The Importance of Private Property Rights for Selected Commercial Applications in Lunar and Martian Settlements
- Paper number
IAC-06-A5.1.06
- Author
Mr. Ricky J. Lee, Ricky J. Lee & Associates, Australia
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Ever since the launch of Sputnik-1, science fiction writers, scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs have suggested various commercial applications for human settlements on the Moon and Mars, with their technological and commercial feasibility ranging from realisation in the near future or being no more than a vision of a time quite distant from the present. These activities include, but are not limited to, agriculture, housing, exploitation of mineral resources and power generation. Of the various legal enablers and disablers of such activities, the need for private property rights would be of primary importance to such commercial applications on celestial bodies. This paper focuses on the present state of law concerning private property rights for such activities, including a review of existing approaches to the creation and retention of private property rights on the Moon and other celestial bodies. The paper will conclude with a few proposals for limited private property rights for the conduct of such commercial activities that may be acceptable to the international community at large.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-A5.1.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.