Re-exploring Terra Nullius and Property Rights in Space: Could a Lunar Settlement Claim the Lunar Estate?

Abstract

In the modern era, the development in outer space has increased. Human exploration in such a field has raised concern regarding the formulation of a treaty to govern these activities. They claim to own the Moon and other celestial objects have been practiced for over 250 years. This paper begins with a discussion regarding the pursuit of property claims on the Moon, which could impede future activities aimed at benefiting society. Such trends in the purchase of plots on the lunar surface can be advantageous in the near future. In this article, the author analysis whether the claim on lunar real estate is valid? This is done by examining the non-appropriation and sovereignty language in Article II of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. It is interesting to observe how the silence of law regarding private entities aid them in their struggle for such claims on the purchase of plots on the lunar surface. The paper also analysis the stance of various countries in the realm of International Space Law. Finally, the paper proposes a regime for real property rights in outer space, which requires the creation of land claims recognition legislation that can act to lever the new frontier’s opening.

Keywords

• uncopuos
• outer space treaty
• moon treaty
• space stations
• lunar estate