Elon Musk makes Mars an intriguing destination. More than that, legal repercussions about turning the red planet as man's next home makes matters even more enthralling.
Preparing Mars for human occupation is definitely difficult. The possibility of it happening may be likely in the next fifteen to twenty years. However, as early as now, the founder of SpaceX is already expected to map out a plan to send explorers or colonizers, if the word fits, to the fourth planet from the sun.
In 1967, the United States has affixed its signature on the Outer Space Treaty which indicated that a celestial body is a property to none. The inclusion of Mars in the equation can be a barrier to deal with later especially now that Musk is set on taking space exploration into the next level.
Frans Von Der Dunk, who studies space law at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, begs to differ. According to him, there is nothing in outer world treaties that prevent SpaceX from heading to Mars. Setting up habitats and building new communities are allowed provided that no one claims a territory as his own. The deployment of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) is as well prohibited.
According to the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, activities in space are governed by international space law. On the basis of equality, exploration and access are free without discrimination.
Perhaps the closest legal approach that can be expected on Mars is the way maritime regulations are applied. International waters remain open to all parties concerned. Certain rules are followed along neutral grounds. Technically, voids or spaces beyond earth count as international domains.
Should Mars become habitable, a governing system is necessary. At present, permissions are limited to the launching of satellites and rockets in space. With the number of organizations promoting space travel, there may be a need to impose restrictions especially with the licensing procedures involving space tourists. The approach is also necessary for companies mining other heavenly bodies like the asteroids.
