A Celestial Object is anything above the Earth's atmosphere. A Commons refers to any resource shared and accessible to all members of a society.
A Celestial Commons is rooted in the idea that, like the air we breathe, the water we drink, the oceans we cross and the environment we all enjoy, space and all it contains should be our shared inheritance and shared responsibility.
As an organisation, Celestial Commons is dedicated to:
Promoting the public (common) interest in space...
In short, we want to make space a topic of broad public consideration and bring it into the public consciousness as more than just a far off place where nothing important happens. But to do that takes more than a good story.
...and advancing democratic governance
That's why our approach centres on using participatory methodologies and direct citizen engagement to facilitate policy creation, advocacy and institutional design – creating a meaningful connection between citizens and space and demonstrating how it impacts all of our lives while providing real opportunities to affect change in the way it is explored and developed.
How we go matters just as much as going
We seek to seize an unprecedented opportunity for positive global change. As humanity expands beyond Earth, we want to ensure that shared values and collective benefits are represented and advocated for, so that the journey to space, as well as the vast scientific, cultural and material wealth it holds, is open to and shared by all.
WHAT IS
CELESTIAL
COMMONS?
Wherever you live, what happens in the world affects you
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As citizens, we understand that we live in an interconnected and interdependent world, and we know that conversations and policies around topics such as energy, climate, finance, trade, human rights and international relations are important.
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Wherever you live, what happens in space affects you too
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The same is true for space. Already we depend on space-based activities and infrastructure for much of our telecommunications, transport, navigation, security, climate monitoring, weather forecasting, disaster response, scientific research and technological innovation. But all that is only set to expand exponentially.
The sector is growing and so is it's impact
Launches are increasing, space companies are multiplying and so too are the number of participating nations. Space is rapidly becoming a realm of business and strategic operations that touches every aspect of economic and political life. It is a major frontier of human development and the implications for every person and every aspect of our lives are enormous.
Space has never been more accessible
Once limited to a handful of government agencies and elite, highly trained specialists, space is now more open than ever. Advances in technology, decreasing launch costs, and the rise of private actors have dramatically lowered the barriers to entry. More countries, companies, universities, and even individuals can now participate in space-related research, missions, and innovation.
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Yet still feels out of reach and out of touch
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Unfortunately, for many (most) of us, space still feels like a distant and irrelevant thing – the realm of science fiction; a place for engineers and Air Force pilots; a vanity project for billionaires; or a waste of taxpayer money, with little bearing for life on Earth. Priorities seem out of touch with everyday concerns and toxic associations with private, geopolitical and military interests make that disconnect seem even more pronounced, further alienating and already cynical public.
Detachment is a self fulfilling ​prophecy
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Yet these popular conceptions help to perpetuate a negative feedback loop. The more we disengage, the more likely it is for space development and activities to take place in a proverbial vacuum, outside the spotlight of public attention, oversight and participation. The more we resign ourselves to a future dominated by corporate interests or geopolitical posturing, the more likely that future is to occur.
The risks of the current trajectory
When activity in any domain unfolds without public engagement, it risks replicating many of the same failures that have shaped unjust or inequitable systems in the past. The 'risk' is a private sector, a public sector and indeed an entire ecosystem that prioritises short term advantage over long term public benefit – repeating the mistakes of the past (like environmental damage), exacerbating the problems of the present (like inequality), becoming more susceptible to the same pressures that have historically undermined transparency, sustainability and inclusivity, and leaving the interests of the general public behind.
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The possibilities of a different one
But just as systems can reproduce harm, they can also be reshaped toward fairness, foresight, and collective good. A different future is possible – one in which space becomes a domain of shared benefit (both economic and otherwise), transparency, collaboration, innovative collective governance and public stewardship. By embedding democratic values early and meaningfully into decision-making processes, we can help ensure that space development uplifts rather than excludes, reflects the priorities of diverse communities, and avoids the worst excesses of unchecked power.
Just telling stories isn't enough
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We often hear "space is for everyone", but it's merely a platitude unless we make it so. Inspiring narratives can spark interest, but lasting impact demands more than inspiration – it requires direct, tangible connection. To truly shift public perception, policy and practice, people need structured opportunities to be involved – not just as spectators, but as stakeholders. That begins with participation in governance – through consultation, deliberation, and collective visioning. But over time, it must include pathways to open access – to research, education, tools, missions, and ultimately to the material and cultural benefits that space can provide.
​Public participation can make a difference
While changing the behaviour of major powers, institutions, and industries is never easy, public participation can still move the ball, meaningfully and measurably. The mechanisms of multi-party democracy, civil society and the raw force of public pressure provide the points of leverage. At the local level, engagement can influence educational priorities, inspire civic and STEM initiatives, and foster community-led advocacy. At the national and international level, aggregated public input can shape discourse, inform policy agendas, guide funding decisions, and provide a counterbalance to purely commercial or strategic interests.
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It's better for everyone
And it's not just the general public that stands to benefit. Widespread acceptance requires widespread involvement, whereas public detachment eventually leads to rejection and undermines initiatives, regardless of their value. From a business or geostrategic perspective, objectives like technical interoperability, geopolitical stability, budget consent and approval, and even revenue generation all lean on widespread public engagement and appreciation.
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The destination isn't yet set
History has shown that even entrenched systems can be shifted when people are informed and organised. We've seen it with opposition to conflict as well as social and economic injustice. We're seeing it in response to issues around climate change and artificial intelligence. Public voices, when channelled effectively, don’t just reflect values, they can drive outcomes. Democratic, participatory engagement has the power to reshape not just how we talk about space, but how we go there. But we can't just wait around. The earlier we start, the better.
Our call to action
So, as both governments and private enterprises around the world move forward to advance their strategic and economic ambitions, it becomes increasingly critical for the general public to understand developments, consider implications and get directly involved in decision-making in order to ensure their interests are represented. We call on everyone to imagine "What do I want our future to look like?" and "What do I think governments, businesses and other bodies should be doing right now to make that future a reality?"​​​​​​
WHY IS IT
IMPORTANT?
We are an international community of like minded individuals who believe that going to space is the most incredible and inspiring endeavour that humanity can undertake. It presents the opportunity to not only build a peaceful and prosperous future together but address some of the worlds most pressing issues.
Celestial Commons is borne out of that sense of optimism. We see what wonders and benefits the shared journey to and development of space might bring. However we are concerned by what might happen if those benefits are reaped only by a few.
Every government, enterprise, community and individual has a role to play and the right to participate in building our future in space. One which is shared, not owned.
WHO ARE
WE?
​​Our Flagship Project – The Citizens' Space Policy Initiative
We invite citizens around the world to share their hopes for the future and priorities for the present. These inputs are aggregated and transformed into actionable policy recommendations. The resulting platform forms the basis of our advocacy, both within the space sector and in broader political arenas.
Our Broader Work – Comms, Advocacy and Democracy
In addition to the Citizens' Space Policy Initiative, Celestial Commons engages in a range of activities to democratize space and promote the public good:
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Strategic communications: We provide non-profits, individuals, and grassroots projects engaged in civil space activities with pro-bono assistance on communications strategies and connections that amplify their impact and reach.
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Amplifying marginalized voices: We connect with and advocate for communities often excluded from space discourse, ensuring their perspectives are integrated into policy and governance.
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Collective governance and ownership: We design peaceful, inclusive and democratic approaches to space development – championing universal access, interoperability and long-term benefits for all of humanity.