How Spacefaring Nations Could Avoid Conflict on the Moon

The New Era of Lunar Exploration

In the early 21st century, humanity is on the brink of a new era in lunar exploration. While the Apollo missions of the 1960s marked a singular effort by one nation, the current phase involves multiple countries with diverse intentions and capabilities.

Valuable Resources and Future Bases

The south pole of the Moon is particularly intriguing due to its abundant water ice in permanently shadowed craters. This resource could be converted into water for lunar bases and rocket fuel, facilitating ongoing exploration and supporting human life on the moon. Additionally, the region may contain valuable minerals such as rare earth metals, which countries might seek to exploit.

The United States, China, and their international partners are planning permanent bases at these strategic locations.

These endeavors raise concerns about potential conflict over limited resources and suitable landing sites. As nations like Thailand and Senegal sign onto both US-led and Chinese initiatives, they act as bridges between competing programs, fostering collaboration amidst rising tensions.

Legal Frameworks and International Agreements

To navigate these challenges, international treaties provide a legal foundation for space exploration. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty explicitly states that outer space is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty. Article I of the treaty also declares that space is a global common, available for use and benefit of all nations.

The Artemis accords, initiated by NASA, offer a bottom-up approach to establish common behaviors in lunar resource extraction.

Section 10 states that “extraction of space resources does not inherently constitute national appropriation under Article II.” The accords propose the establishment of temporary safety zones around resource extraction operations and require signatories to notify other nations of their activities.

However, critics argue that these safety zones could be seen as de facto ownership rights over lunar resources. Despite these concerns, 56 countries have signed onto the Artemis accords, including Thailand and Senegal. China’s involvement through its Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project further complicates the landscape.

Challenges and Opportunities

The Moon Agreement of 1979, adopted by the United Nations, also governs lunar resource use. It calls for transparency among signatories and an international effort to manage these resources. Notably, major powers like China, the US, and Russia have not signed this agreement.

Despite these challenges, some experts argue that the Moon Agreement provides the best framework for a cooperative future in space.

However, nations would need to make necessary amendments or find alternative solutions if they wish to fully benefit from its provisions.

The recent selection of a new class of astronauts by NASA, with 60% women, symbolizes progress and inclusivity. Meanwhile, China’s successful testing of its crewed lunar lander Lanyue marks significant advancement in their space program. These developments highlight the potential for equitable future cooperation in space.

As humanity stands on the cusp of a new age in lunar exploration, the question remains: Can nations avoid replicating the wild west mentality that characterized previous space races?

The answer lies not only in legal frameworks but also in diplomatic efforts to ensure a peaceful and cooperative approach to lunar resource management and utilization.

The expansion of humanity’s footprint beyond Earth presents both challenges and opportunities. By embracing collaboration, transparency, and shared governance principles, we can ensure that the Moon serves as a platform for global partnership rather than a source of conflict.