From Tom Cruise to Nicole Kidman, from Sushant Singh Rajput to Shah Rukh Khan, own a piece of land on the moon. Dr. George Panicker, Founder and CEO of International STEAM Research (ISR) is one among them. He bought three (3) acres of land on the Moon, on 3, September 2023, in the region called ‘Lacus Felicitas’ or the ‘Lake of Happiness’ according to the International Lunar Lands Registry, New York. The exact location of the land is 18.72° North Latitude, 5.02° East Longitude, Tract 55 – Parcels 115401, 115402 and 115403. It is a prime spot for lunar exploration and scientific discovery. In addition to this, a crater on the Moon is also now named ‘George Panicker’.
As per the registered claim and deed, this “purchase” of land on the moon will help finance a variety of programmes administered by the Luna Society, including the first non-governmental manned mission to the moon, as well as funding scholarships and educational programmes for students at every grade level. Further, Dr. Panicker, as a Permanent Citizen of the Republic of Luna now, has joined the Luna Society and other private aerospace organizations, business and property owners in pledging to work together towards ensuring that Luna’s sustainable natural resources are managed appropriately so that the amazing beauty of the Moon’s spectacular landscape is preserved for the future, and that ‘Space Junk’ and other non-essential materials are not left behind on the moon.
The property record is permanently recorded by the International Lunar Lands Registry in its annual publication, which is copyrighted and deposited in the United States Library of Congress and with international patent and trademark offices, including the United Kingdom (U.K. Patent Office), Japan (Japan Copyright Office), Russia (Rospatent) and the United Nations (U.N. Depository Library), in compliance with the Berne Convention.
The Moon’s Lake of Happiness (“Lacus Felicitatis” in Latin) is a small lava-flooded plain located in the northeastern quadrant. Lacus Felicitatis is part of the region known informally as the Terra Nivium (“Land of Snow”), named by the Italian theologian and early selenographer Giovanni Battista Riccioli
(1598-1671), whose Almagestum Novum (1651) detailed the original system of Lunar nomenclature that continues in use to this day.
Dr. Panicker, who is a renowned expert in integrated science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics education, (STEAM), has been a pioneer in promoting interdisciplinary and innovative research across the globe. He founded ISR along with a friend of his in 2020 with a vision to create a network of researchers, educators, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts who share a passion for STEAM education and its applications for social good. His company, ISR LIFE, USA, empowers Schools to setup STEAM Labs called ‘Happy Zone’ and implement holistic sustainable and affordable Experiential Learning programmes.
Now, he has taken his vision of ‘Happy Zones’ to the next level by symbolically acquiring a piece of the moon at the Lake of Happiness and expressing his passion for space exploration and innovation.
The only international treaty that regulates activities on the moon is the [Outer Space Treaty] of 1967, which states that the moon and other celestial bodies are “not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means”. This means that no country can claim ownership of the moon or any part of it. However, the treaty does not explicitly prohibit private individuals or entities from owning lunar land.
“The moon is a fascinating and mysterious place that holds many secrets and opportunities. By buying land on the moon, I hope to inspire young students who are part of the ISR STEAM Experiential Learning programme to always pursue their dreams and passions and not just aim for the sky, but for the moon, as the saying goes, if you miss the moon, at least you will end up among the stars” Dr. Panicker said to the media. “Man perhaps may become a multi-planet species in time to come as Elon Musk says, however, I may never get an opportunity to go to the Moon, neither will I be able to physically claim the piece of land on the Moon, never-the-less I am happy to have contributed towards the mission of the Luna Society and be part of a growing community of lunar landowners who share a common vision of a peaceful and prosperous future on the moon” expressed Dr. Panicker. “The ‘Lake of Happiness’ is on the moon, but my mission on earth is to create thousands of ‘Happy Zones’ in educational institutions” concluded Dr. Panicker.
