Mars Colonization and the Moon and Mars as the 51st and 52nd state of the Union?

[kidchest]

So I've been thinking, if the US were to reach mars and return to the moon, could we colonize and claim both celestial bodies as part of our country?

From what I've read, the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 prohibits nations from claiming ownership of anything in space that they didn't put there themselves. But there is a loophole, do we really need to abide by this treaty? What is the consequence if we just break it? Think about the potential for the US to colonize entire moons and planets.

In addition, how far are we aware from a manned mission to mars?

[Muezick]

Topics like these are better suited for google.

http://www.spaceanswers.com/space-ex...-own-the-moon/

[kidchest]

Topics like these are better suited for google.

http://www.spaceanswers.com/space-ex...-own-the-moon/

But if or when we have the technology to truly colonize it, who is going to stop us from taking over the moon?

[Tonkaman]

But if or when we have the technology to truly colonize it, who is going to stop us from taking over the moon?

Another country with a powerful military.

[Shynra]

So I've been thinking, if the US were to reach mars and return to the moon, could we colonize and claim both celestial bodies as part of our country?

From what I've read, the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 prohibits nations from claiming ownership of anything in space that they didn't put there themselves. But there is a loophole, do we really need to abide by this treaty? What is the consequence if we just break it? Think about the potential for the US to colonize entire moons and planets.

In addition, how far are we aware from a manned mission to mars?

You use the word 'we' as if this were a US-only community...

[Addict]

Isnt it prohibited for countries to own anything none-manmade in space, planets included?

[kidchest]

Another country with a powerful military.

I doubt any country would risk a major war over Mars or the moon. Honestly what right do they have to stop us? First come first served. If they want a piece of the pie, they will have to colonize a portion before we get there first.

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Isnt it prohibited for countries to own anything none-manmade in space, planets included?

All the treaties and laws won't mean jack shit if they can't be enforced.

[Super Kami Dende]

I doubt any country would risk a major war over Mars or the moon. Honestly what right do they have to stop us? First come first served. If they want a piece of the pie, they will have to colonize a portion before we get there first.

I don't think we have to really worry about America getting there anytime soon unless they find Oil.

[Spiral Mage]

I'd opt that we only "own" a modest area around the colonized zone. If anyone else wants to set one up, it's a big place. But the moon while fascinating to visit, or Mars, is not my idea of a place to live permanently.

[phitness]

You use the word 'we' as if this were a US-only community...

This is a majority US community. We allow a few others in because of white guilt.

[Notchris]

You use the word 'we' as if this were a US-only community...

Well, he identifies this is about the U.S. right away, and then uses "we". It's pretty easy to understand that he's from the U.S. and using "we" in the royal sense.

[Aeula]

But if or when we have the technology to truly colonize it, who is going to stop us from taking over the moon?

Someone with enough bombs to shoot your spaceships out of the sky.

You won't be able to claim Mars or the moon for yourselves, you'll start a war.

[kidchest]

Someone with enough bombs to shoot your spaceships out of the sky.

You won't be able to claim Mars or the moon for yourselves, you'll start a war.

What country has the guts to shoot an American shaceship? China? Russia? Nuclear armed countries? Are they that irrational to potentially start a thermonuclear war with the most powerful country in the world?

[Aeula]

What country has the guts to shoot an American shaceship? China? Russia? Nuclear armed countries? Are they that irrational to potentially start a thermonuclear war with the most powerful country in the world?

Yeah. They are. Hell I'd start a damn war over it. Letting anyone get that territory is a bad idea.

In the end you won't be dealing with one or two countries, you could see China, Russia and the rest join up to stop you getting Mars or the moon

[Crissi]

Really don't appreciate you furthering the stereotype of Americans as " Murcia is the best! We always win! F yeah!" Yahoos.

Anyways unless we want other countries to reneg in treaties we find important, we won't reneg on the moon treaty

[Iphie]

What country has the guts to shoot an American shaceship? China? Russia? Nuclear armed countries? Are they that irrational to potentially start a thermonuclear war with the most powerful country in the world?

Yes, as the fact that a space colony can be used as a military staging ground and as an 'ark' of sorts, giving the one who starts weaponising space a distinct advantage. The only valid way humanity should start colonising space is as one united species, rather than individual countries.

[Ravenblade]

But if or when we have the technology to truly colonize it, who is going to stop us from taking over the moon?

This is not exactly a new idea but it always goes like this, there is this thing Outer Space Treaty. Space is not a strip of land and neither are the celestial bodies up for national ownership nor can you claim ownership. Why? Because space exploration transcends traditional Earth exploration. Considering what happened in the wake of claims and conquests of lands on Earth there is absolutely no desire in every nation, including the US, to repeat the conflicts. Especially in space which is multiple times to infinitely larger than any land on Earth and therefore could spawn as endless conflicts between nations as there is celestial bodies left to claim.
Unlike on Earth there's no geographical barrier preventing country X to invade country Y, every nation literally has the same start conditions. You would have barely enough resources to develop what you claimed, let alone defend it, others may use theirs to make sure you never will until everything is even again. Frankly this isn't about enforcing or being the big guy who can do what suits and pleases him, it's about realistic prospects of being even remotely capable of doing what you want to do on your own.

[Notchris]

Someone with enough bombs to shoot your spaceships out of the sky.

You won't be able to claim Mars or the moon for yourselves, you'll start a war.

Bombs don't mean shit. They don't let you blow something out of the air.
You mean someone with the missile tech who's willing to chance a full-on confrontation with the U.S.

Anyway, if the U.S. really wanted the moon, they'd have made the claim back during the Cold War (to jam a stick in the Soviets eye) or right after the collapse of the Soviet Union (no one could have really feasibly challenged it after the collapse).

[Rizendragon]

I don't think we have to really worry about the western world getting there anytime soon unless they find Oil.

Fixed. Stop acting like the USA is the only country dependent on oil...

[Zeta333]

Pretty sure canada will become the 51st and 52nd.