Abstract: The Outer Space Treaty (OST) remains a cornerstone of international space law, enshrining the principle of peaceful use for celestial bodies. However, ambiguities in its provisions, particularly regarding military activities and dual-use technologies, pose significant challenges in the 21st century. This paper examines the treaty’s limitations in addressing modern space militarization, commercial-military convergence, and resource exploitation. It critiques the lack of robust verification mechanisms and proposes clarifications to ensure sustainable and cooperative space exploration. The analysis highlights the urgent need for updated legal frameworks to govern private actors and emerging technologies while preserving the OST’s foundational principles. The paper evaluates recent policy initiatives to enhance space weapons regulations, including the Russo-Chinese treaty proposal to ban space-based weapons and the EU’s International Code of Conduct for Space. It concludes existing provisions indicate a reluctance to limit nuclear weapons in space, but are a milestone in regulating the arms race’s expansion. However, ambiguities persist regarding prohibited activities.

Key words: Outer Space Treaty, peaceful use, space militarization, dual-use technologies, verification mechanisms