Who Owns Space? – A Question of Science with Brian Cox

Professor Brian Cox and an expert panel tackle the technology, politics and ethics of space exploration. From space tourists to search for life on Mars, space is a rapidly expanding, multi-trillion-pound global industry, driven by scientific, commercial and often political goals. But what are the rules of space and who makes them? In this episode, the panel answers audience questions on how Earth’s geopolitics are reflected in space, when asteroid mining might become a reality, and whether those star-buying kits are value for money. #SpaceTravel #SpacePolicy #SpaceScience **In this episode** 0:00 What’s this episode about? 2:22 Why do we explore space? 6:19 What should we do about space junk? 10:25 Should more countries have a say in space exploration? 18:08 How do we balance asteroid mining and research? 22:33 Are star-buying kits worth the money? 23:27 How do you name things in space? 24:46 Can organisations own planets and moons? 27:08 When will there be astronauts on Mars? 28:52 Is it ethical to travel to an inhabited planet? 37:17 How do you uphold laws in space? 40:02 Will humanity repeat our mistakes in space? 42:46 What one rule should we have in space? **Panellists** • Carly Howett – Associate Professor of Space Instrumentation, University of Oxford • Jill Stuart – Visiting Fellow, London School of Economics • Helen Sharman – Chemist, science communicator and first British person in space • Sanjeev Gupta – Professor of Earth Sciences, Imperial College London **A Question of Science** A Question of Science is a groundbreaking series of panel discussions where experts from different fields respond to your questions, sharing the scientific perspective on society’s most pressing questions. A Question of Science is BBC Studios production for the Francis Crick Institute. **The Francis Crick Institute** The Francis Crick Institute is one of the biggest research institutes in Europe. We’re an independent lab and registered charity, and home to more than 1,500 scientists working to understand health, disease and how life works. © BBC Studios / Francis Crick Institute 2025