The General Assembly,

Reaffirming the importance of international co-operation in the field of the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, and of promoting the law in this new field of human endeavour,

Desiring that the rights and obligations pertaining to liability for damage as laid down in the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies should be elaborated in a separate international instrument,

Recalling its resolutions 1963 (XVIII) of 13 December 1963, 2130 (XX) of 21 December 1965, 2222 (XXI) of 19 December 1966, 2345 (XXII) of 19 December 1967, 2453 B (XXIII) of 20 December 1968, 2601 B (XXIV) of 16 December 1969 and 2733 B (XXV) of 16 December 1970 concerning the elaboration of an agreement on the liability for damage caused by the launching of objects into outer space,

Recalling also that in resolution 2733 B (XXV) it urged the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space to reach early agreement on a draft convention on liability, to be submitted to the General Assembly at its twenty-sixth session, embodying the principles of a full measure of compensation to victims and effective procedures which would lead to prompt and equitable settlement of claims, Having considered the report of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space;4

Taking note with appreciation of the work accomplished by the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, and in particular that of its Legal Sub-Committee,

1. Commends the Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects, the text of which is annexed to the present resolution;

2. Requests the depositary governments to open the Convention for signature and ratification at the earliest possible date;

3. Notes that any State may, on becoming a party to the Convention, declare that it will recognize as binding, in relation to any other State accepting the same obligation, the decision of the Claims Commission concerning any dispute to which it may become a party;

4. Expresses its hope for the widest possible adherence to this Convention.

1998th plenary meeting,

29 November 1971.

_________________________________________________

4 Official Records of the General Assembly, Twenty-sixth Session, Supplement No. 20 (A/8420).

___________________________________________________________________________

ANNEX

The States Parties to this Convention,

Recognizing the common interest of all mankind in furthering the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes,

Recalling the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies,

Taking into consideration that, notwithstanding the precautionary measures to be taken by States and international intergovernmental organizations involved in the launching of space object, damage may on occasion be caused by such objects,

Recognizing the need to elaborate effective international rules and procedures concerning liability for damage caused by space objects and to ensure, in particular, the prompt payment under the terms of this Convention of a full and equitable measure of compensation to victims of such damage,

Believing that the establishment of such rules and procedures will contribute to the strengthening of international cooperation in the field of the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes,

Have agreed on the following: