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CRIME IN SPACE: THE CASE OF ANNE McCLAIN AND THE GROWING NEED FOR SPACE LAW As per the details outlined in the previous article, Anne McClain is reported to be the first person alleged to have committed a crime in outer space. This case demonstrates that the reach of law is as vast as space itself—in fact, wherever humans go, law is bound to follow. The alleged offense committed by Anne McClain may seem minor compared to terrestrial crimes like murder or terrorism. However, it has undoubtedly opened the door to critical discussions on the scope and applicability of space law. With various space missions planned by both nation-states and private companies, the likelihood of space-related criminal activity is expected to rise. Facts of the Case Summer Worden initially filed a complaint with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Worden alleged that Anne McClain accessed her personal bank account using NASA resources aboard the International Space Station (ISS). McClain acknowledged acces...

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 allegin...