Outer space and celestial bodies are the province of mankind and shall be used only for peaceful purposes and for the benefit of all mankind. Nuclear weapons of mass destruction, military bases, and military maneuvers are banned from space. Outer space shall be free for exploration, use, and scientific investigation. Jurisdiction over space objects launched from Earth shall be retained by the launching state. Private interests are recognized as having freedom of action in space, so long as a government or group of governments on Earth authorize and exercise continuing supervision over their activities.
Governments are liable for damage caused on Earth by their space objects.
The natural environments of celestial bodies should not be seriously disrupted, and Earth must not be contaminated by extraterrestrial organisms.