Alexey Ilin. Trajectories of Normative Development for Outer Space Heritage Concept

Landing astronauts on the moon is one of the greatest achievements of humanity, but the status of historic lunar landing sites in international law is uncertain. There is a general consensus in the literature on space law and policy that Apollo landing sites deserve a recognition of their outstanding universal value and appropriate protection by the entire international community. However, enforcing such protection might be problematic from a legal perspective, since there is no legally binding norm in the current body of international law that would authorize or oblige states to identify and protect heritage sites on the moon or other celestial bodies.