FIRST EVER CRIME COMMITTED IN SPACE

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CRIME IN OUTER SPACE: A NEW FRONTIER FOR LAW AND ORDER

Until now, crimes have been witnessed only on Earth. However, a new jurisdictionless frontier has emerged—outer space. Crime happens where humans live, and today we have the unprecedented example of the first-ever crime committed in outer space.

Anne C. McClain, a U.S. astronaut who joined the astronaut program in June 2013, has served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, flying approximately 800 combat hours on 216 missions as Pilot-in-Command and Air Mission Commander.

NASA is currently investigating a crime allegedly committed by McClain aboard the International Space Station (ISS). She is accused of accessing the bank account of her spouse remotely from the space station’s computer.

During her training for NASA’s first-ever spacewalk, McClain allegedly accessed the bank account of her estranged spouse, Summer Worden.

Ms. Worden, a former Air Force Intelligence officer, filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission alleging identity theft.

Records show an ongoing custody dispute between the two. Subsequently, Worden’s parents lodged a complaint with NASA’s Office of the Inspector General.

Worden’s accusation describes McClain’s actions as a “highly calculative and manipulative campaign.”

In response, McClain’s lawyer has categorically denied any wrongdoing.


LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR SPACE-BASED CRIMES

The governance of astronaut conduct is guided by the Intergovernmental Agreement on Space Station Cooperation(commonly known as the Space Station Agreement), signed by the U.S. and 14 other countries. This treaty forms the legal basis for jurisdiction and liability in space.

According to the agreement, each country retains jurisdiction and control over its own personnel, equipment, and modules aboard the space station. This means:

  • If an Indian astronaut commits a crime on the ISS, they will be prosecuted under Indian law.

  • Similarly, the laws of the astronaut’s home country apply in cases of alleged wrongdoing.


CURIOUS QUESTION

What happens if astronauts from two different countries commit a crime together in outer space?

If your curiosity is keeping you awake and you want me to answer this or any other question, please feel free to comment.


 And do share this link with your colleagues, if they are also curious 
 https://shataxiamicuslex.blogspot.com/2019/08/first-ever-crime-committed-in-space.html






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