Can you do illegal things in space?
Isabella Harris
Updated on January 22, 2026
No one nation may claim ownership of outer space or any celestial body. Activities carried out in space must abide by the international law and the nations undergoing these said activities must accept responsibility for the governmental or non-governmental agency involved.
Is anything illegal in space?
There is no claim for sovereignty in space; no nation can “own” space, the Moon or any other body. Weapons of mass destruction are forbidden in orbit and beyond, and the Moon, the planets, and other celestial bodies can only be used for peaceful purposes.Can a crime be committed in space?
Indeed, space-related offenses are quite rare, as it is still a domain restricted from the general public. However, in 2019, a news made the headlines due to its surprising novelty. In August 2019, the NASA astronaut Anne McClain has been accused of committing a crime in outer space.Is it illegal to claim land in space?
Space law treatiesOuter space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means.