

The ethics of space exploration

Join astrophysics engineer Erika Nesvold as she navigates the complex world of space settlement.

Two astronauts and a rocket are standing on the surface of a planet. It is dusty and red.
Mike Kiev via Unsplash

Join renowned astrophysicist, Erika Nesvold as she explores the ethical considerations of space settlement, delving into the complex issues surrounding the prospect of life in outer space.

 Incorporating research from ethics, sociology, history, and law, Nesvold brings a unique interdisciplinary to this critical topic. From the environment to labour rights and medical ethics, discover the importance of a global conversation on these issues as we move towards a future of multi-planetary habitation.

As space settlement becomes an increasingly pressing reality, Nesvold challenges us to consider not only the scientific and technological aspects of such a venture, but also the ethical implications. Join us for this important and thought-provoking lecture, as we hear from one of the leading voices in the field of space ethics.

Copies of Erika's latest book 'Off-Earth: Ethical Questions and Quandaries for Living in Outer Space: Erika Nesvold' are available from Amazon and all good book shops.

Event type

This is a livestream event where the speaker and audience come together online. 

You will have priority access to the recorded video for two weeks after the event has taken place.

For more information on livestreams, see the information below, or visit our FAQs page. Please use the event link you have been provided with.  

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. 

About Erika Nesvold

A woman is smiling towards the camera.
Erika Nesvold

Erika Nesvold has a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Maryland and has performed computational astrophysics research at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the Carnegie Institution for Science, NASA Ames, and SETI. She now works as an Astrophysics Engineer for the educational astrophysics software Universe Sandbox. This is a video game, astrophysics simulator, artistic medium, and educational software all in one, and Erika has applied her computational astrophysics expertise to simulate everything from galaxy dynamics to surface water flow. She is the co-founder of the JustSpace Alliance, a nonprofit whose mission is to advocate for a more inclusive and ethical future in space, and to harness visions of tomorrow for a more just and equitable world today. She is the author of Off-Earth: Ethical Questions and Quandaries for Living in Outer Space and the co-editor of Reclaiming Space: Progressive and Multicultural Visions of Space Exploration.

Timing for the livestream

The livestream will go live at 6.55pm and the introduction will begin at 7.00pm. If you register but miss the livestream, the video will be available to you via the same link for two weeks after the event date.

Event terms and conditions

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