ABSTRACT
The debate over soft framework including normative and legal factors is also crucial. While these are less restrictive compared to the physical limits, they still remain relevant for the development of the scenarios. There are certain normative and legal barriers that are deemed worthy to follow by the space actors. The legal framework is, however, found to be insufficient which is evident from the wording of the US-led Artemis Accords attempting to overcome some of its deficiencies, being simultaneously criticized by many other actors. While the normative and legal constraints are not so impactful compared to the environmental and technological limits, they still present a relevant factor that will affect the decision-making of the actors participating in the space settlement and mining missions, especially once we consider private economic activities, and thus present an important factor for the development of the scenarios.
