Abstract:

In recent years, some people either in China or somewhere else in the world claim their property rights to the Moon and other celestial bodies. The ar ticle discusses whether the claims are lawful according to national laws, space law treaties, views of space law scholars and the relevant jurisprudence. It con cludes that not only States, but also private entities are forbidden to appropri ate the Moon and other celestial bodies. Therefore, nobody is allowed to have re al property right to the Moon and to sell lunar lands. States must fulfill their obligations, in accordance with Article 6 of the Outer Space Treaty, to prohibi t real property rights in outer space.

Key words: the Moon, celestial bodies, non-appropriation, Outer Space Treaty, M oon Agreement, common heritage of mankind