Steve Watson

Interstellar Exploration System: First Contact Protocol

Assumptions:

1. IXS Basic Protocol of Operations has been followed
2. Extra-terrestrial intelligences (ETI) are discovered at the latest by orbital scan operations (their planet is ETIP) and are not technologically sophisticated (have no spacefaring or close observational capability)
3. IXS is expected to begin Contact procedures where possible

1. Principles:
   1. It is the responsibility of the IXS to minimise the likelihood of harm to Humanity
      1. The survival of the IXS is secondary to this
      2. The integrity of the ETI is secondary to this
   2. In so far as Contact between IXS and ETI cultures is judged likely to be eventually mutually enriching, the establishment of Contact with ETI is justified
      1. The judgement is to be made by the IXS
      2. The judgement is to be made according to criteria established by the IXS
   3. It is the responsibility of the IXS, as the advantaged party, to minimise the likelihood of harm to the ETI in the long term by Contact
      1. ‘Harm’ is understood according to criteria established by the IXS
         (Criteria of harm are not governed by the preferences of the ETI)
         1. Ethical guidelines are for the IXS not the ETI
         2. Epistemological difficulties preclude doing otherwise
      2. The extent of Contact attempted is dependent upon judgements of likely harm
         1. Nothing done pre-Contact poses excess risk of premature Contact
         2. Nothing done at the degree of Contact determined to be appropriate mandates an eventual greater degree of Contact
2. Secundae:
   1. The cautious and thorough study of the ETI before Contact is initiated is required for the responsible application of the principles of Contact
      1. Undeclared surveillance in preparation for Contact is justified
      2. The justifiability of continued undeclared or partially declared surveillance after Contact depends on the degree of Contact and determinations of likely long term harm to ETI
   2. Whatever degree of Contact is determined to be appropriate must be approached cautiously and by all the appropriate intermediate degrees
      1. Non-interactive messages
         – ETI to become accustomed to the idea of alien presence
         – non-interactivity is intended to suggest reduced danger
      2. Interactive messaging with delay
         – ETI to become accustomed to the idea of being the target of alien interest
         – Delay is intended to continue to suggest low risk to ETI
      3. Interactive communication in real-time
         1. Mediated by non-threatening devices becoming increasingly animated
         2. Using avatar in ETI form
         3. Direct contact
   3. Disturbance to ETI society is inevitable, but avoid the possibility of become a focus of competition for access.
      1. No assistance useful in ETI competitions
      2. No agreement to restriction of contact to initial or other ETI groups
      3. No agreement to secrecy beyond that required by the Contact protocols

3. Programme:

1. PXS enters orbit over ETIP
   A satellite constellation has already been established and orbital scans at medium range conducted. The scans have determined the general technological level, identified population, agriculture, and urbanisation distributions.
   Note that use of F-drive is highly visible to ETI – especially HLU deployments of PHabs.
2. Based on continuing orbital scans, determine whether planetary probes (P-probes) may be despatched to conduct operations without excess risk of detection by ETI.
   1. The potential for harm of such disturbance cannot at this point be evaluated
   2. Purpose is close investigation of planet
   3. Possible P-probes placed by SLU are
      1. solid surface (including ice)
      2. aerial
      3. marine/submarine rovers
3. Based on continuing orbital scans and possible P-probes, determine the optimal mode of despatch for ETI probes (E-probes.)
   1. E-probes are micro probes that are able to study the ETI at close range without detection.
      1. E-probes operate in swarms
      2. E-probe swarms communicate with / coordinate via local base units (EPBU)
      3. EPBU communicate with / coordinate via OHab
   2. E-probe concerns are
      1. Language
      2. Psychology
      3. Customs
      4. Politics
   3. E-probes are now the primary mission, their dispatch is required in all but the most extremely risky (to ETI) circumstances
   4. E-probes are dispatched to the area(s) hosting the most advanced ETI civilisation as determined by preceding scans and P-probes
   5. E-probes and their base units are despatched using SLU (with F-drives)
4. Based on continuing orbital scans and analysis of E-probe data, reconsider whether P-probes may be despatched to conduct operations without excess risk of detection by ETI.
   1. The potential for harm of such disturbance is now better understood
5. Based on analysis of E-probe data, determine that Contact messaging procedures may commence.
   1. Particularities of these procedures are contingent on the nature of the ETI and its environment
   2. At the earliest opportunity request a Special Contact System (SCS) including Ambassadorial Team (AT)
6. Based on continuing orbital scans and analysis of E-probe data, determine whether PHabs may be despatched to conduct operations without excess risk of harm to ETI.
   1. The potential for harm of such action can at this point be evaluated
   2. If required request Aerial or Submersible Support Systems (ASS, SSS) from CS
      1. Those systems are delivered to ETIP before the PHab is despatched
   3. PHab deployed by HLU
   4. PHab is not a settlement core
      1. Ethical prohibition on uninvited settlement
      2. Minimal distractions from research activities
      3. Minimal impact on planetary environment
      4. Maximum potential for relocation
      5. Maximum potential for evacuation to prevent impact on ETI
      6. Resupplied by deliveries from OHab
      7. Crews rotate between PHab and OHab by SLS
   5. Establishes base for intense investigation of area by research team
      1. Principal function is assistance in coordination of ETI probes (E-probe) operations and preparation for Direct Contact
      2. Crewed rovers
      3. Deep excavation
   6. PHab may be relocated by HLU
7. Retrieve all P-probes and E-probes by SLU
8. Sanitise areas of operations
9. Retrieve PHab and any ASS or SSS by HLU
10. Depart orbit and transit to CS