As hard as it may be to believe or visualize, at some point, a number of humans will probably be residing in gigantic space stations orbiting the earth. this will be part of a hugely complex undertaking to colonize outer space and distant planets. nations will be searching for new sources of energy, raw minerals, and inhabitable areas for its citizens. unlike the settling of the western frontier centuries ago, the stakes are much higher for humankind. in a sense, the "race to the stars" is a race for expansion and survival. because the united states has a long track record of achievements in space ( to nasa), it is reasonable to presume that we will be looking skyward for solutions to problems that plague us on earth, such as industrial pollution and global warming.

laws will be necessary to govern these new space pioneers, just as they were necessary when we settled the western frontier. wherever groups of people congregate to create an orderly society -- whether it is earth, mars, or other extraterrestrial sites -- some form of organized government and system of rules is required. it is too risky and unreasonable to expect everyone to be orderly. in this short exercise, imagine that you have been asked to write a new preamble that would explain how these "space settlers" should be governed. refer to the principals and goals listed in the original preamble as a guide.

something to keep in mind is that life in outer space will not be like anything we would experience on earth. there are all sorts of unanswered questions to consider.

for starters, who has the right and authority to set rules for the use of outer space?
what sorts of things in the existing constitution would be useful (or useless) to the welfare of the colonists? for example, would there be any need to provide for the common defense? or promote the general welfare?
perhaps the biggest question to address as you draft your preamble is this: who owns outer space and the planets?
start from that point of inquiry and develop a few simple statements that describe how your new "space nation" is to be organized. don't worry, there is obviously no right or wrong answer to this assignment! it is meant to you think creatively about an issue that has stumped scholars and politicians for decades. keep in mind that whatever you decide upon, it may not every would-be colonist.
pls pls