Who Owns Outer Space?

Eric R. Olson

With the exception of international waters, unclaimed portions of Antarctica and a Hong Kong-sized parcel of land wedged between Egypt and Sudan, nearly every square inch of planet Earth has been claimed by a governing body. That leaves would-be colonists and conquerors with only one place to look: skyward.

Although a 1967 United Nations treaty states that “outer space is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means” this hasn’t stopped at least one bold entrepreneur from selling plots of land on our closest celestial neighbors. Scientific American editor Clara Moskowitz has the story in our latest Instant Egghead video.

More to Explore:

Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States
in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including
the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (United Nations)

Dennis M. Hope Has Owned the Moon Since 1980 Because He Says So (VICE)

Credits:

Written & presented by Clara Moskowitz

Edited by Joss Fong

Produced by Eric R. Olson

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