Context
Following the success of missions like India's Chandrayaan-3, other nations are now attempting to explore uncharted territory in space, particularly on the moon, much like we did with Antarctica. As a result, it calls into question the morality of the primal political instinct of humans.

History of Antarctica  
·         Early in the 20th century, Robert Scott and Roald Amundsen, two renowned explorers, engaged in a legendary race to the South Pole. Due to Amundsen's successful trip, Norway was able to claim a sizable area of Antarctica. Many countries, especially Britain, who made territorial claims on Antarctica, became interested in this exploration competition.
·         The Antarctic Treaty was negotiated to address growing worries about territorial disputes and the potential for Cold War rivalry to spill over into Antarctica.
·         The Antarctic Treaty was designed to protect the continent’s peaceful use, encourage scientific exploration, and stop activities that could damage its fragile ecosystem. 
·         The treaty prohibited nuclear testing on the continent, military operations on the continent, economic exploitation on the continent, and the creation of further claims.

Regulation and Antarctica’s well-being  
·         Today, the Antarctic is home to 54 parties, 29 of which have consultative status, and there are strong monitoring systems in place to ensure the well-being of the continent.
·         However, questions remain about the sustainability of the environment on the continent, given the presence of many research stations, a large summer population, and a small winter population. 
·         This raises questions about the potential effects of human activity on this fragile ecosystem. It also raises questions about whether scientific research conducted on the continent justifies the environmental impact it leaves behind.
 
Is the Moon replacing Antarctica? 
·         There is a need to transfer the lessons acquired from Antarctica to outer space, drawing comparisons between the historical rush to reach the South Pole and the current race for lunar exploration. 
·         It emphasises how crucial it is to keep space open to peaceful uses and international scientific cooperation.
·         The Antarctic Treaty's guiding principles are reflected in the Moon Agreement, which was approved by the UN General Assembly in 1979. 
·         It places a strong emphasis on the peaceful utilisation of the moon, the preservation of its ecosystem, and the idea that lunar resources belong to all people.

Way Forward  
·         India should lead the way in lunar exploration and adopt a mature policy on its moon plans. India should be at the forefront of shaping the future of moon, promoting the moon as a partner, not as a commodity. 
·         Encouraging collaboration in scientific endeavors and maintaining the realm of outer space as a domain of peaceful and cooperative activities is essential. 
·         To advance this vision, a declaration outlining fundamental rights in outer space should be developed. This declaration would create a new ethical framework in which human activities in outer space are conducted, with a strong focus on non- militarization. 
·         Not only would this be in line with the latest advances in space missions, but it would also provide a moral compass that guides humanity's actions in outer space. 
·         This approach ensures that, like Antarctica, outer space is treated as a common heritage of all, and is not subject to claims or dominance by any single entity.
 
LTX Mains Question
Q. Describe the need for new space treaty in the backdrop of ongoing space race.