North Korea launches satellite; world loses mind

Posted by Kromey at 12:51pm Dec 12 '12
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North Korea successfully launched a three-stage rocket and put a satellite into orbit, making them the 10th nation to successfully do so -- just 3 years after Iran's own successful launch.

This has prompted outrage in the international community. Apparently it's so very terrible that North Korea should have its own space program. An emergency UN Security Council meeting has been called to discuss what to do about this.

Wait a second, though. Doesn't the UN already have something to say about this.

Why, yes. Yes it does.

The exploration and use of outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, shall be carried out for the benefit and in the interests of all countries, irrespective of their degree of economic or scientific development, and shall be the province of all mankind.

Outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, shall be free for exploration and use by all States without discrimination of any kind, on a basis of equality and in accordance with international law, and there shall be free access to all areas of celestial bodies.

There shall be freedom of scientific investigation in outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, and States shall facilitate and encourage international co-operation in such investigation.
  -- Article I, UN Space Treaty

Allow me to reiterate:

The exploration and use of outer space... shall be the province of all mankind. ... Outer space... shall be free for exploration and use by all States without discrimination of any kind...

Now what part says, "...unless other nations dislike you"?