The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 and the Moon Treaty of 1979 have over the years created a basis to protect against space colonization. However, the two treaties despite having a significant role may have little significance in the 21 st century. This is because, over time, countries have developed and some have increasingly become powerful. Therefore, it is possible for the space bodies to be exploited by powerful countries, individuals and companies. There is a need to review and revise the treaties and also ensure that more countries around the world have signed to be part of the treaties.
The Outer Space Treaty needs to include private companies and individuals so that it covers all dimensions in ensuring nobody has the power to use celestial bodies for commercial use. The treaty should also ensure it addresses issues of individual countries trying to make new amendments to it (Stuart, 2017). For example, the United States should be prohibited from making contradictory acts that are not in line with the Outer Space Treaty. The treaty should also ensure that it covers all the space bodies and concepts including the orbit. Revising this treaty would ensure that there are no loopholes that countries and individuals can exploit.
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The moon treaty also needs to be revised for it to be relevant in the 21 st century. First, it should be designed in a manner that countries powerful enough to launch in space are members of the treaty. This treaty carries a lot of weight in the protection of all celestial bodies (K3jph, 2017). The treaty should reemphasize the need for abolition of any commercial use of the celestial bodies. It also protects the moon from being claimed by anyone in the world. Therefore, the major problem that the Moon Treaty faces is the lack of powerful countries being a part of it. The treaty should also clearly address the military restriction to use the moon as a resource. Both the moon treaty and outer space treaty can be effective if they are updated to serve the 21 st -century problems.
References
K3jph. (2017, August 28). Notes on the moon treaty. James Howard . https://jameshoward.us/2017/08/28/comments-moon-treaty/
Stuart, J. (2017, January 27). The outer space treaty has been remarkably successful – but is it fit for the modern age? The Conversation . https://theconversation.com/the-outer-space-treaty-has-been-remarkably-successful-but-is-it-fit-for-the-modern-age-71381