kontaktplanet

kontaktplanet, literally “contact planet” in German, is a term used to describe a hypothetical planetary target chosen for initiating contact with extraterrestrial civilizations. The concept appears in space-policy discussions, astrobiology theory, and science fiction as a way to explore how humanity might select a site or context for deliberate communication.

Proposals about a kontaktplanet outline criteria such as planetary habitability, orbital stability, visibility from Earth, and the likelihood that signals could be detected by other civilizations. Some frameworks emphasize a balance of scientific interest and ethical, political considerations, including planetary protection and the risk of signaling hostile actors. The term functions more as a planning concept or thought experiment than as a reference to a specific known world.

In real-world science, there is no single planet designated as the kontaktplanet. The idea serves as a theoretical tool to discuss search strategies for interstellar communication and the factors that might influence target selection. Exoplanet surveys identify many potentially habitable worlds, but none is officially chosen for contact.

In fiction, kontaktplanet appears as a narrative device guiding first contact events. Authors use it to anchor plots around communication attempts, alien contact protocols, and cross-cultural misunderstandings, often exploring the societal and ethical implications of attempting to reach distant civilizations.

See also Interstellar communication, METI, exoplanet, habitable zone.