"The Lunar Ownership Debate: Who Will Claim Rights to the Moon?"
The Outer Space Treaty, signed in 1967, prohibits any country from claiming ownership of the moon or other celestial bodies. While individuals cannot own the moon, states retain ownership of objects they send into space. The treaty's open-ended approach to the definition of "use" may lead to future activities that resemble ownership. The debate over mining moon resources under the treaty continues, with some advocating for usage rights and others opposing any form of appropriation. As the race to establish lunar settlements heats up, the legal framework for space activities is being tested, raising concerns about potential conflicts and the need for updated regulations.