Carl Sagan

I believe that our future depends powerfully on how well we understand this cosmos in which we float like a mote of dust in the morning sky. The exploration of space will go ahead, whether we join in it or not, and it is one of the great adventures of all time. The resources we spend on space exploration are a pittance compared to the benefits: economic, scientific, and spiritual. We have the capability and the responsibility to engage in space exploration.

The question of whether private individuals should utilize asteroid belt resources without allegiance to a specific Earth government is complex and multifaceted. While the potential for scientific discovery and resource acquisition is immense, the ethical and political implications require careful consideration. International cooperation should be at the forefront of our approach to space exploration.