Does Anyone Own The Moon?
You might think America does since there are several American flags planted there during the various moon landings during the 60s and 70s.
But the US made it clear that while American flags are dotting the moons surface, the United States has claimed no official ownership of that particular celestial body.
Enter Dennis Hope And “Lunar Land”
In 1980, Dennis Hope, a Nevada real estate agent, registered an official claim for ownership of the moon to the UN.
Not hearing a response to the contrary he felt that was proof enough for him and his company, “Lunar Land” was born.
He realize that if people were going to purchase moon real estate their investment had to have some form of legal government protection.
In 2004 Hope started a government on the moon complete with a fully ratified constitution, a congress, a unit of currency and even a patent office.
“We’re now a fully recognized sovereign nation,” Hope said.
Hope has sold one-acre lots of real estate on the moon and other planets to about 3.7 million people so far. At $20-$30 each you do the math on that.
The 1967 Outer Space Treaty
Yes, sadly there is such a thing. I guess the UN had nothing to do on a Friday afternoon so someone came up with the short name of “The 1967 Outer Space Treaty.”
The longer more official sounding name was formally called, “The Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies.” It’s simply a treaty that forms the basis of international space law.
One hundred four countries have signed on to make sure that outer space would not be used to give any single country control of the moon and planets for personal gain.
It also outlawed chemical, biological and nuclear weapons anywhere in outer space.
The Lunar Land Loophole
You would think this treaty would leave poor Dennis Hope with no hope but he found a loophole. The terms of the treaty is to control countries not individuals so Hope claims that since his lunar government is not a member of the UN there is no reason to obey it’s rules or abide by its treaties.
Some Final Thoughts
The only thing I really know about treaties is how well the American Indian made out by signing them. So I don’t hold out a lot of hope for the future of any outer space treaty as space travel moves from countries to private individuals and large corporations.
I can see the day that someone will be standing on the moon or planet, plant his or her personal corporate flag, and scream, “This is mine. If you want it you’ll have to take it from me by force.”
I guess Star Wars will be the official code of conduct for space wars in the future.
If you really want a piece of the moon, I will be happy to act as Mr. Hope’s extraterrestrial emissary.
Just send your $20 to the station and I will get you an official deed. For $50 you can be a member of Congress or I’ll appoint you head of the Patent Office.
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