The United States Should Act Now to Mitigate Conflict Escalation on the Moon

The article discusses the potential for conflict on the moon due to increasing lunar activities and the absence of clearly defined rules and norms. It highlights a tabletop exercise that simulated a crisis in 2029 involving competing claims to lunar resources, specifically focusing on the concept of "safety zones" and the challenges they pose under the existing space governance framework. The exercise revealed differing interpretations of the Artemis Accords and concerns about the role of private actors in shaping lunar governance. The authors suggest the need for inclusive dialogue and procedures to share information and prevent future conflict among spacefaring nations.