1967 Outer Space Treaty Core Principles

The Magna Carta of space. Negotiated during the height of the Cold War, the OST successfully prevented the militarization of space but struggles to regulate modern commercial activities.

The Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (OST) forms the basis of international space law.

The Non-Appropriation Principle

Article II states that 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. This forms the central tension of modern space economics.

State Responsibility

Article VI makes states internationally responsible for national space activities, whether carried out by governmental agencies or by non-governmental entities (commercial companies). This requires states to authorize and continuously supervise commercial spaceflight.