Space, environment & diplomacy

The “Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies,” or the Outer Space Treaty for short, establishes the legal framework for exploring and using outer space

The reasons for the Outer Space Treaty

Technological developments in the 1950s and 1960s began to open outer space to military uses. Longer range ballistic missiles would cross the Kaman Line, nuclear testing in space was potentially harmful without known consequences, and the potential for war in space prompted leaders to increasingly engage in the United Nations to ensure that these things did not happen. The result was this treaty.

The first countries to agree signed the Outer Space Treaty in mid-1967 and it came into force that October.

Key principles of the Outer Space Treaty:

1. Peaceful Purposes: Outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, shall be used exclusively for peaceful purposes. This principle aims to prevent the militarization of space and the placement of weapons of mass destruction in orbit.
2. Non-Appropriation: Outer space, including celestial bodies, is not subject to national appropriation by any means. This means no country can claim sovereignty over any part of outer space or celestial bodies.
3. Free Exploration and Use: All states have the right to freely explore and use outer space without discrimination. This principle promotes international cooperation and ensures that outer space is accessible to all nations, regardless of their level of technological development.
4. International Responsibility: States are responsible for national space activities, whether conducted by governmental or non-governmental entities. States must ensure that their activities in outer space comply with international law and the provisions of the treaty.
5. Avoiding Harmful Contamination: States must avoid harmful contamination of outer space and celestial bodies and must also avoid adverse changes to the environment of Earth resulting from the introduction of extraterrestrial matter.

The Outer Space Treaty has been ratified by over 100 countries. It is considered a cornerstone of international space law. By establishing the principles mentioned above, the treaty aims to foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual benefit, so that the exploration and use of outer space remain an endeavor that serves all humanity.