National Space Day
Why it Matters?
India is set to celebrate its second National Space Day on August 23, 2025, marking two years since the Chandrayaan-3 mission's successful landing on the Moon's south pole.
What You Should Know?
India became the fourth country to land on the moon and the first to reach its southern polar region on August 23, 2023.
To honour this landmark achievement, August 23 was announced as "National Space Day".
India celebrated its maiden National Space Day on August 23, 2024 with the theme "Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India's Space Saga."
India is celebrating its second National Space Day on August 23, 2025 with the theme “Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities”
India has ratified key UN space treaties, including the Outer Space Treaty (1967).
The Outer Space Treaty (1967) is the cornerstone of international space law.
Outer Space Treaty
It is the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies.
It was adopted by UN General Assembly in 1966 and entered into force on 10 October 1967.
It establishes legal framework for responsible use and exploration of outer space.
Key Provisions include:
Peaceful Use: Outer space shall be used only for peaceful purposes; military bases, weapons of mass destruction prohibited.
No National Appropriation: Space and celestial bodies cannot be claimed by any nation.
State Responsibility: States are responsible for national space activities, whether by government or private entities.
Liability: States are liable for damage caused by their space activities.
International Cooperation: Activities should benefit all countries and promote scientific collaboration.
India has ratified the treaty.
India and Outer Space Treaties
Rescue Agreement (1968): Ratified; ensures astronauts in distress are assisted, space objects returned.
Liability Convention (1972): Ratified; launching states liable for damage caused by space objects.
Registration Convention (1976): Ratified; requires UN registration of space objects.
Moon Agreement (1979): Signed but not ratified; regulates Moon and celestial body use.