Moon Treaty
/ˈmuːn ˈtriːti/
Definitions
- (n.) An international treaty formally titled the 'Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies,' adopted in 1979 to establish the legal framework for the use and exploration of the Moon and other celestial bodies.
The Moon Treaty seeks to regulate the exploitation of lunar resources to prevent national appropriation.
- (n.) A treaty that prohibits sovereignty claims and military use of the Moon and mandates that the Moon and its resources be used for peaceful purposes to benefit all humanity.
Although many spacefaring nations have not ratified the Moon Treaty, it remains a key reference in discussions of extraterrestrial law.
Forms
- moon treaty
- moon treaties
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The Moon Treaty is less widely ratified than the Outer Space Treaty but is significant for its provisions on resource exploitation and the avoidance of national sovereignty claims on celestial bodies.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.