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Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space

Article Z
If, owing to accident, distress, emergency or unintended
landing, the personnel of a spacecraft land in territory under
the jurisdiction of a Contracting Party, it shall immediately
take all possible steps to rescue them and render them all
necessary assistance. It shall inform the launching authority
and also the Secretary-General of the United Natioru of the
steps it is taking and of their progress. If assistance by the
launching authority would help to effect a prompt rescue or
would contribute substantially to the effectiveness of search
and rescue operations, the launching authority shall co-operate
with the Contracting Party with a view to the effective
conduct of search and rescue operations. Such operations shall
be subject to the direction and control of the Contracting
Party, which shall act in close and continuing consultation with
the launching authority.
Article 3
If information is received or it is discovered that the personnel
of a spacecraft have alighted on the high seas or in
any other place not under the jurisdiction of any State, those
Contracting Parties which are in a position to do so shall, if
necessary, extend assistance in search and rescue operations
for such personnel to assure their speedy rescue. They shall
inform the launching authority and the Secretary-General
of the United Nations of the steps they are taking and of their
progress.

Year of enactment

12/3/1968

Last Amended