Canadian explorers could be prosecuted for crimes on the Moon Researchers believe the moon's soil may be a record book of past solar wind activity, helping scientists better understand the evolution of the sun. (Arshad Shaikh/Dreamstime/TNS)
The Mounties may become the Moonties.
Canada’s criminal code may soon extend to crimes committed on the moon if the House of Common passes an amendment proposed Tuesday, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reports.
Criminal acts committed by Canadian astronauts during space travel to the International Space Station already are said to fall under the jurisdiction of law enforcement on Earth.
The Canadian Space Agency is part of the Lunar Gateway initiative, which also includes NASA, the European Space Agency and Japan Exploration Agency. The operation plans to operate a small space station into lunar orbit.
Under law, any Canadian crew member who commits an indictable crime during space flight will be treated the same as anyone who commits that same act on Canadian territory.
A Canadian astronaut is slated to be named to the Artemis II endeavor, which will mark the first crewed mission to the moon in more than 50 years when it launches in 2024.
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