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Why create a Multiplanetary Building Code?

Private space exploration will soon grow beyond the ability of modern legal frameworks to maintain human safety. At the same time, the current lengthy space program design process will comparatively hobble governments pursuing similar endeavours.

I argue that we must begin developing building codes for off-world infrastructure. In doing so, we will:

1. balance the reach of industry with the need for safety,
2. lower the real and perceived barriers to international participation in space-oriented development, and
3. pave a clearer regulatory path for all parties interested in space exploration.

The history of industry and spaceflight, paired with the current trajectories of innovation and policy-making, all favor this proactive solution. The uniquely steep price of failure in space enterprises further demands that we choose to anticipate the risks of our current path rather than react to its consequences - the latter choice being the theme for the history of building code development to date.

I further argue that applying proven principles from existing building codes will effectively inform the development of best practices for both off-world and terrestrial resource management. With growing global recognition that climate change will threaten global security, it has become clear that the destructive inefficiency of old agricultural and industrial processes is unsustainable. Similarly, long-term missions in space will depend on the most sustainable processes yet developed by the human race. The same guiding ideals that improve environmental control and life support systems for a crew of astronauts can just as easily apply to those facing the most distress from climate change.