Establishing a Legal Framework for Property Rights to Natural Resources in Outer Space‪.‬

This Note addresses the need for a stable legal framework to form a workable system that encourages the responsible exploration and exploitation of resources from celestial bodies. Nations and private companies are eager to mine the moon because of its potential for commercial energy sources. However, without a stable legal framework, nations and companies are unlikely to fund such expensive mining operations. This Note analyzes proposals for a new system of rules to govern the mining and use of outer space resources, and concludes by proposing a new framework that encourages exploration and mining while benefiting mankind as a whole. INTRODUCTION