Is there any Legal Regime for the Protection of the Moon’s Environment?
- Paper number
IAC-07-E6.3.12
- Author
Prof. Mahulena Hofmann, Giessen University, Germany
- Year
2007
- Abstract
Several current space programmes aim at an intensive exploitation of the Moon: as a resource of minerals, as a research station, or as a base for future expeditions into outer space. This intensification might, however, result in an increasing risk of damages to or even destruction of this unique environment. The international legal framework for the protection of this environment is only a very general one: Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty is limited to the prohibition to “pursue studies” and “conduct exploration” of the Moon “so as to avoid its harmful contamination”. The potential infringement of other, non-binding rules, such as the COSPAR Planetary Protection Policy of 2002 (2005), does not result in the existence of any international legal responsibility and, as such, cannot be sanctioned by means of international law. The non-existence of any transparent and more detailed international regime for the protection of the Moon’s environment therefore requires a new, systemic approach which should lead to a more detailed interpretation of Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty based upon a general consensus of all actors involved.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-E6.3.12.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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