Ownership Over The Moon: Property Rights From The Perspective Of The Moon Agreement

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Bhumika Shah, NALSAR University of Law

INTRODUCTION

There has been a great shift in the space related activities lately, nations are more interested in space exploration. The primary objective of space activities has, originally, been exploration which has filtered to just include welfare activities. Commercialization and privatization of space activities have caused alteration in exploration of outer space. Corpus Juris Spatialis has always talked about non-appropriation of space. According to the laws relating space, the research and exploration of space is allowed if it is carried out for the benefit of mankind and not for any selfish purpose. Corpus Juris Spatialis follows the principle of “Outer space is the Province of Mankind”, the treaties consider space as a common province for research and exploration. The Moon Agreement specifically talks about the principle of “Common Heritage of Mankind”. All these discourage the ownership or property rights over the Moon and other celestial bodies. There also are conflicting views regarding property rights and ownership in space that advocate for establishment of property rights and ownership over the Moon with various argument, one being Environmental concerns on preservation of Earth. Besides, there also has been instances of trade of celestial Bodies wherein people have been buying selling properties on Moon and other celestial Bodies and others have been claiming ownership over various celestial bodies.

OWNERSHIP OVER THE MOON- PROPERTY RIGHTS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE MOON AGREEMENT.pdf

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