SOME ETHICAL ASPECTS OF INTERNATIONAL SATELLITE REMOTE-SENSING

The world's quest for new natural resources can be greatly aided by satellite remote sensing. There are, however, a number of significant political, legal, and ethical issues which surround the functioning of such satellites. Some underlying concerns are rooted in the early military applications of aerial and orbital activities. Others have surfaced in extensive discussions within the United Nations. The ASPRS Code of Ethics, the 1986 UN Remote Sensing Principles, and international space law can serve as a foundation for reflections and suggestions on ethical aspects of international satellite remote sensing activities. Special attention must be given to the needs of developing nations, especially their concerns about potentially detrimental uses of information derived from satellite remote sensing imagery by foreigners. In addition, everyone - from individuals to States to multinational organizations - should willingly and enthusiastically accept full responsibility for their remote sensing activities.