OK, SO WHO OWNS THE MOON?

The answer is, we all do.  The United Nations Outer Space Treaty stipulates that:

1. The exploration and use of outer space shall be carried out for the benefit and in the interests of all countries and shall be the province of all mankind;
2. Outer space shall be free for exploration and use by all States
3. Outer space is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means
4. The Moon and other celestial bodies shall be used exclusively for peaceful purposes.

The above are just selected items within the treaty. To view the entire treaty and other related United Nations space-related treaties go here (see the Index on the left and click on Treaties and Principles). The United States is a signatory of the Outer Space Treaty and ratified it in 1967.  You can also use a search tool to find any or all other nations that have signed and, especially, ratified the treaty.

The question or concern remains as to how close we all are to adhering to the full provisions of that treaty?  This is particularly applicable to the prospects of private corporations from the United States and other spacefaring nations sending exploratory spacecraft onto the Moon and extracting data and/or materials that are not shared globally. Of equal concern is the establishing of any Lunar base of operations that does not hold an international charter under the provisions of the Outer Space Treaty.  In other words can a private entity set up exclusive profit making operations on the Moon or for that matter any object (including Near Earth Objects) in our solar system?

The United States is a member and provides representation on the UN Committee For the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. It is within this committee of the UN's overall Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)that issues such as those listed above would be presented, discussed and acted upon.

Because the press is pretty indifferent to the United Nations and its activities (unless there is some criticism) there is a lot that goes on that receives little or no media attention. An example, is the many visits that Astronaut Russell Schweickart has made to UNOOSA to present proposed measures and legislation that will globally address both the threat of Near Earth Objects, and the need for coordinated international plans for detection and deterrence of NEOs.  I know I have never read anything about this, but a recent interview of Astro Schweickart by Talking-Space clearly pointed out Schweikart's efforts on behalf of humankind.  You may access that interview here.

The entire idea of our spacefaring activities becoming a full-fledged global endeavor is exciting, and in my opinion a significant forward step toward world peace.  How totally exciting, fulfilling and rewarding it would be if all that surrounds us becomes truly a domain for peace.  Humankind would grow, prosper and most likely, enjoy many, many meet-ups with fellow residents of this place we call universe.