Space Treaty of 1967, officially known as the Outer Space Treaty, is the foundational international agreement that governs the exploration and use of outer space. It was adopted by the United Nations in 1967 and serves as the primary framework for international space law. The treaty emphasizes that outer space shall be used for peaceful purposes and for the benefit of all humankind, regardless of nationality or economic status.
According to the treaty, no nation can claim ownership or sovereignty over the Moon, planets, or any other celestial bodies. It also prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons or weapons of mass destruction in orbit or on celestial bodies and forbids the establishment of military bases or fortifications in space. This ensures that space remains a domain free from military competition and conflict.
The treaty further establishes that states are responsible for national activities in space, whether carried out by government agencies or private organizations. Countries must also avoid harmful contamination of celestial bodies and the Earth’s environment. Cooperation, transparency, and mutual assistance among nations are encouraged to promote safety and peaceful exploration.
In essence, the Space Treaty of 1967 serves as the cornerstone of space governance, ensuring that outer space remains a realm of peace, scientific discovery, and shared benefit for all humanity.