Boots on the Moon Managing the Return of Humans to the Moon

Several countries have announced their intention to establish a human presence on the Moon in the coming decade. What are the laws that will regulate the sustained presence of humans on the Moon and their use of resources? The Artemis Accords articulate some new concepts with respect to communal uses of the Moon. Whilst modelled in part on the agreements underpinning the International Space Station, the Accords will involve different partners and new ways of working. China and Russia have also announced their intention to establish a base on the Moon, which will involve ‘experimental research facilities created on the surface and/or in the orbit of the moon.’ How will these activities co-operate in the context of the UN Space Treaties? What laws will regulate the in situ use of resources and how will historic sites be protected? How will private operators respond to the current international law context of space law in their activities on the Moon? This chapter will consider the legal frameworks that will be applied to the return of humans to the Moon and where gaps and discrepancies in those frameworks may give rise to international tensions.