California laid a historical claim to over 100 objects left behind on the moon Friday when the State Historical Resources Commission voted unanimously to name the objects a state historical resource.
The action is mostly symbolic, but is intended to show that objects on the moon might need protection from commercial exploitation. It also draws attention to California's role in the development of space exploration.

The first landing on the moon by humans, on July 20, 1969, was "one of the most historical events in the last 100 to 200 years," said Jay Correia, a historian with the Historical Resources Commission. California had a major role in developing the technology that made the trip to the moon possible....

"When you consider the roles of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Caltech and many other California institutions to the project, it is clear that the Apollo project has a direct connection to California history," Correia said. "It helped make California recognized as one of the world's leaders in technology."...