The Outer Space Treaty, 1967
The Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies was signed on the 27th January 1967. The Treaty has 104 states party to it and outlines the overarching legal structure for state activities in outer space. Specifically, states are banned from stationing weapons of mass destruction in the earth’s orbit and establishing military facilities, engaging in weapons testing and conducting military operations in outer space, on the moon or any other celestial body. Military personnel and equipment are allowed to be used in outer space when they are deemed necessary for exploratory, scientific, or peaceful purposes in general. Furthermore, while the treaty does prohibit the installation of nuclear weapons in outer space, conventional weapons are not prohibited and may be tested and used in outer space by states which desire to do so.