In recent years, the idea of owning a property on the moon has now moved from fiction to a purchasing possibility. With time, people begin to explore more about space and advanced technology, and private citizens and companies are planning to own a piece of lunar property. Well, it is not at all easy to buy land on the moon just like you are buying it on the earth but it seems like soon the dream of owning a lunar property is going to be true.
Before you rush into the deal and go ahead with the purchase, you must ensure that you know what it implies. This guide will walk you through the process of buying property on the Moon, what the process involves, and the legalities behind the offers.
Can you buy Land on the Moon?
It is possible to buy land on the moon, and many celebrities have participated in this scheme, buying property before private companies and nations snatch up their share of land.
According to international treaties, such as the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, it was made clear that no nation has the right to own the Moon. No government, individual, or organization can rightly claim ownership over the Moon.
The treaty involved the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union, who sat down together to work out a treaty on space exploration. The treaty became the foundation of international space law. However, it contains some ambiguity specifically regarding national ownership and there is no explicit prohibition on private ownership.
The Moon Agreement of 1979 further supported the idea, stating that the Moon and the other celestial bodies should be used for humankind’s benefit. The treaty did not allow weapons testing but allowed scientific research to be done and shared with the international community.
Although this agreement has some loopholes and is not universally recognized, it forbids both national and private ownership of land on the moon.
Companies selling lunar property
Several companies claim to sell lunar property. These companies have the authority to allocate specific areas of the Moon. Among the companies are,
Lunar Embassy: The only company with a filed claim to sell land on the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies. It began its operations in 1980. It provides legal assistance to those willing to purchase and sell land on the Moon.
Their legal claim to sell property on the moon is recognized by the U.S Claim Registry and Copyright Office. It has sold lunar lands to millions of people globally, including numerous celebrities.
The Lunar Registry: This company sells lunar lands through the International Lunar Lands Authority (ILLA), which claims to allocate, record, and administer ownership claims to property on the Moon.
These lands are usually given on behalf of individuals, non-governmental organizations, national space programs, and private business entities, according to international treaties. Moreover, It provides satellite photographs and encrypted ownership contracts.
Lunar International: It is another company that offers lunar lands as deeds. Usually, these deeds are presented as gifts or collectibles instead of legitimate land titles.
What Do You Actually Get?
Whenever you purchase a property on the moon from one of these companies, your purchase is not actual land that you can develop or use in the future. Your purchase includes.
Certificate: This is a document that is being provided to you as a means of you ‘owning’ a specific area of the Moon. It doesn’t offer any legal claim but only mentions the name and location of your lunar plot.
Map of the Moon: The map will show where your land is located. It highlights popular regions like the Sea of Tranquility, Apollo landing sites, and other famous landmarks on the moon.
Deed to the Land: According to the international space treaties, the lunar land is not meant to be sold, so this document doesn’t give the right to claim, sell, or develop the land.
Legal and Moral Implications
The lunar land is bought for novelty purposes and is not recognized by any government or international legal body. Some ethical concerns spark debates among people, with some believing that selling land on the Moon might give the impression that space is privately owned.
Additionally, there are environmental concerns regarding the potential impact on the Moon. If space missions take place in the future, conflicts could arise among private buyers claiming to own the land. This could cause conflicts over who actually owns the land and who has the right to use it.
How to buy Lunar Property?
If you are interested in purchasing a certificate or deed for a lunar land, then some steps can help you buy lunar property. Some of them are listed below.
Research companies: Initiate the research by searching for companies that sell lunar property. Make sure you know that the land you are buying is symbolic and that it doesn’t give legal ownership of the land on the Moon.
Select your parcel: The companies give options to a range of plots in different areas of the Moon. You have the leverage to choose between well-known sites like the Sea of Tranquility or Apollo landing locations.
Make your purchase: After you are done selecting your land, you can buy it online through the company’s website. Usually, the prices vary from $20 to $100, Depending on the size of the plot you bought. However, the prices keep fluctuating depending upon the demand of the plot.
Receive your certificate: After you have purchased the land on the moon, you will receive a certificate of ownership and a map showing your lunar plot.
Conclusion
Buying land on the moon can be a unique experience, but it doesn’t give you real ownership. It is a symbolic gesture, and as space exploration continues to grow, the idea of owning an actual lunar land will become a reality in the future. For now, buying land on the moon is something to enjoy and connect with space!
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