certain set of cultural norms and ethics might be a necessary condition for civilizations to reach sufficient developmental stages for space exploration and communication, since the environmental pressures of intergalactic travel and communication are similar for all alien civilizations. Under this assumption, the concept of a Galactic Club with Uniformity of Motive would gain plausibility. Earth law on extraterrestrial contact Space can be explored and used freely by all United Nations States according to the Outer Space Treaty from 1967. However, the United Nations have no specific laws on initiating contact with other extraterrestrial civilizations, apart from three important principles to follow when doing so (as quoted from the source): The decision on whether or not to send a message to extraterrestrial intelligence should be made by an appropriate international body, broadly representative of Humankind. If a decision is made to send a message to extraterrestrial intelligence, it should be sent on behalf of all Humankind, rather than from individual States or groups. The content of such a message should be developed through an appropriate international process, reflecting a broad consensus. There have been multiple attempts to contact alien civilizations, of which the most notable examples are the Voyager probes. The International Academy of Astronautics has prepared a SETI detection protocol to follow that is in accordance with all International Space Law of the United Nations. The detection of possible alien life should first be validated. If the detection appears to be real, then the discoverer should seek contact with the national authorities and other research organizations so they can conduct independent research on the observations. The United Nations and consequently the public will be contacted after. References Evolution