United NationsOffice for Outer Space Affairs

Space Law Treaties and Principles

The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space is the forum for the development of international space law. The Committee has concluded five international treaties and five sets of principles on space-related activities.

These five treaties deal with issues such as the non-appropriation of outer space by any one country, arms control, the freedom of exploration, liability for damage caused by space objects, the safety and rescue of spacecraft and astronauts, the prevention of harmful interference with space activities and the environment, the notification and registration of space activities, scientific investigation and the exploitation of natural resources in outer space and the settlement of disputes.

Each of the treaties stresses the notion that outer space, the activities carried out in outer space and whatever benefits might be accrued from outer space should be devoted to enhancing the well-being of all countries and humankind, with an emphasis on promoting international cooperation.

Compilation Booklet

ST/SPACE/61Rev2

Treaties

The treaties commonly referred to as the "five United Nations treaties on outer space" are:

• The "Outer Space Treaty"
• • Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies
  • Adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution 2222 (XXI), opened for signature on 27 January 1967, entered into force on 10 October 1967

• The "Rescue Agreement"
• • Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space
  • Adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution 2345 (XXII), opened for signature on 22 April 1968, entered into force on 3 December 1968

• The "Liability Convention"
• • Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects
  • Adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution 2777 (XXVI), opened for signature on 29 March 1972, entered into force on 1 September 1972

• The "Registration Convention"
• • Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space
  • Adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution 3235 (XXIX), opened for signature on 14 January 1975, entered into force on 15 September 1976

• The "Moon Agreement"
• • Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies
  • Adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution 34/68, opened for signature on 18 December 1979, entered into force on 11 July 1984.

Click here to find out how many states have ratified the treaties!

Principles

The five declarations and legal principles are:

• The "Declaration of Legal Principles"
• • 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 "Broadcasting Principles"
• • The Principles Governing the Use by States of Artificial Earth Satellites for International Direct Television Broadcasting
  • General Assembly resolution 37/92 of 10 December 1982

• The "Remote Sensing Principles"
• • The Principles Relating to Remote Sensing of the Earth from Outer Space
  • General Assembly resolution 41/65 of 3 December 1986

• The "Nuclear Power Sources" Principles
  • The Principles Relevant to the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space
  • General Assembly resolution 47/68 of 14 December 1992

• The "Benefits Declaration"
• • 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
  • General Assembly resolution 51/122 of 13 December 1996

Accessing Space Treaty Resources Online (ASTRO)

At the end of the year 2022, the Office for Outer Space Affairs launched a new database, called  Accessing Space Treaty Resources Online (ASTRO). The platform serves as a database of international space instruments, including five United Nations treaties on outer space and their ratification status, and principles adopted by the General Assembly.