Governance in Space Will Set the Direction for Humanity Over the Next 500 Years w/ David Johnston #25

In This Episode

Join us as David Goldsmith welcomes David Johnston, the managing director of Yeomans Capital and a seasoned investor in over 40 startups, to explore the future of space governance. In this thought-provoking conversation, they delve into the implications of establishing governance structures beyond Earth, particularly in the context of Project Moon Hut—a visionary initiative aimed at creating a sustainable human presence on the Moon.

Key insights include the importance of historical precedents in shaping governance models, the potential for blockchain technology to facilitate transparent and equitable systems, and the necessity of learning from Earth's past to avoid repeating mistakes in space. Johnston emphasizes that the governance established on the Moon could set a precedent for humanity's future in space, with profound implications for liberty and prosperity.

The discussion evolves from historical examples of colonization to modern-day governance challenges, highlighting how the choices made by early settlers on celestial bodies will resonate for generations. The conversation takes unexpected turns as they consider how diverse cultural backgrounds will influence governance on the Moon and how open-source principles can foster collaboration and innovation.

Episode Outlines

• Introduction to Project Moon Hut and its vision
• The role of historical precedents in governance
• Overview of the Outer Space Treaty and its implications
• The Space Competitiveness Act and its impact on private industry
• Artemis Accords: A framework for lunar operations
• Comparative analysis of Antarctic Treaty versus Outer Space Treaty
• The potential of blockchain technology in space governance
• Social norms and their evolution in new environments
• Challenges of establishing a new societal structure on the Moon
• The future: envisioning a prosperous society beyond Earth

Biography of the Guest

David Johnston is the managing director of Yeomans Capital, a family office specializing in innovative investments across various sectors, including blockchain and space exploration. With a track record of investing in over 40 startups, Johnston brings extensive expertise in identifying transformative technologies and business models.

A passionate advocate for space exploration, he is actively involved with Project Moon Hut, where he collaborates with thought leaders to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon. Johnston's insights into governance, history, and technology make him a key voice in discussions about humanity's future beyond Earth.

He holds degrees from prestigious institutions and has contributed to various publications on investment strategies and technological advancements. His recent initiatives focus on leveraging blockchain for transparent governance structures that promote collaboration and innovation in emerging frontiers.

The themes in today’s episode are just the beginning. Dive deeper into innovation, interconnected thinking, and paradigm-shifting ideas at  www.projectmoonhut.org—where the future is being built.