Treaty setting forth rights and obligations of states concerning the rescue of persons in space
Established binding international obligations for states to rescue and return astronauts and space objects, elaborating on the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
Key Facts
- Adopted by UN General Assembly
- 19 December 1967
- UN Resolution
- Resolution 2345 (XXII)
- Entered into force
- 3 December 1968
- Based on
- Article V of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The 1967 Outer Space Treaty included a brief rescue provision in Article V, but the provision lacked specificity and detail. As spaceflight activity grew, states recognized the need for a more explicit international framework governing the obligations of countries to assist astronauts in distress and to return space objects.
On 19 December 1967, the UN General Assembly adopted the Rescue Agreement by consensus vote. The agreement set out detailed rights and obligations for states regarding the rescue and return of astronauts as well as the return of objects launched into outer space, entering into force on 3 December 1968.
The Rescue Agreement created legally binding obligations more detailed than those in the Outer Space Treaty, yet its vague drafting left room for differing interpretations among states. It remains a foundational instrument of international space law, shaping how nations coordinate responses to spacecraft emergencies.
Political Outcome
The agreement was adopted by consensus and entered into force on 3 December 1968, establishing binding international obligations on astronaut rescue and return of space objects.