The scientific results of the lunar exploration missions have been the subject of many articles and books – yet their spiritual implications need not be overlooked. Holy texts of different religions were carried to the Moon, astronauts delivered prayers from the lunar orbit, and some of them even found new spiritual vocations on the Moon. People of all faiths were united in prayer when the astronauts faced danger, and the lunar missions received

This article analyses the impact of the non-appropriation principle of the Outer Space Treaty over landed property rights on the celestial bodies, proving that, while appropriation of land may exist outside the sphere of sovereignty, its survival is dependent upon endorsement from a sovereign entity. A State endorsment would violate the non-appropriation principle, and abrogation of this principle would be both undesirable and unlikely to happen.

Previously the exclusive domain of science-fiction novels, the sale of extraterrestrial real estate has nowadays become a favourite feature of tabloid reports. This article critically analyses and dismantles with legal arguments the issue of the sale of extraterrestrial land, after having outlined some of the trivial claims of ownership of celestial bodies. From Dennis Hope’s lunar claim to the alleged Martian trespass by NASA’s Pathfinder, the

Using family interviews and archive material, this article outlines the forgotten history of the Nation of Celestial Space, brainchild of a Chicago public relations man, James T. Mangan. From 1948 to 1970 Mangan sought international recognition for his micronation, and repeatedly protested at satellites encroaching upon his domain. Celestia issued passports to the Moon to astronauts, and its own currency and stamps, anticipating by decades the current

Land on the Moon for sale? Think twice. For eons, the Moon has been the symbol of supreme desire. Asking for the Moon meant asking for the impossible. Owning the Moon and the stars was both the ultimate want and the ultimate folly. And, proven that a fool and his money are easily parted, there ought to arise people who would readily exploit this weakness. With or without material aims, many people throughout the ages thought they were the first ones

This work investigates the permissibility and viability of property rights on the celestial bodies, particularly the extraterrestrial aspects of land and mineral resources ownership. In lay terms, it aims to find an answer to the question "Who owns the Moon?" The first chapter critically analyses and dismantles with legal arguments the issue of sale of extraterrestrial real estate, after having perused some of the trivial claims of celestial bodies