Crime, Criminal Justice and Ethics in Outer Space

"This rich and diverse collection of essays takes the notion of research imagination to a new level. It challenges us to think about matters of crime, deviance and criminal justice in frames that they have so far rarely been thought within. It makes for a unique and fascinating read."

Katja Franko, Professor of Criminology, University of Oslo

"Criminology is a boundless discipline but this was never as obvious as it has become with this book that shoots criminologists and their critical thinking to outer space. This new edited book by Yarin Eski and Jack Lampkin is a mesmerising journey into the future of the discipline. Perceptions of harms and identification of crimes in outer space, and also ethical conundrums, will accompany the creative social scientists of today and tomorrow."

Anna Sergi, Professor of Criminology, University of Essex

"Interdisciplinary scholarship in crime, criminal justice, and ethics in outer space have become more and more important along with space exploration. The new excellent book edited by Yarin Eski and Jack Lampkin delves into unknown/strange diversities, complexities, and entanglements. An indispensable guiding star for a new Space Criminology Odyssey 2024."

Noriyoshi Takemura, Emeritus Professor of Criminal Law and Criminology, Toin University of Yokohama, Japan

"This book is a groundbreaking achievement, a first and a must read/ride. A truly global accomplishment, contributions hailing from six continents set out the terrain of the study of space crime, criminal justice and ethics, sitting within, yet considerably and tantalisingly extending, the boundaries of criminology."

Steve Tombs, Emeritus Professor, Department of Social Policy and Criminology, The Open University

"Crime will always exist despite all our best efforts, so space activities will not stay clear from it. But what is 'space crime'? Does space itself, even if non-living, deserve protection? The book gives a very good overview of, and anticipates the potential harmful acts and behaviour in, outer space by individuals, (big) corporations and nations. It also discusses legal issues and ethical dilemmas, philosophical questions, anthropology and, last but not least, (geo)politics. But foremost, it very clearly brings out, given the irreversible character of some space crime, the need to think about this NOW and see what prevention is possible. Definition, legislation, regulation or at least a code of conduct is urgent, even if enforcement and follow-up will remain problematic. Food for thought!"

Philippe Schoonejans, Noordwijk Space Expo Board Member and former project manager in ESA’s space exploration programme