1963 - J. E. S. Fawcett - Outer Space and International Order

In this lecture, J. E. S. Fawcett discusses some of the new problems facing states now that we have the technology to put both machines and ourselves into space. He stressed the need to create agreements, like that of the Antarctica Convention, which will regulate this space. He reviewed some of the progress made in manned and unmanned craft that orbited earth or explored other celestial objects. He warned against the possibility of contamination of these ships should they return to Earth with, for instance, alien viruses. There are also potential environmental problems involved with larger rockets or nuclear testing in the upper atmosphere. He then examined the current progress made on the issue between the United States and the Soviet Union.