A spot of space debris illuminates in the night sky.
Imagine owning a piece of the Moon or another celestial body. It may sound like a fantasy, but there are individuals and organizations out there who claim ownership of extraterrestrial real estate. While these claims hold no legal standing, they raise interesting questions about the potential colonization and long-term viability of real estate beyond Earth. In this article, we'll delve into the history, legal implications, and even the hazards associated with owning a piece of the cosmos.
History: From Claims to Lunar Deeds
Extraterrestrial real estate has been a topic of interest since the 1890s. Dean Lindsay made headlines in 1936 when he claimed ownership of all extraterrestrial objects, sparking offers from the public to buy these objects from him. However, these personal claims carry little weight in legal terms [^3^].
Law and Governance: The Outer Space Treaty
The United Nations sponsored the Outer Space Treaty in 1967, which established that outer space belongs to all mankind and forbids any nation from claiming territorial sovereignty. It also states that activities in space require authorization and supervision by the appropriate state party to the treaty [^4^]. This treaty laid the foundation for international space law, emphasizing the principle that space is a shared resource for the benefit of all countries, regardless of their level of development [^7^].
Private Purchase Schemes: To Infinity and Beyond?
Private individuals and organizations have attempted to sell portions of the Moon and other celestial bodies through various schemes. These schemes argue that while the Outer Space Treaty prohibits countries from claiming celestial bodies, there is no provision forbidding private individuals from doing so. However, the treaty does require authorization and supervision by the individual's government [^7^]. These claims, although intriguing, have not been widely recognized.
Geostationary Orbits: The Battle for Space
One practical issue in space ownership revolves around the allocation of slots for satellites in geostationary orbit. The International Telecommunication Union manages this process. In 1976, the Bogota Declaration attempted to assert sovereignty over portions of the geostationary orbit by equatorial countries but did not receive widespread international support [^16^].
Orbital Real Estate: Hazards and Contamination
A picture of Linokhod 2's path in Le Monnier crater at the eastern rim of Mare Serenitatis
Two key issues arise when it comes to orbital real estate. First, the build-up of space debris in Earth's orbit poses a significant threat to future satellite operations. Clearing this debris is crucial to ensuring the usability of nearby space [^17^]. Second, there is a risk of contaminating extraterrestrial planets with life from Earth. As experiments have shown, some terrestrial life can survive the journey through space and potentially invade other planets, making it difficult to determine the existence of native life or the phenomenon of panspermia [^11^].
Notable Claims: From the Moon to Mars
Throughout history, several individuals and organizations have made interesting claims of extraterrestrial ownership. For example, Richard Garriott, son of an astronaut and a famous computer game designer, purchased the Lunokhod 2 and its Luna 21 lander in 1993, making it the first private purchase of an object on another astronomical body [^18^]. Others, like Chilean lawyer Jenaro Gajardo Vera and German Martin Juergens, have made bold ownership claims based on symbolic gestures or historical connections [^3^] [^20^].
The Final Frontier: A Dream or a Reality?
While ownership of extraterrestrial real estate remains a legal gray area, it continues to capture the imagination of many. Companies and organizations offer unique opportunities for people to purchase plots of land on celestial bodies, despite the lack of official recognition. Whether it's for novelty or a genuine belief in the future colonization of space, these endeavors contribute to the ongoing discussions on the possibilities and limitations of extraterrestrial real estate.
So, next time you gaze up at the night sky, remember that the final frontier may not be as distant as it seems. Who knows? Maybe one day, owning a piece of the cosmos will become a reality.
Image Source: The Moon as seen by an observer from Earth. It is claimed as private property by several individuals. [^1^] [^2^]
