Who Owns the Moon? A Space Lawyer Answers

Whoever can one day defend it militarily. History has shown that is the true source of ownership.

China certainly knows this. Right now, their nine dash line is just a line on a chart. In a generation's time, it'll be reality.

Personally I think that "minor" objects like asteroids should be up for grabs. Homestead it, process it into resources, whatever.

The moon being very sentimental for mankind, needs to be subject to more regulations of who can do what. There needs to be a lot of thought put into coming up with a solution that the major countries (at least) see as fair.

Its really important who is the first person to touch a celestial object is. Imagine if he exclaimed "I claim this rock for the catholic church."

Lucky for USAll - new forming state entitys, tend to lay these first to touch claims aside pretty fast.

Speaking- the moment you have a independent moon-city, all this owning is going to be worth a whole lot of nothing. Humanity can be pragmatic that way.