primary and most authoritative source of international law regulating State activities in outer space, remains at the heart of the legal regime governing outer space. Before any attempt at analysing some of its relevant provisions, a few brief points should be noted. First, the 1967 outer space Treaty is a by-product of 196Os space technology. We are now at the threshold of the twenty-first century. Second, the pace and volume of technological developments since its adoption has been staggering. What was considered science fiction in the 1960s has already been attained or will soon be within our reach. Third, legal norms as a general rule should not be allowed to lag far behind technology. The article in the Treaty relevant to our present discussion is article IV, which stipulates that parties should not "place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kind of weapons of mass destruction, install such weapons on celestial bodies, or station such weapons in outer space in any other manner". The article goes on to state that "the Moon and other celestial bodies shall be used by all States Parties to the Treaty exclusively for peaceful purposes". Here I would like to pause and present the following comments. First, article IV clearly contains a built-in limitation. Its scope does not extend to banning all types of weapons in outer space. It prohibits, inter alia, the placing, installing or stationing of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction only. Its provisions do not therefore contain a clear-cut CD/PV.550 15 (Mr, Elaraby, Egypt) injunction to ensure that outer space is used exclusively for peaceful purposes. The principle of exclusive use for peaceful purposes applies only to the Moon and other celestial bodies. The only restriction placed on States parties pertains to the prohibition of the establishment of military bases 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the legal framework and regulations surrounding the use of outer space, specifically the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. The language and content focus on the prohibition of weapons and the principle of exclusive use for peaceful purposes, suggesting that the category is related to the regulation of a specific domain or territory.

**Category**
Science and technology, International relations