Framework for Evaluating Artificial Activity in Interstellar Objects

This paper proposes an eight-point operational framework for evaluating whether an interstellar object, such as 3I/ATLAS, may be an active extraterrestrial spacecraft. The premise is that if the object is of artificial origin and operational, it must, in some measurable way, gather data or interact with its environment. Each of the eight points therefore corresponds to an observable signature of activity that current or near‑future human technology can detect or rule out. The framework is motive‑independent and falsifiable, providing a structured way to test the hypothesis without speculation about intent or origin. The framework is expandable and may be used for future interstellar objects that enter the Solar System.