Lunar Real Estate: The Outer Space Treaty, The Moon Treaty and Lunar Conditions.

Lunar Real Estate, anyone?

The Outer Space Treaty & Moon Treaty.

The Outer Space Treaty considers Outer Space to be the “common heritage of mankind”. It belongs to all of us.

The Moon and other celestial bodies are to be used for peaceful purposes, there is to be no installation of weapons of mass destruction on the Moon, celestial bodies or anywhere else in outer space. “Establishment of military bases, installations and fortifications, weapons testing and military maneuvers on celestial bodies” are forbidden. The Moon may be used for scientific research or any other peaceful purpose for the benefit of all countries without claim to it's sovereignty.

Although the Outer Space Treaty states that outer space isn't subject to national appropriation, it doesn't mention whether or not a private individual or company may own parts of outer space. The UN’s error in not realizing the Moon Treaty excluded corporations and individuals is still in attempts of rectification today.

As of July 2014, documents relevant to the following United Nations Treaties and Principles on Outer Space are available online:

• Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies; _{*to my understanding this includes The Moon Treaty and Outer Space Treaty.}
• Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts, and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space;
• Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects;
• Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space; and
• Declaration of Legal Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space

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Buying Moon Land.

Moon Estates is a site that sells Moon Land!

“The moon, as a natural satellite of the earth, has an important role to play in the exploration of outer space.” The Moon Treaty was to “prevent the moon from becoming an area of international conflict” because of “the natural resources available on the moon and other celestial bodies”. _{Moon Estates, Space Law}

Only 11 states have signed it but 129 nations have signed the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.

The Moon Treaty is not law today because only 6 (of 185) states of the UN supported it. Space-faring nations like Russia, China, UK, USA etc. refused because it did not allow for exploitation of the universe by corporations and individuals.

No celestial body is owned or claimed by NASA.

There are currently no existing laws on the Moon or planets. If we are to live on the Moon in future, laws regarding extraterrestrial claims need to be established. An example by Moon Estates: The argument that only individuals financially able to go to the Moon, may do so.

The Lunar Embassy (although not a governing body) disagrees as this allows financially fluid corporations and organizations ownership of extraterrestrial property because they can afford it and the regular person would lose their claim.

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Food for Thought.

Is the Lunar Surface habitable?

Conditions on the Lunar Surface aren’t ideal to Life.
Mars may be a far better idea (although Lunar enthusiasts argue the Moon is closer to Earth, making a more practical option).

Lunar conditions:

• No atmosphere resulting in daytime average temperature being 253’F to -387 F
• Lunar Days = 14 Earth Days, Lunar Nights = 14 Earth Days (due to the moon's rotation)
• No water although the lunar south pole has reserves of water ice and 32 F on surface
• The South Pole is also shielded from the heat of Sun making the weather like a balmy sunset
• Perpetually sunny and dry
• Lighter gravity (1/6th of Earth’s) - walking not possible
• No oxygen
• Lunar Regolith
  
  
  SPACE.com: All about our solar system, outer space and exploration.

What is Lunar Regolith?

Regolith is sharp, jagged particles of lunar dust.

“During the Apollo landings, the astronauts often found it necessary to use a hammer to drive a core sampling tool into it. Once astronauts reached the surface, they reported that the fine moon dust stuck to their spacesuits and then dusted the inside of the lunar lander. The astronauts also claimed that it got into their eyes, making them red; and worse, even got into their lungs, giving them coughs. Lunar dust is very abrasive, and has been noted for its ability to wear down spacesuits and electronics. The reason for this is because lunar regolith is sharp and jagged. This is due to the fact that the Moon has no atmosphere or flowing water on it, and hence no natural weathering process. When the micro-meteoroids slammed into the surface and created all the particles, there was no process for wearing down its sharp edges.” _{source:Universe Today}

Pairs of astronauts could only live on the surface, in the tiny Lunar Module for 3 days at a time.

What are your thoughts?

I would prefer Mars vs the Moon. Regoliths are a no-no and the lack of H20 is a deal breaker. There's no hiding from regoliths, considering surface temperature's go from scorching to freezing. I did however, find the whole subject interesting. Makes you think!

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Additional Reading:
SPACE.com wrote a 12 part series on What It Would Be Like Living On Or Near Planets In Our Solar System.

More info:
UNOOSA: Space Law Fun Facts
National Space Law: For National Space Law’s of individual countries.
Space Settlement Law
UNODA: United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs.
Infographics by Karl Tate, SPACE.com Infographics Artist