India’s Lunar Future: Lessons from Antarctica: Editorial Analysis

Hindu Editorial Analysis : 22-September-2023

The Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, spearheaded by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, laid the foundation for the regulations governing Antarctica today. Similarly, India’s remarkable achievement with Chandrayaan-3 on the moon should prompt a thoughtful and mature policy regarding future lunar endeavors. In both cases, exploration has paved the way for responsible governance and international cooperation.

Exploration and Regulations of Antarctica

Cold War and Antarctic Conference

During the International Geophysical Year in 1958, the Cold War intensified global interest in Antarctica. Fears of rivalry led to the 1959 Antarctic Conference, where the United States and 11 other active countries negotiated a treaty. Argentina proposed the ban of atomic explosions in Antarctica.

Research Stations and Treaty Accord

Twelve countries, including Argentina, Australia, the United States, and the Soviet Union, established over 55 research stations in Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year. The resulting Antarctic Treaty was built upon two crucial principles: freedom for scientific research and the peaceful use of the continent. The treaty indirectly promoted demilitarization by prohibiting nuclear testing, military operations, economic exploitation, and further territorial claims in Antarctica. Today, 54 parties have joined the treaty, with 29 holding consultative status.

Monitoring on South Pole

Stringent monitoring systems are in place to ensure the ecological integrity of Antarctica. These mechanisms regulate the activities of countries with a presence in the region, preventing harm to the delicate Antarctic ecosystem.

Regulations of Moon and Outer Space Treaties

The Moon Agreement

Following Chandrayaan-3’s achievement, India must consider its future lunar activities in a manner similar to the governance established for Antarctica. The Moon Agreement, adopted by the General Assembly in 1979, extends principles from the Outer Space Treaty to celestial bodies. It mandates the peaceful use of the Moon and prohibits the establishment of military bases or weapons on celestial bodies.

Resources Exploitation and ‘Global Commons’

The Moon Agreement emphasizes that the Moon and other celestial bodies belong to all of humanity—a ‘global commons.’ It also obliges state parties to act responsibly, considering environmental protection when conducting activities on celestial bodies.

India’s Position on the Moon Agreement

India is a signatory to the Moon Agreement but has not ratified it. This presents an opportunity for India to shape the future of lunar governance in line with its aspirations and values.

Suggestions

India’s Role

India, as an earth-pioneer on the Moon, should set an example for responsible lunar exploration. By advocating for ethical practices and international cooperation, India can help define the Moon’s future role as a partner with Earth.

Fundamental Rights and Ethics of Outer Space

India should take the lead in crafting a declaration of the fundamental rights of outer space. This declaration can establish a new ethical framework for human activities in outer space, including responsible management of space debris. Non-militarization should be a fundamental and non-negotiable principle of this new ethic.

Why In News

Roald Amundsen’s expedition to Antarctica defined the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration and laid the groundwork for the establishment of regulations in the Antarctic region.Similarly, while we celebrate the remarkable achievement of Chandrayaan-3, it is imperative to develop a comprehensive and forward-looking policy for India’s lunar endeavors.

MCQs about India’s Lunar Future

1. What was the primary objective of the Antarctic Treaty signed in 1959?
   A. To establish military bases in Antarctica.
   B. To promote economic exploitation of Antarctica.
   C. To ensure freedom of scientific research in Antarctica.
   D. To encourage nuclear testing in Antarctica.
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: C. To ensure freedom of scientific research in Antarctica.
   Explanation: The Antarctic Treaty signed in 1959 aimed to ensure freedom of scientific research in Antarctica. It prohibited military activities, nuclear testing, and economic exploitation in Antarctica.
2. Which treaty emphasizes the peaceful use of the Moon and prohibits military activities on celestial bodies?
   A. Outer Space Treaty.
   B. Moon Agreement.
   C. Antarctic Treaty.
   D. Cold War Treaty.
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: B. Moon Agreement.
   Explanation: The Moon Agreement, as mentioned in the essay, emphasizes the peaceful use of the Moon and prohibits the establishment of military bases on celestial bodies.
3. How many countries were initially active in Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year (IGY) in 1958 and participated in the Antarctic Conference of 1959?
   A. 6 countries.
   B. 12 countries.
   C. 20 countries.
   D. 35 countries.
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: B. 12 countries.
   Explanation: Twelve countries were initially active in Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year (IGY) in 1958 and participated in the Antarctic Conference of 1959.
4. What concept does the Moon Agreement introduce regarding the use of celestial bodies like the Moon?
   A. Military dominance.
   B. Territorial ownership.
   C. Peaceful purposes and ‘global commons’.
   D. Economic exploitation.
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: C. Peaceful purposes and ‘global commons’.
   Explanation: The Moon Agreement introduced the concept that celestial bodies like the Moon should be used for peaceful purposes and considered global commons.

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