Determining the ownership of celestial bodies such as the Moon is a complex legal and political question that currently lacks a definitive answer. The topic of space ownership is governed by international space law, primarily the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which is the cornerstone of space law and has been ratified by most spacefaring nations.
According to the Outer Space Treaty, which has been signed by over 100 countries, including all major space-faring nations, no nation can claim sovereignty over the Moon or any other celestial body. The treaty establishes that space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, is the common heritage of all humankind. It prohibits any nation from appropriating the Moon or other celestial bodies by means of occupation, claiming sovereignty, or through any other means.
This treaty has effectively prevented any single nation from asserting ownership over the Moon. Instead, it promotes the exploration and use of outer space for the benefit of all countries and forbids any national appropriation or exploitation for purely national purposes. It encourages international cooperation in space activities and the peaceful exploration of outer space.
Although the Outer Space Treaty prohibits national ownership, it does not address the issue of private ownership or the exploitation of resources on celestial bodies. Some debates and discussions have arisen in recent years regarding the potential for commercial activities on the Moon, such as mining or establishing permanent settlements. However, any such activities would need to be conducted in accordance with international space law and existing treaties, including considerations of equitable sharing of benefits and environmental protections.
In summary, as of now, the Moon is considered the common heritage of all humankind, and no individual or nation can claim sovereignty over it. The question of future ownership and utilization of celestial bodies may continue to evolve as space exploration and commercial activities progress, and international agreements and laws may be developed to address these matters.