What would happen if one country decided to claim the moon as its territory? There's no legal precedent over this, I don't think. This could start an international incident.
2007-04-10 10:08:28 · 8 answers · asked by trer 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Actually, there is precedant--the claiming of lands during the European Expansion (1492-1900).
But there is also an international treaty (signed by most nations) that makes the moon--in fact everything above 100 km altitude) international territory and prohibits territorial cclaims of sovereignty.
That doesn't preclude property claims, thoug--or colonization. That treaty dates from the 1960s (one of the more sensible ideas that came out of US-Soviet competition)--but if it is honored in the future as we finally start to move out into the solar system, it will help prevent the kind of problems you suggest.
But you can expect a lot of legal wrangling over who owns what and what the legal status of future colonies are. More work for lawyers (sigh).
2007-04-10 10:21:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It cannot be done, when America landed on the moon, they declared it territory for the human race, even though an American flag is on the moon. No other nation can claim it as their own.
It is the same as Antartica, other nations have bases there, but no one nation has a claim there to colonize it.
2007-04-10 10:14:22 · answer #2 · answered by sjmazzella3380 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is indeed an agreement among many signatories, including the US, Russia, and the United Kingdom. It specifically prohibits a nation from claiming a celestial body as it's own. Complete details at the link below.
2007-04-10 10:17:39 · answer #3 · answered by Charlie S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The United States gave up legal rights to it after the first landing, as a great step forward fo all mankind.
2007-04-10 10:12:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There have already been international agreements made to deal with the issue.
No one can claim ownership of the moon.
I do not know if such agreements have been made regarding other planets.
2007-04-10 10:14:57 · answer #5 · answered by Philip H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No one... to my knowldge.. But it may be possible if there there are holes in agreements. Also, the moon can be a reason for conflits between countries on earth.
2007-04-10 10:18:12 · answer #6 · answered by MSS 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The non militarization of space treaties would keep things peaceful. Other than that - first come first serve.
2007-04-10 10:14:17 · answer #7 · answered by Wonka 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We need to put a Wal-Mart up there, to show everybody who's boss!
2007-04-10 10:14:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋