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 adopted on January 27, 1967, and became effective on October 10, 1967. This treaty forms the foundation of international space law, outlining key principles such as the freedom of exploration, the use of space for the benefit of all nations, the prohibition of national claims over celestial bodies, and the requirement that space be used peacefully. It also establishes that outer space, the Moon, and other celestial bodies cannot be claimed by any nation. Each country is responsible for its space activities, whether conducted by government agencies or private companies, and these activities must follow international law to support global peace and security. If a private company wants to operate in space, it must first gain approval from the relevant nation and be continuously monitored by it. This makes the state the key link between private space actors and international law. The treaty does not clearly define the boundary between Earth's airspace and outer space, nor does it provide a precise definition of "outer space." It also does not specify if certain areas of space might be exempt from the rule against claiming sovereignty. Additionally, the treaty prohibits placing nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in orbit or on celestial bodies. It also bans the establishment of military bases or the conduct of military maneuvers in space, although the use of military personnel for peaceful activities like scientific research is allowed. The treaty was created in an era when space exploration was primarily the domain of national governments, such as NASA in the United States. Today, private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are increasingly involved in space activities, including commercial space flights and space tourism. This shift has raised questions about how the legal framework, originally designed for government operations, can be adapted to include private actors. The legal status of individuals participating in space tourism, for example, remains unclear, particularly in terms of their rights, obligations, and liability. Article V of the treaty describes astronauts as "envoys of humanity in outer space," highlighting their special status and the need for their protection. This means that if an astronaut is in distress, the countries involved must provide assistance and ensure their safe return to their home country. Since outer space is not under the control of any single nation, the legal jurisdiction for activities in space is mainly based on the principle of the jurisdiction and control of the country that registered the spacecraft. According to Article VIII of the treaty, the country that registered a spacecraft retains jurisdiction and control over it and its personnel in space. For example, a Japanese astronaut aboard a spacecraft registered in Japan would generally be subject to Japanese law. However, the situation is more complex with the International Space Station (ISS), a multinational project governed by a 1998 Intergovernmental Agreement. This agreement outlines a specific legal framework for jurisdiction and control, allowing partner countries to maintain authority over their parts of the station. In criminal matters, the agreement typically grants jurisdiction to the country of the person suspected of committing the offense, but the country of the victim may also have jurisdiction in certain cases, such as when the offense threatens the life or safety of its citizen. The treaty does not define "space debris," but it refers to "space objects." French law defines space debris as non-functional human-made objects in orbit or re-entering the atmosphere. These objects remain legally tied to the country that launched them and cannot be claimed by another nation without the original country's consent. Because space debris can move unpredictably, the country that launched the object must take steps to prevent harm to other countries and inform them of potential risks.