Historical Document

Outer Space Treaty

Also Known As Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies

Modern International Agreements and Pacts

The Outer Space Treaty, formally the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, is a multilateral treaty that forms the basis of international space law. Negotiated under the auspices of the United Nations, it was opened for signature in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union on 27 January 1967 and entered into force on 10 October 1967. As of October 2025, 118 countries are party to it, including every major spacefaring nation. Its key provisions prohibit nuclear weapons in space, limit use of the Moon and other celestial bodies to peaceful purposes, establish that space is to be freely explored by all nations, and prevent any country from claiming sovereignty over outer space or a celestial body.

Facts

Document Type

Multilateral treaty 1

Creation Year

1967 1

Origin Place

United States, United Kingdom and Soviet Union 1

Document Type

Document Type (category)

Treaty 1

FAQs

Who is responsible under the Outer Space Treaty when a private company acts in space?

States answer for national space activities even when a private or other non-governmental entity carries them out.

The treaty places the responsibility on the state, not on the company. States are responsible for national space activities whether those activities are carried out by governmental or non-governmental entities. States are also liable for damage caused by their space objects.

Connections

In Era

The Contemporary Period

Source Outer Space Treaty, Wikipedia

In the Other Atlases