Almost half a century since Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon, we are still pushing the boundaries of space exploration to the benefit of all mankind.

“Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the Moon. July 1969 AD. We came in peace for all mankind.” – Neil Armstrong

On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human being on the moon. In doing so, he succinctly expressed humanity’s collective vision for Peace.

Speaking for humankind, he proudly undertook a mission on behalf of our civilization that not only continues to fulfil the epic journey of our dreams, but also continues to inspire peace.

Today, almost half a century on from that extraordinary moment, we are still pushing the boundaries of space exploration to the benefit of all mankind. Let’s explore what this thriving industry has achieved in just the past 18 months.

In November 2014, the European Space Agency’s Philae spacecraft landed on the 67P comet. Last July, NASA’s New Horizons space probe took extraordinary images of Pluto as it flew by the planetoid. Earlier this month, Space X brilliantly landed its rocket on a barge in the sea. At the same time, physicist Stephen Hawking announced his vision for microscopic ‘starchips’ travelling at a fifth the speed of light to reach Alpha Centauri.

All of these initiatives illustrate not only the endearing appeal of the cosmos and humanity’s curiosity to break orbits, but also depict the peaceful uses of space science and technology on Earth, which furthers our understanding of life and fosters remarkable technological innovation.

Innovation is born from inspiration. And from the birth of human spaceflight, astronauts have been inspired and captivated by Earth’s mystical blue aura, and drawn to the “Overview Effect”, or a world beyond political boundaries. When reclaimed by gravity, they embraced our planet with a dramatic paradigm shift—as if, in a blink—they themselves transcended all political boundaries into ties of universal oneness.

Together, the world has evolved into a new space age – i.e., in the commercialization of space. This revolutionary industry, which will make space accessible to all, also holds the unique potential of breaking a new barrier – making Space for Peace and Trust on Earth; it opens space to researchers, scientists, students, low-earth orbit satellites and potentially, even – peace makers and world leaders.

Namira Salim, Founder Space Trust shows an interactive 3D APP via a tablet to HSH Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco during the inaugural conference and exhibition of Space Trust on November 29th 2015.‎ (© Philippe Fitte 2015)

Namira Salim, Founder Space Trust shows an interactive 3D APP via a tablet to HSH Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco during the inaugural conference and exhibition of Space Trust on November 29th 2015.‎ (© Philippe Fitte 2015)

And also, after 30 years of Spaceflight and 130 Space missions, NASA, having retired its Space Shuttle fleet in 2011, is increasingly depending on such commercial spaceflight operations.

Moreover, these explorations will help us understand our common humanity. From Space, the overpowering view of Earth dissolves political boundaries and the very paltry and parochial conflicts that divide our nations, cultures and peoples. For, as Yuri Gagarin, the first human in Space once said,“…from here, the Earth is beautiful, without barriers and borders.”

In the interim, with Astronauts and Cosmonauts working together at the International Space Station for the benefit of mankind, we are reminded that our species must outgrow its proclivity for hatred and violence. Yet, here on Earth, we remain endlessly inventive in our ways to hurt at the micro level and destroy at the macro level. We have devised numerable systems to divide rather than unite. Yet stepping outside our planet, we can learn to better appreciate its value. To this end, the commercialization of Space will be instrumental in helping the masses reach for the stars, to reinventing Peace on Earth and to inspiring a better future for all.

To put it in the words of Mercury 7 Astronaut, Scott Carpenter, “…this planet is not terra firma. It is a delicate flower and it must be cared for. It’s lonely. It’s small. It’s isolated, and there is no resupply. And we are mistreating it. Clearly, the highest loyalty we should have is not to our own country or our own religion or our hometown or even to ourselves. It should be to, number two, the family of man, and number one, the planet at large”.

“This is our home, and this is all we’ve got.”

I can certainly say that for myself. I was born in Karachi, Pakistan, but have spent most of my life in Dubai and Monaco. Having earned a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University in New York in 1996, I have since set out to collect unprecedented ‘firsts’ while promoting innovative ways of Peace and Diplomacy on Earth in doing so.

In the midst of the conflicts that continue to plague my country, I undertook pioneering expeditions as the First Pakistani at the North Pole in 2007 and South Pole in 2008, as well as the first Asian to skydive (tandem) over Mount Everest, during the historic First Everest Skydives in 2008—raising a universal Peace flag on behalf of humanity.

Despite the endeavors of astronauts, cosmonauts and other intrepid voyagers, space travel is still a rarity. But we are getting closer to democratizing it. It has been a decade since I joined Sir Richard Branson as a Founder Astronaut of Virgin Galactic—the first commercial space-line of the world. The prospect of becoming the first South Asian Space Tourist, and continuing my humble mission of Peace and diplomacy beyond the poles in doing so, thrills me.

Sir Richard Branson and Namira Salim during a recent Virgin Galactic event in London. (© Namira Salim 2008)

Sir Richard Branson and Namira Salim during a recent Virgin Galactic event in London. (© Namira Salim 2008)

Last November, I launched Space Trust to harness our hunger for exploration into a cosmic vision for Peace. As we continue to push the frontiers of discovery, we have an opportunity to inspire dialogue, enrich education, and facilitate reconciliation on Earth. Space Trust’s mission accordingly involves research, public events, exhibitions and campaigns to raise awareness over public policy questions concerning space exploration and the impact of private sector space initiatives.

By bringing together scientists, policy-makers, thought leaders, educators and peacemakers, we aspire to find innovative solutions for a peaceful world—while honoring and protecting the peace, beauty and preciousness of space for generations to come.

As we open up the frontiers of space travel, we have a rare opportunity to share this insight. And as we learn to slip the surly bonds of Earth, I invite you to join me on a voyage of discovery into peace, beauty, love and trust.