Celestial Claims and Cosmic Conflicts: Space Mining and the Moon Agreement in the Age of Extraterrestrial Exploitation

Author(s)	Dr. Subholaxmi Mukherjee
Country	India
Abstract	The emerging era of extraterrestrial resource extraction presents both unparalleled opportunities and profound legal dilemmas. As states and private actors advance toward space mining, the question of ownership, exploitation, and liability over celestial resources becomes increasingly critical. The 1979 Moon Agreement sought to establish the Moon and other celestial bodies as the “common heritage of mankind,” ensuring equitable use and preventing unilateral appropriation. However, its limited ratification—particularly the absence of major spacefaring nations—has rendered it largely ineffective. This paper critically analyzes the interplay between the Outer Space Treaty (1967) and the Moon Agreement (1979), examines the rise of national space resource legislation, and explores gaps in the international legal regime concerning ownership rights and liability. The article argues for a renewed, inclusive framework to balance commercial ambitions with equity, sustainability, and the peaceful use of outer space.
Keywords	Space Mining; Moon Agreement; Outer Space Treaty; Extraterrestrial Ownership; Space Law; Liability; Resource Exploitation; Common Heritage Of Mankind; International Law; Lunar Resources
Published In	Volume 16, Issue 4, October-December 2025
Published On	2025-11-16
DOI	https://doi.org/10.71097/IJSAT.v16.i4.9422
Short DOI	https://doi.org/hbbmzz

About IJSAT Fees & Payment Current Issue Publication Archive	Submit Research Paper Track Submission Status Publication Guidelines Publication Ethics Peer Review & Plagiarism	Join as a Reviewer Editors & Reviewers Reviewer Referral Program Get Reviewer Membership Certi.	Website/Journal Policies Usage Policy Content Policies Privacy Policy

Contact Us	Message on WhatsApp	+91-9687-182-185	editor@ijsat.org

International Journal on Science and Technology