Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon in the United States

Entered into force: 10 October 1967

The States Parties to this Treaty,

Inspired by the great prospects opening up before mankind as a result of
man’s entry into outer space,

Recognizing the common interest of all mankind in the progress of the
exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes,

Believing that the exploration and use of outer space should be carried
on for the benefit of all peoples irrespective of the degree of their
economic or scientific development,

Desiring to contribute to broad international co-operation in the
scientific as well as the legal aspects of the exploration and use of
outer space for peaceful purposes,

Believing that such co-operation will contribute to the development of
mutual understanding and to the strengthening of friendly relations
between States and peoples,

Recalling resolution 1962 (XVIII), entitled “Declaration of Legal
Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use
of Outer Space”, which was adopted unanimously by the United Nations
General Assembly on 13 December 1963,

Recalling resolution 1884 (XVIII), calling upon States to refrain from
placing in orbit around the earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or
any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction or from installing such
weapons on celestial bodies, which was adopted unanimously by the United
Nations General Assembly on 17 October 1963,

Taking account of United Nations General Assembly resolution 110 (II) of
3 November 1947, which condemned propaganda designed or likely to provoke
or encourage any threat to the peace, breach of the peace or act of
aggression, and considering that the aforementioned resolution is
applicable to outer space,

Convinced that a Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States
in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other
Celestial Bodies, will further the Purposes and Principles of the Charter
of the United Nations,

Have agreed on the following:

Article I

The exploration and use of outer space, including the moon and other
celestial bodies, shall be carried out for the benefit and in the
interests of all countries, irrespective of their degree of economic or
scientific development, and shall be the province of all mankind.

Outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, shall be free
for exploration and use by all States without discrimination of any kind,
on a basis of equality and in accordance with international law, and
there shall be free access to all areas of celestial bodies.

There shall be freedom of scientific investigation in outer space,
including the moon and other celestial bodies, and States shall
facilitate and encourage international co-operation in such
investigation.

Article II

Outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, is not
subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of
use or occupation, or by any other means.

Article III

States Parties to the Treaty shall carry on activities in the exploration
and use of outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, in
accordance with international law, including the Charter of the United
Nations, in the interest of maintaining international peace and security
and promoting international co-operation and understanding.