description Moon Treaty Overview
The Moon Treaty, formally the Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, is a 1979 United Nations treaty that entered into force in 1984. It declares the Moon and other celestial bodies the common heritage of humankind, restricts their use to peaceful purposes, and bars national appropriation, military bases and weapons of mass destruction on them. It also envisages a future international regime to govern the exploitation of lunar resources. The agreement has attracted few ratifications, and no major spacefaring power, including the United States, Russia and China, is a party.
help Moon Treaty FAQ
What is the Moon Treaty?
The Moon Treaty is formally called the Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. It was adopted by the United Nations in 1979 and entered into force in 1984.
What does the Moon Treaty say about lunar resources?
It describes the Moon and other celestial bodies as the common heritage of humankind. It also places limits on national appropriation and calls for an international regime to govern exploitation of resources.
Does the Moon Treaty allow countries to claim the Moon?
No. Its central rules reject national sovereignty or ownership claims over the Moon and other celestial bodies. It treats outer space bodies as subject to international legal principles rather than ordinary territorial conquest.
Is the Moon Treaty the same as the Outer Space Treaty?
No. The Outer Space Treaty dates from 1967, while the Moon Treaty was adopted in 1979 and entered into force in 1984. The Moon Treaty develops more detailed rules for lunar activities and resource use.
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