Outer Space Treaty

Quick Facts: Who was Outer Space Treaty?

Subject:

Outer Space Treaty

Known for:

The foundational multilateral treaty governing all activities in outer space.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Outer Space Treaty, formally called 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 a multilateral treaty that forms the basis of international space law. Negotiated and drafted under the auspices of the United Nations, it was opened for signature in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union on 27 January 1967, entering into force on 10 October 1967.

Career & Major Achievements

As of October 2025, 118 countries are parties to the treaty—including all major spacefaring nations—and another 20 are signatories.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Key provisions of the treaty include prohibiting nuclear weapons in space; limiting the use of the Moon and all other celestial bodies to peaceful purposes; establishing that space shall be freely explored and used by all nations; and precluding any country from claiming sovereignty over outer space or any celestial body.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1967: 1967 Milestone — Negotiated and drafted under the auspices of the United Nations, it was opened for signature in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union on 27 January 1967, entering into force on 10 October 1967.
2. 2025: 2025 Milestone — As of October 2025, 118 countries are parties to the treaty—including all major spacefaring nations—and another 20 are signatories.

Notable Quotes by Outer Space Treaty

“The Outer Space Treaty forms the basis of international space law.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Outer Space Treaty

True or False: “True or False: The Outer Space Treaty explicitly bans all forms of military activity, including the placement of conventional weapons, in outer space.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The treaty prohibits nuclear weapons and testing, but it does not expressly ban all military activities or the placement of conventional weapons, although it restricts military bases and maneuvers.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Akshay Kumar — Historical peer (Born in 1967) (1967): Veteran Indian actor and producer, celebrated for action roles and prolific career.
• Albert Luthuli — Historical peer (Died in 1967) (1967): Pioneering anti-apartheid activist and leader of the ANC in South Africa.
• Alasdair MacIntyre — Historical peer (Died in 2025) (2025): Influential Scottish-American philosopher known for virtue ethics and political theory.
• Alfred Brendel — Historical peer (Died in 2025) (2025): Czech-born Austrian pianist, composer, and scholar renowned for Beethoven.

Frequently Asked Questions about Outer Space Treaty