An Analysis of the Possiblity of Applying the Provisions of the Rescue and Return Agreement to Space Tourists

Astrounats, as envoys of mankind in outer space, are always faced with innumerable perils. Thus, their rescue and return has always been in the forefront of Humankind’s endevours to regulate outer Space activities. outer Space Treaty as lex generalis and The rescue and return Agreement as lex especialis are both relevant in this regard. Although there has never been an opportunity to put their provisions on this matter into test, no one can deny the magnitude of the duty to rescue and return in developing mankind’s activities in ouer space and its harmonizing effect on interntional co-operation. However scientific and technological advancement of the last decade coupled with the ever increasing possibility of space tourism endevours in outer space has caused new debates concerning the possibility of applying the provisions of the rescue and return agreement to space tourists. This article is an attempt to find an answer to this question.