Outer Space Treaty

Official Name

Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies

Dates

The Treaty was open for signature on 27 January 1967 and came into force on 10 October 1967.

Languages

The Treaty was written in English, French, Russian, Spanish and Chinese

Key Points of the Treaty

All exploration of outer space and the Moon shall be for the good of humanity and all nations of the world. Such exploration shall be free for all to participate in and access to all bodies in space is allowed by all in international law. No country can claim territory in outer space as it cannot be possessed according to international law.

No weapons of mass destruction or of a nuclear nature can be installed in outer space. Military bases, testing and manoeuvres are also forbidden.

SpaceResources

"UNITED NATIONS TREATIES AND PRINCIPLES ON OUTER SPACE." United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. 04 Jan. 2009 <http://www.oosa.unvienna.org/pdf/publications/STSPACE11E.pdf>.

"Outer Space Treaty." United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. 11 Jan. 2009 <http://www.oosa.unvienna.org/oosa/SpaceLaw/outerspt.html>.

"OUTER SPACE TREATY." Federation of American Scientists. 12 Jan. 2009 <http://www.fas.org/nuke/control/ost/text/space1.htm>.