Planetary Resources, Inc., a U.S. corporation is preparing to begin commercial spaceflight operations aimed at mining and exploiting the resources of celestial bodies, such as minerals and water, beginning with near-earth asteroids. Based on recent progress in commercial aerospace industry developments and its own research and development efforts, the company believes that such operations are about to become feasible.
- What treaty first addressed international law applicable to property and mineral rights on earth's moon and other celestial bodies?
- Identify the principles set forth in that treaty.
- Has the U.S. signed that treaty?
- Has an international regime been established to more specifically govern the property and mineral rights of businesses engaged in the exploitation of such resources?