Who Owns the Moon

Our Moon has a powerful allure. Not only do we see it almost every night, but it also pulls our ocean’s tides and inspires our stories, music, and art.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy challenged Americans to land humans on the Moom within a decade. Working feverishly, brilliant engineers and scientists at NASA met the president’s goal. By 1972, twelve intrepid Americans had walked on the surface of the Moon. Then, lunar landings came to an end so the country could focus on other missions, including the International Space Station.

Now, the US is planning to return to the Moon. And we are not alone in our ambitions. Several countries as well as some private companies are engaged in the quest.

What will happen when Earthlings from different countries meet on the lunar surface? How will we get along? What guidelines do we need to ensure harmony, cooperation, and shared scientific knowledge that will benefit everyone?

In this timely book, science writer extraordinaire Jennifer Swanson and I discuss the science and technology of space travel, weaving in related issues of law, history, and policy.

Accolades include

  • Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
  • “Informative, accessible, and compelling.” Kirkus starred review
  • “Timely and informative.” Booklist starred review