In 2015 Congress passed a law to legalise mining in outer space—the first of its kind in the world.
Firms that some day manage to mine asteroids for resources like water or precious metals would henceforth be allowed to own, process, and sell anything harvested. The nascent space-mining industry was thrilled. The boss of a firm called Planetary Resources compared it to the Homestead Act of 1862—a law that gave up to 160 acres in the American West to any plucky settler willing to venture forth.
More recently Wilbur Ross, the commerce secretary, has talked about creating a more “permissive” regulatory environment in space and turning the moon into a “gas station” for further exploration. Other countries are following suit: Luxembourg passed a similar measure last year and earmarked €200m to invest in space-mining companies.
But not everyone is pleased. At the UN committee dealing with outer space, Russia condemned the American move, citing America’s “total disrespect” for international law. Critics say America is conferring rights that it has no authority to confer. There are indeed legal grey areas.
Who owns what in outer space?

Image Credit: © SPL
News This Week
The Role of Nanotechnology in Space Exploration
Nanotechnology, which involves working with materials at the atomic or molecular level, is becoming increasingly important in space exploration. By improving strength, thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and radiation resistance, nanotechnology is helping create lighter, more [...]
New Study Challenges Beliefs About CBD in Pregnancy, Reveals Unexpected Risks
CBD is gaining popularity as a remedy for pregnancy symptoms like nausea and anxiety, but new research suggests it may not be as safe as many believe. A study from McMaster University found that [...]
Does COVID increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease?
Scientists discover that even mild COVID-19 can alter brain proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease, potentially increasing dementia risk—raising urgent public health concerns. A recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine investigated whether both mild and [...]
New MRI Study Reveals How Cannabis Alters Brain Activity and Weakens Memory
A massive new study sheds light on how cannabis affects the brain, particularly during cognitive tasks. Researchers analyzed over 1,000 young adults and found that both heavy lifetime use and recent cannabis consumption significantly reduced brain [...]
How to Assess Nanotoxicity: Key Methods and Protocols
With their high surface area and enhanced physicochemical properties, nanomaterials play a critical role in drug delivery, consumer products, and environmental technologies. However, their nanoscale dimensions enable interactions with cellular components in complex and [...]
Nanotech drug delivery shows lasting benefits, reducing need for repeat surgeries
A nanotechnology-based drug delivery system developed at UVA Health to save patients from repeated surgeries has proved to have unexpectedly long-lasting benefits in lab tests – a promising sign for its potential to help human patients. [...]
Scientists Just Found DNA’s Building Blocks in Asteroid Bennu – Could This Explain Life’s Origins?
Japanese scientists detected all five nucleobases — building blocks of DNA and RNA — in samples returned from asteroid Bennu by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission. NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission brought back 121.6 grams of asteroid Bennu, unveiling nitrogen-rich organic matter, including DNA’s essential [...]
AI-Designed Proteins – Unlike Any Found in Nature – Revolutionize Snakebite Treatment
Scientists have pioneered a groundbreaking method to combat snake venom using newly designed proteins, offering hope for more effective, accessible, and affordable antivenom solutions. By utilizing advanced computational techniques and deep learning, this innovative [...]
Leave A Comment