© 1975-1979, 2008 Robert A. Freitas Jr. All Rights Reserved.

Robert A. Freitas Jr., Xenology: An Introduction to the Scientific Study of Extraterrestrial Life, Intelligence, and Civilization, First Edition, Xenology Research Institute, Sacramento, CA, 1979; http://www.xenology.info/Xeno.htm

25.3  First Contact Protocols and Elementary Astropolitics

Our final topic in this chapter is the pragmatic methodology of first contact. What are the proper protocols in establishing contact and communication when two alien races encounter each other somewhere in space? We have already seen that the subject of interaction is very complicated, both ethically and logistically, and that the number of different levels of interaction is enormous. We turn now to a discussion of a few "standard first contact procedures" to be used in various encounter scenarios between sentient extraterrestrial species.

Last updated on 6 December 2008