The Outer Space Treaty: the basic framework of international space law

International Treaty Polity & Governance Science & Technology

The Outer Space Treaty: the basic framework of international space law

Background

The Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, is known as the Outer Space Treaty.
It was adopted by the General Assembly on 19 December 1966 through resolution 2222 (XXI), following the 1963 Declaration of Legal Principles.
It was opened for signature at London, Moscow and Washington on 27 January 1967 and entered into force on 10 October 1967; three Governments (USSR, United Kingdom and United States) assumed the depositary duties.
Outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, is not subject to national appropriation by any means.
States shall not place in orbit objects carrying nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction.
States bear international responsibility for national space activities, whether carried on by governmental agencies or by non-governmental entities.

Adopted by General Assembly: 19 December 1966, resolution 2222 (XXI) Opened for signature: 27 January 1967 Entered into force: 10 October 1967 Depositary Governments: 3

Why it matters for exams: The treaty's no-national-appropriation and no-weapons-of-mass-destruction principles and its year of entry into force are favourite space-law questions.

Kerala PSCUPSCSSC

7 October 2026 Source: UN Audiovisual Library of International Law - Outer Space Treaty

In plain words

Depositary Governments Governments with which a treaty's instruments are deposited — For this treaty they are the USSR, the United Kingdom and the United States.