A490_Lunar_Habitat_Project - Lunar Space Treaty

Lunar Space Treaty

Authors: Raghav Chari^1, Robert Smith^1

Bureau of International Space Policy^1

To create a comprehensive and formal International Lunar Habitat Treaty, it's essential to draw upon the principles and frameworks established by current international treaties and agreements, such as the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, the Antarctic Treaty System, and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. These documents offer valuable precedent for cooperative governance, environmental protection, and peaceful use of shared global commons. The proposed treaty will aim to address the unique challenges and opportunities of sustaining a multi-national lunar habitat.

Lunar_Habitat_Treaty.pdf

Please sign the following document to acknowledge your agreement to the Lunar Habitat Treaty

International Lunar Habitat Treaty (ILHT)

Preamble

Recognizing the common interest of all humanity in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes, and acknowledging the importance of the moon in this endeavor,

Acknowledging the principles laid out in the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (Outer Space Treaty) of 1967,

Understanding the necessity of establishing a legal framework to govern the activities of nations in the establishment and operation of lunar habitats,

Emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and mutual assistance in the exploration and use of outer space,

Desiring to promote the peaceful use of the lunar environment and to prevent its harmful contamination,

Hereby agree to the following provisions:

Article 1: Purpose

The purpose of this Treaty is to facilitate international cooperation in the exploration, use, and habitation of the moon, ensuring that activities are conducted for the benefit of all countries and are peaceful in nature.

Article 2: Principles

The moon and its natural resources are the common heritage of humanirt, and their exploration and use shall be carried out for the benefit of all peoples, irrespective of their degree of economic or scientific development.
Activities on the moon shall be governed by the principle of cooperation and mutual assistance. States shall work together to promote the sustainable use of lunar resources and the protection of the lunar environment.
The establishment of lunar habitats shall not constitute a basis for sovereignty claims, nor shall it be used for military purposes.

Article 3: Environmental Protection

Parties to the Treaty commit to the prevention of adverse changes in the environment of the moon.
Scientific research and exploration shall be conducted in a manner that does not disturb the natural balance of the lunar environment.
Measures shall be taken to prevent the contamination of the moon with terrestrial microorganisms.

Article 4: Settlement and Operation

The establishment of lunar habitats shall be reported to an International Lunar Registry, maintained by an oversight body established under this Treaty.
Lunar habitats shall be designed and operated to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of their inhabitants, as well as to protect the lunar environment.
The use of lunar resources shall be conducted in a sustainable manner, with an emphasis on in-situ resource utilization to reduce dependency on Earth-based supplies.

Article 5: Jurisdiction and Control

Each State Party to this Treaty shall retain jurisdiction and control over its personnel and habitats on the moon.
States Parties shall be liable for any damage caused by their lunar habitats or personnel.

Article 6: Dispute Resolution

Disputes arising from the interpretation or application of this Treaty shall be resolved through peaceful means, including negotiation, inquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, or other peaceful means of the parties' choice.

Article 7: Amendments and Withdrawal

Any State Party may propose amendments to this Treaty. Amendments shall enter into force upon acceptance by a majority of the States Parties.
Any State Party may withdraw from this Treaty one year after giving written notice to the Depository.

Article 8: Final Provisions

This Treaty is open to all States for ratification. It shall be subject to ratification by signatory States and to accession by any State. The instruments of ratification and accession shall be deposited with the designated Depository Government.

References:

Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (Outer Space Treaty), 1967.
The Antarctic Treaty, 1959.
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982.

Amendment 1: Lunar Habitat Mining Act

Recognizing the uniqueness and fragility of our lunar landscape and the need for sustainable and responsible exploitation of its resources, this Act is established to govern any and all mining activities within the lunar habitat.

Mining activites must minimize environmental impact, preserving historic lunar craters. Consequently, the act of mining has been restricted to designated mining sites
The use of explosives are strictly prohibited and all efforts must be made to prevent any and all alterations to the structure of our habitat.
Entities seeking to mine for personal ownership of minerals must have their findings cleared by the science team
A tax will be levied to all mining activites. The proceeds from lunar mining activities shall contribute to a Community Development Fund, supporting infrastructure, education, and health services within the lunar habitat.
Violations of this Act may result in fines, suspension, or revocation of mining licenses and in some severe cases, will lead to criminal prosecution.

Amendment 2: Technological Development Act

Our Lunar Habitat promotes the advancement of sustainable technologies for improving the survival and well being of the inhabitants of our habitat. This act seeks to promote innovation, collaboration, and responsible stewardship in the development of lunar habitats.

All technologies will be developed for the sole purpose of advancing the sustainability and safety of the lunar habitat. Any and all proposed technologies will need to be approved.
Funds will be allocated for research and development projects that show promise in advancing sustainability and safety of the lunar habitat.
The development of innovative technologies for life support, radiation shielding, energy generation as well as humidity control are explicitly encouraged and will receive preferential allocation for funds.
The lunar habitat public must be made aware of purpose and development of technological projects and the benefits towards the lunar habitat.
A regulatory body will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of TDA and ensure compliance with its provisions.