Philosophical frontiers of space exploration: pro et contra

We have been living in the "cosmic era" since 1957. Mankind has learned to utilize the near- Earth space for its practical needs. But the rest of outer space is still a mystery to us. The objective of this study is to clarify several main questions: why should humanity explore the extraterrestrial space? what dividends and obstacles await us on this path? which should be ethical and legal aspects for the outer space exploration? In our research we used several methodological instruments: axiological approach, dialectical method, systematic approach, comparative statistical analysis. The article studies general humanitarian dimensions of the problem of space exploration, socio-economic aspects, incentives and technological limits in development of the nearest space objects. A special place is given to research of juridical collisions and legislative gaps in contemporary space law, and ethical imperatives in a process of outer space exploration.