Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and the Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and other Celestial Bodies, 17 x 10.5, signed in the upper blank portion in black felt tip by Armstrong. Treaty also bears a September 29, 1967, postmark, a First Day of issue stamp, and two five-cent commemorative postage stamps. The Outer Space Treaty, was opened for signature in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union (the three depository governments) on January 27, 1967, and the Treaty entered into force on October 10, 1967. As of January 2006, 98 countries are states-parties to the treaty, while another 27 have signed the treaty but have not yet completed ratification. The Treaty represents the basic legal framework of international space law and, among its principles, it bars States Parties to the Treaty from placing nuclear weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction in orbit of Earth, installing them on the Moon or any other celestial body, or to otherwise station them in outer space. It exclusively limits the use of the Moon and other celestial bodies to peaceful purposes and expressly prohibits their use for testing weapons of any kind, conducting military maneuvers, or establishing military bases, installations, and fortifications (Art. IV). Moreover, it explicitly forbids any government from claiming a celestial resource such as the Moon or a planet since they are common heritage of humanity. These scarce souvenirs were produced by longtime autograph dealer Sy Kessler to commemorate this event. In fine condition, with three vertical folds and a small hole along one of the folds. Accompanied by a 1973 TLS from the original owner sending the treaty to a potential buyer. RRAuction COA.
