Mars Treatymaking Workshop Results from ISU SSP14

Paper number

IAC-14,E7,2,7,x21111

Author

Mr. Ian Stotesbury, International Space University (ISU), United Kingdom

Coauthor

Ms. Caitlin Percy, International Space University (ISU), United Kingdom

Coauthor

Mr. Zac Trolley, International Space University (ISU), Canada

Coauthor

Ms. Christina Ciardullo, International Space University (ISU), United States

Coauthor

Mr. Matthew Sammons, International Space University (ISU), United States

Coauthor

Mr. Michal Moroz, International Space University (ISU), Poland

Coauthor

Mr. Robert Hubbard, International Space University (ISU), United States

Coauthor

Mr. Jens Raymaekers, International Space University (ISU), Belgium

Coauthor

Mr. Richard Blake, International Space University (ISU), Australia

Coauthor

Mr. Philippe Cyr, International Space University (ISU), Canada

Coauthor

Ms. Lorenda Ward, International Space University (ISU), United States

Year

2014

Abstract

In light of the expanding robotic and impending crewed exploration and settlement of Mars, participants at the International Space University’s 2014 Space Studies Program held in Montréal, Canada, will act as governmental delegations to create a draft text representing a new international treaty regime for Mars. This is the second year the ISU SSP has conducted this Mars Treatymaking Workshop, and is done in conjunction with the SSP14 Space Policy, Economics, and Law department.
 
Some nations have ambitious plans for Mars colonization, while others intend to commercially mine the red planet’s rich mineral resources. The majority of delegations, however, hold fast the provisions of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, whose Article II mandates that {\it “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.”} Can these tensions be resolved in a single treaty for Mars? 

This paper will present the findings of the ISU SSP participants, including both their impressions and lessons learned from the simulation of international intergovernmental negotiation, drafting, adoption, and related treatymaking experiences, and the substantive legal innovations they find applicable for a new legal regime for Mars.

Abstract document

IAC-14,E7,2,7,x21111.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-14,E7,2,7,x21111.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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