The Outer Space Treaty (OST) of 1967 is the foundational international law governing space, adopted by the UN in 1967, requiring peaceful use, banning weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) in orbit, and prohibiting national appropriation of celestial bodies.

• Signed by 103 countries and ratified by key nations such as the UK, Russia, and the US. India is also a signatory to the treaty.
• The Outer Space Treaty assigns international accountability to member states for their activities in outer space, encompassing the moon and other celestial bodies, regardless of whether these endeavors are carried out by governmental bodies or non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
• They are obligated to ensure that such activities adhere to the treaty’s principles, which emphasise peaceful exploration and use of outer space, international cooperation, non-appropriation, and non-weaponization. Additionally, states must authorise and supervise all relevant activities.
• The Outer Space Treaty also establishes liability for damage, holding launching states internationally accountable for any harm caused to another State Party, its citizens, or entities on Earth, in the atmosphere, or in outer space, resulting from their space objects or components.

Source: The Hindu