The outer space landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, the new paradigm characterized by increasing private sector participation, lower launch costs, rapid technological innovation. These developments promise economic and scientific opportunities.
A major challenge lies in the legal framework governing space resources. Existing agreements mainly prohibit national sovereignty over celestial bodies but offer little clarity regarding ownership of minerals extracted from the Moon, Mars, or asteroids. Today, emerging space powers such as India and China have developed extensive expertise and are likely to seek a greater role in shaping future rules. The Artemis Accords, led by the United States, recognizes the ownership over extracted minerals from celestial bodies - it has sown seeds for future alliances but also points towards likely monopolization and unequal access.
Ownership of space resources may involve rights to extract, process, transport, store, use, and sell materials and this raises complex legal issues: Who will exercise jurisdiction over extracted resources? How will competing claims be resolved? What mechanisms will govern disputes, theft, or interference with commercial operations? To avoid future conflict, the international community must establish clear and inclusive rules before large-scale commercial mining begins. India, with its successful Moon and Mars missions, is well positioned to contribute to these discussions and protect its long-term interests.
Read the full article here Moon, Mars and Minerals – Magic Menu for Mankind
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