Extraterrestrial real estate

The Moon as seen by an observer from Earth. It is claimed as private property by several individuals.[1][2]

Extraterrestrial real estate refers to claims of land ownership on other planets, natural satellites, or parts of space by certain organizations or individuals. Previous[clarification needed] claims are not recognized by any authority, and have no legal standing. Nevertheless, some private individuals and organizations have claimed ownership of celestial bodies, such as the Moon, and are actively involved in "selling" parts of them through certificates of ownership termed "Lunar deeds", "Martian deeds" or similar.

While personal claims have little weight, whole countries could potentially lay claim to colonizing certain bodies. Extraterrestrial real estate not only deals with the legal standpoints of potential colonization, but how it could be feasible for long-term real estate. There are multiple factors to consider in using another planet for real estate including transportation, planetary protection, astrobiology, sustainability, how to create a real estate market, and the orbital real estate of the planet, as well.

  1. ^ "Who owns the moon? It's 'complicated', say experts". CNN. 2008.
  2. ^ "This man claims he owns the Moon". Newser. 2013.

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