Understanding Multi-stakeholder Regime Formation- The Case of Cislunar Space
Abstract
In 2017, the United States announced its intention to return humans to the Moon, an effort to be achieved through NASA’s Artemis program. The renewed civil and scientific focus on the Moon associated with the Artemis program has been accompanied by significant interest and investment among both U.S. military and commercial actors. International interest in the Moon has also expanded significantly, with Russia, China, Japan, Europe, India, the United Arab Emirates, and others announcing ambitions to undertake missions to the Moon and-or cislunar space. Cislunar exploration and development poses numerous resource and security challenges, such as the placement of lunar bases, engagement in lunar resource extraction and utilization, space tourism, and commercial development on the Moon. Yet the international regime governing these activities is limited, and future developments are uncertain. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 provides an important framework, but little detailed guidance. The Moon Agreement, while offering more specific guidance, has been rejected by nearly all major spacefaring nations. The United States has developed the non-binding Artemis Accords, which as of November 2022, had been signed by 21 nations. China and Russia have announced plans to develop an International Lunar Research Station and are actively pursuing additional international partners. Establishing a peaceful regime for lunar activities will be necessary to avoid conflict and ensure peaceful expansion in this new domain.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 07, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310590
Entities
People
- Mariel Borowitz
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Georgia Tech Research Corporation
- Office of the Secretary of Defense