In the 21^st century, the rapid advance of space programs raises ethical concerns about the consequences of exploring and exploiting space resources. The concept note of the World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST) on the ethical considerations on space exploration and exploitation adopted in August 2024 states that “the international community is now in need of developing ethical principles for space exploration and exploitation that complement currently existing outer space treaties”. Key areas for future ethical regulation of space projects include prospects for commercial developments, space tourism programs, mining, and deep space exploration to study exoplanet atmospheres and search for terrestrial planets. Space exploration provides important knowledge that improves the quality of life and has a technological and innovative impact on society. The “inspiring factor” of space research is crucial for motivating future generations of scientists to develop science. However, it must be borne in mind that human activities pose significant risks to both near-Earth space and Earth’s ecosystems. The scale of space ethics proposed by COMEST will help systematize information about ethical uncertainty factors, risks and consequences of risks associated with initiatives in space exploration and exploitation.