Executive Order on Encouraging International Support for the Recovery and Use of Space Resources https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-encouraging-international-support-recovery-use-space-resources/?utm_source=twitter via @whitehouse #SpaceLaw #SpacePolicy #COPUOS

Pretty impressed to see #COPUOS mentioned in a statement from the @whitehouse #SpaceLaw #SpacePolicy

I agree with this statement of #SpaceLaw. There are likely real differences between the rights & obligations of the '67 Outer Space Treaty and the '79 Moon Agreement – particularly regarding space resources & the "Common Heritage of all Mankind" concept in the Moon Agreement.

This is a point of contention amongst scholars. I believe that an economist might look at the uses of space & call them a 'commons' of some sort, but legally, outer space cannot be appropriated by any 1 state, or by all states working in synch. Is is, frankly, something different

This is the statement directed at Member States at #COPUOS and at @UNOOSA. Don't push for the greater universalization of the MA, or use it as template for further governance.

So, rather then work through #COPUOS to develop new norms, governance, which would be uncertain given its 90+ Member States (only some of which are eager to develop space resources), the US will work with like-minded spacefaring countries...

How does this affect initiatives within #COPUOS, and initiatives formally outside of COPUOS like @SpaceResourceWG @spaceRESlux