This sounds like pretty compelling stuff.  From an Agnes Scott College press release…

Brother Guy J. Consolmagno, SJ, an American research astronomer and planetary scientist at the Vatican Observatory, will discuss “The Ethics of Exploration: Planetary Astronomy” during a lecture at Agnes Scott College Feb. 16. The 7:30 p.m. event is in Evans Hall and is free and open to the public.

A number of ethical issues arise in the field of planetary sciences ranging from the way astronomers do their work to the broader question of the nature of exploration itself. Is the study of astronomy a valid use of scarce resources, or does it make inappropriate demands on money, human talent and scarce environmental settings? Are humans “contaminating” space with their presence? Consolmagno will discuss these and many other questions during his lecture.

More info, including a short bio of Consolmagno can be found HERE.