The term SPACE START is an acronym for the OUTER SPACE Treaty, which was signed in 1967 by the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom. This treaty established the framework for international cooperation in the exploration and use of OUTER SPACE. It also established that no nation can claim ownership of any part of OUTER SPACE, and that all nations must use OUTER SPACE for peaceful purposes. The treaty also prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in OUTER SPACE.