Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space

- Austin V Zachariah

The Legal Subcommittee during its fifth session, held in Geneva from 12 July to 4 August and in New York from 12 September to 16 September explained the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including Celestial Bodies.”It examined the Outer Space Treaty in 1966, and the General Assembly approved it the same year (resolution 2222 (XXI)). It became effective in October 1967.

The Outer Space Treaty lays down certain fundamental guidelines for international space law like,- the use of space and its exploration must be done in the interests of all nations and in the best interests of all humankind, all States would have unrestricted access to and usage of space, States are forbidden from deploying nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in orbit, on celestial bodies, or stationing them in outer space in any other way etc.

It mandates that outer space is not subject to national appropriation through claims of sovereignty, through use or occupation, or through any other means. It also asserts that the Moon and other celestial bodies must only be utilised for peaceful purposes, and astronauts must be seen as human emissaries. It further emphasises that States are accountable for all national space operations, whether they are carried out by governmental or non-governmental organisations. It also holds States responsible for any harm caused by their space objects and imposes on them the duty to take precautions to keep celestial bodies and space clean.