In the movie &quot;The Martian&quot; (not a spoiler), there is a part where they describe Mars as international waters. I think it is a pretty interesting take on the subject:
&quot;There’s an international treaty (the Outer Space Treaty signed by the US and Soviet Union in 1967) saying no country can lay claim to anything that’s not Earth. And by another treaty, if you’re not in any country’s territory, maritime law applies. So Mars is “international waters.” NASA is an American nonmilitary organization, and it owns the Hab. So while I’m in the Hab, American law applies. As soon as I step outside, I’m in international waters. Then when I get in the rover, I’m back to American law.&quot;<p>If and when this becomes a legitimate issue, it will be interesting to see who claims what, or if it will be it&#x27;s own independent place.