"Negotiated and drafted under the auspices of the United Nations, it was opened for signature in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union on 27 January 1967, entering into force on 10 October 1967."
A study of the various treaties and international agreements that govern activities in space, including the Outer Space Treaty and the Moon Treaty.
International Space Law: The body of law governing human activities in outer space, including international treaties, principles, and guidelines.
UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS): An international organization responsible for promoting international cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.
Outer Space Treaty: The first international treaty on space law, which sets forth the basic principles governing the exploration and use of space by all nations.
Moon Agreement: An international treaty that governs the use of the Moon and other celestial bodies, and establishes the principle of common heritage of mankind.
Commercial Space Activities: Business and commercial ventures such as satellite launches, space tourism, space mining, etc.
Space Debris Mitigation: The process of reducing the amount of space debris in Earth's orbit to prevent collisions with spacecraft.
Space Traffic Management: The regulation of space traffic to ensure the safe and efficient use of space by all nations.
Satellite Communication: The use of artificial satellites to provide telecommunication links, including voice, data, and video transmission.
Remote Sensing: The process of gathering information about the Earth from space through the use of satellites, sensors, and other technologies.
Space Law Enforcement: The enforcement of international space law and policies through international organizations and national legal systems.
Space Security: The protection of space assets and infrastructure from threats such as cyber attacks, weaponization, and interference.
Space Diplomacy: The negotiation and management of international agreements and treaties related to space law and policy.
Space Technology Transfer: The transfer of space-related technologies and knowledge between countries to promote international cooperation and development.
Space Situational Awareness: The ability to track and predict the movements of objects in space to prevent collisions and protect space assets.
Human Spaceflight: The exploration and use of space by human beings for scientific, commercial, and cultural purposes.
Outer Space Treaty: This is the fundamental treaty that governs space law and policy. It was signed in 1967 and has more than 100 signatories. The treaty provides a framework for space exploration and use, including rules that govern peaceful use of outer space, its exploration and use, and the prohibition of weapons of mass destruction in space.
Moon Agreement: This treaty was created in 1979 and regulates the activities on the Moon. It establishes a framework for the exploration and use of the Moon by all states, and promotes international cooperation in such activities.
Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space: This 1968 treaty provides a framework for the rescue and return of astronauts in distress, as well as for objects launched into space.
Space Station Agreement: This agreement was signed in 1988 and sets out the rules for cooperation among countries in building, operating and utilizing a shared space station.
Space Liability Convention: Established in 1972, the Space Liability Convention sets out the liability of states for space activities, including damage caused by space debris.
Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space: This treaty, signed in 1975, requires states to register objects launched into Earth orbit or beyond.
International Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities: This non-binding agreement was developed in 2014 and outlines guidelines for responsible behavior in outer space activities.
Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies: Signed in 2021, this treaty framework contains principles governing the activities of states in the exploration and use of outer space including the moon and other celestial bodies.
Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines: Issued by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), these guidelines provide recommendations for effective management of space debris.
Guidelines on the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space: These guidelines were established by the UNOOSA and outline the safe use of nuclear power sources in outer space activities.
"As of August 2023, 114 countries are parties to the treaty—including all major spacefaring nations—and another 22 are signatories."
"The Outer Space Treaty was spurred by the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in the 1950s, which could reach targets through outer space."
"On 17 October 1963, the U.N. General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution prohibiting the introduction of weapons of mass destruction in outer space."
"Key provisions of the Outer Space Treaty include prohibiting nuclear weapons in space; limiting the use of the Moon and all other celestial bodies to peaceful purposes; establishing that space shall be freely explored and used by all nations."
"...precluding any country from claiming sovereignty over outer space or any celestial body."
"Although it forbids establishing military bases, testing weapons and conducting military maneuvers on celestial bodies, the treaty does not expressly ban all military activities in space, nor the establishment of military space forces or the placement of conventional weapons in space."
"From 1968 to 1984, the OST birthed four additional agreements: rules for activities on the Moon; liability for damages caused by spacecraft; the safe return of fallen astronauts; and the registration of space vehicles."
"OST provided many practical uses and was the most important link in the chain of international legal arrangements for space from the late 1950s to the mid-1980s. OST was at the heart of a 'network' of inter-state treaties and strategic power negotiations to achieve the best available conditions for nuclear weapons world security."
"The OST also declares that space is an area for free use and exploration by all and 'shall be the province of all mankind'."
"Drawing heavily from the Antarctic Treaty of 1961, the Outer Space Treaty likewise focuses on regulating certain activities and preventing unrestricted competition that could lead to conflict."
"Nevertheless, the Outer Space Treaty is largely silent or ambiguous on newly developed space activities such as lunar and asteroid mining."
"The Outer Space Treaty is the first and most foundational legal instrument of space law..."
"...its broader principles of promoting the civil and peaceful use of space continue to underpin multilateral initiatives in space."
"...such as the International Space Station and the Artemis Program."
"it was opened for signature in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union..."
"It forms the basis of international space law."
"...prohibit the use of outer space for military purposes."
"prohibiting the introduction of weapons of mass destruction in outer space."
"...precluding any country from claiming sovereignty over outer space or any celestial body."