Azerbaijan joins Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts

Azerbaijan has acceded to the international agreement governing the rescue of astronauts. President Ilham Aliyev has signed the corresponding law.

The "Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space" is a foundational 1968 treaty that obligates signatory states to provide all possible assistance to astronauts in the event of an accident, distress, emergency or unintended landing.

Under the agreement, nations must take all necessary measures to aid and ensure the safe return of spacecraft crews. The treaty also requires states to promptly notify the United Nations Secretary-General of any such incidents.

It also establishes procedures for the return of space objects found on a state's territory, facilitating international collaboration in the peaceful use of outer space.