Who Owns the Moon?

[Starlyte]

Who Owns the Moon? The Case for Lunar Property Rights

By Glenn Harlan Reynolds

The moon has been in plain view for all of human history, but it's only within the past few decades that it's been possible to travel there. And for just about as long as the moon has been within reach, people have been arguing about lunar property rights: Can astronauts claim the moon for king and country, as in the Age of Discovery? Are corporations allowed to expropriate its natural resources, and individuals to own its real estate?

The first article on the subject, "High Altitude Flight and National Sovereignty," was written by Princeton legal scholar John Cobb Cooper in 1951. Various theoretical discussions followed, with some scholars arguing that the moon had to be treated differently than earthbound properties and others claiming that property laws in space shouldn't differ from those on Earth.

With the space race in full flower, though, the real worry was national sovereignty. Both the United States and the Soviet Union wanted to reach the moon first but, in fact, each was more worried about what would happen if they arrived second. Fears that the competition might trigger World War III led to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which was eventually ratified by 62 countries. According to article II of the treaty, "Outer Space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sover­eignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means."

So national appropriation was out, along with fortifications, weapons and military installations. But what about private property rights — personal and corporate? Some scholars argue that property rights can exist only under a nation's dominion, but most believe that property rights and sovereignty can be distinct.

Link to full article: http://men.msn.com/articlepm.aspx?cp-docum...5&GT1=32001

So, who does own the moon? Can anyone really own the moon since no species lives there? Should it be first come, first serve? No matter who gets ownership rights to the moon, I would love to look at the Earth from the Moon one day.

Blessings,

Starlyte

[stevewinn]

Who Owns the Moon? The Case for Lunar Property Rights

By Glenn Harlan Reynolds

The moon has been in plain view for all of human history, but it's only within the past few decades that it's been possible to travel there. And for just about as long as the moon has been within reach, people have been arguing about lunar property rights: Can astronauts claim the moon for king and country, as in the Age of Discovery? Are corporations allowed to expropriate its natural resources, and individuals to own its real estate?

The first article on the subject, "High Altitude Flight and National Sovereignty," was written by Princeton legal scholar John Cobb Cooper in 1951. Various theoretical discussions followed, with some scholars arguing that the moon had to be treated differently than earthbound properties and others claiming that property laws in space shouldn't differ from those on Earth.

With the space race in full flower, though, the real worry was national sovereignty. Both the United States and the Soviet Union wanted to reach the moon first but, in fact, each was more worried about what would happen if they arrived second. Fears that the competition might trigger World War III led to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which was eventually ratified by 62 countries. According to article II of the treaty, "Outer Space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sover­eignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means."

So national appropriation was out, along with fortifications, weapons and military installations. But what about private property rights — personal and corporate? Some scholars argue that property rights can exist only under a nation's dominion, but most believe that property rights and sovereignty can be distinct.

Link to full article: http://men.msn.com/articlepm.aspx?cp-docum...5&GT1=32001

So, who does own the moon? Can anyone really own the moon since no species lives there? Should it be first come, first serve? No matter who gets ownership rights to the moon, I would love to look at the Earth from the Moon one day.

Blessings,

Starlyte

Its a good question, i reckon if its done on a first come basis then the Russians seeing they sent the first probes to the moon/surface but if people count flags then America.

but to be honest i think the moon will be claimed by whoever can control it militarily. it seems to be the way of the world,

[Waspie_Dwarf]

Its a good question, i reckon if its done on a first come basis then the Russians seeing they sent the first probes to the moon/surface but if people count flags then America.

but to be honest i think the moon will be claimed by whoever can control it militarily. it seems to be the way of the world,

International law states that no nation can claim the moon. Individuals... now there is a whole can of worms.

[Pelican_Eel]

but they sell land in moon, don't they? who gets money then, NASA? or am I wrong and nobody is selling anything... but I'm sure I heard something about that...

a very interesting question indeed.

Edited July 18, 2008 by Pelican_Eel

[Rosewin]

Anyone who looks at the moon owns it. But as stevewinn said about the military.

[Waspie_Dwarf]

but they sell land in moon, don't they? who gets money then, NASA? or am I wrong and nobody is selling anything... but I'm sure I heard something about that...

a very interesting question indeed.

Private individuals are selling plots of land on the moon. The legality of Lunar land claims is a subject that will keep Lawyers rich for years to come I suspect. NASA does not have anything to do with selling land on the moon. As it is a US Government organisation the USA would be breaking international law if NASA were to do so.

[Bender.]

The Moon should be owned by the UN to do with as they see fit.

[Wickian]

Well technically the American flag is already up there....

[Epithet of Satan]

The moon is owned by the advanced goat civilization living under the surface of the planet.

[Waspie_Dwarf]

Well technically the American flag is already up there....

As is the flag of the Soviet Union, landed their by unmanned craft BEFORE the USA landed there. That is irrelevant however as by UN charter no nation can lay claim to the moon.

[Gary Meadows]

I find it funny that we feel the need to own it.

Seems childish.

[Viral]

If it comes down to it, it'd need to be granted independence. Thing is, it only matters once it's colonised. Either that or the UN will own it...

[Waspie_Dwarf]

I just thought I should point out to everyone that before Vein Capital's pointless post, which I shall be removing very shortly, this topic had been dead for very nearly four years.