United Nations Treaties and Principles on Space Law
Five treaties and agreements
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is the Secretariat for the Legal Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), which is the primary international forum for the development of laws and principles governing outer space.
Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestion Bodies
The "Outer Space Treaty" (OST), adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution 2222 (XXI), opened for signature on 27 January 1967, entered into force on 1 October 1967, 100 ratifications and 26 signatures (as of April 2009)
The Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space
The "Rescue Agreemente", adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution 2345 (XXII), opened for signature on 22 April 1968, entered into force on 3 December 1968, 90 ratifications, 24 signatures, and 1 acceptance of rights and obligations (as of April 2009)
The Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects
The "Liability Convention", adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution 2777 (XXVI), opened for signature on 29 March 1972, entered into force on 1 September 1972, 87 ratifications, 23 signatures, and 3 acceptances of rights and obligations (as of April 2009)
The Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space
The "Registration Convention", adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution 3235 (XXIX), opened for signature on 14 January 1975, entered into force on 15 September 1976, 51 ratifications, 4 signatures, and 2 acceptances of rights and obligations (as of April 2009)
The Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies
The "Moon Agreement", adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution 34/68 , opened for signature on 18 December 1979, entered into force on 11 July 1984, 13 ratifications and 4 signatures (as of April 2009)
The five declarations and legal principles
The Declaration of Legal Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Uses of Outer Space (General Assembly resolution 1962 (XVIII) of 13 December 1963)
The Principles Governing the Use by States of Artificial Earth Satellites for International Direct Television Broadcasting (resolution 37/92 of 10 December 1982)
The Principles Relating to Remote Sensing of the Earth from Outer Space (resolution 41/65 of 3 December 1986)
The Principles Relevant to the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space (resolution 47/68 of 14 December 1992)
The Declaration on International Cooperation in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space for the Benefit and in the Interest of All States, Taking into Particular Account the Needs of Developing Countries (resolution 51/122 of 13 December 1996)
Further Space Law Material may be found at: