Question

Which of the following is correct about salient features of the Outer Space Treaty, 1967?

• A. Outer space is subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of occupation, or by other means.
• B. State parties to the treaty undertake to place in orbit around the earth objects carrying nuclear weapons or weapons of mass destruction.
• C. Outer space shall be free for exploration by all States without any discrimination.
• D. State parties to the treaty shall treat astronauts as nationals of the state of the astronauts and the rules of nationality shall apply in outer space, and such State shall be only be responsible for the astronauts.

Hint:

Core principles of the Outer Space Treaty: Space is free for all to explore, cannot be claimed by any nation, and must be used for peaceful purposes (no WMDs in orbit).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand the Outer Space Treaty.
This treaty is the foundation of international space law.

Step 2: Analyze the statements based on the treaty's principles.

(A): This is incorrect.
Article II of the treaty explicitly forbids national appropriation of outer space.
Space is the "province of all mankind.
"
(B): This is incorrect.
Article IV expressly prohibits placing nuclear weapons or other WMDs in orbit.

(C): This is correct.
Article I of the treaty states that the exploration and use of outer space shall be carried out for the benefit of all countries and shall be free for exploration and use by all States without discrimination of any kind.

(D): This is incorrect.
Article V states that astronauts shall be regarded as "envoys of mankind" and states must render them all possible assistance.
States retain jurisdiction over their nationals, but the concept is broader than simple nationality rules.