Rupesh Masson’s Purchase Raises Questions About Extraterrestrial Real Estate.
In a move that has captured the imagination of space enthusiasts and legal experts alike, a resident of Jammu, Rupesh Masson, recently acquired a one-acre plot of land on the Moon. This extraterrestrial endeavor was carried out through the Lunar Registry, an online platform that claims to facilitate the sale of lunar real estate. However, the purchase has prompted discussions about the legal validity of such transactions.
Inspired by India’s remarkable achievement in space exploration, particularly the successful soft-landing of Chandrayaan-3 near the Moon’s south pole on August 23, 2023, Rupesh Masson decided to take his fascination with space a step further. On August 25, 2023, he became the proud owner of lunar property, situated in the intriguingly named “Lake of Dreams” region on the Moon.
For the nominal price of USD 34 (Rs 2,812.61), Masson obtained a certificate of ownership, a map detailing his lunar plot, and a deed bearing his name. While the Jammu resident expressed uncertainty about ever setting foot on his lunar property, he conveyed his hope that it would serve as an inspiration for others to pursue their dreams and explore the universe. Additionally, Masson disclosed plans to acquire more extraterrestrial land on the Moon and other celestial bodies in the future.
However, legal experts and authorities have raised concerns regarding the legitimacy of purchasing land on the Moon or any other celestial body. They point to the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, an international agreement that clearly stipulates that no nation or individual can claim sovereignty over any part of outer space. This treaty, which has been ratified by a significant number of countries, including India, firmly establishes outer space as the province of all humankind, intended for peaceful exploration and research.
Experts assert that entities like the Lunar Registry and similar online platforms lack the authority of any government or international organization to sell extraterrestrial property. Consequently, the certificates issued by such platforms hold no legal weight or value.
In light of these legal constraints, individuals interested in owning land on the Moon should approach such endeavors purely for fun or novelty, without harboring expectations of acquiring any substantive rights or benefits.
Rupesh Masson’s lunar acquisition has ignited a spirited debate on the boundaries of space ownership and the enduring allure of the cosmos. While his symbolic purchase offers a glimpse into the dreams of owning a piece of another world, it also underscores the complex legal challenges surrounding the privatization of celestial real estate.
Resources:
1.https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/jammu-man-buys-a-plot-on-moon/story
3.https://kashmirobserver.net/2023/09/02/jammu-businessman-buys-one-acre-land-on-moon/
5.https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/jammu-man-buys-land-on-moon/ar-AA1g3GMi