title: An historical perspective on crew rescue and the role of the Association of Space Explorers.
abstract: The Association of Space Explorers (ASE) has actively encouraged the development of an international space rescue capability. Safe operations in space preclude loss of life and the associated suspension of flight operations. Spaceflight has well definable risks that history demonstrates are real. While none of those killed thus far in spaceflight-related accidents could have been saved by an international rescue capability, several non-fatal incidents indicate that a need exists. Space treaties include the principles of rescue on Earth and in space. For nearly 30 years, technical papers have addressed rescue principles, hardware concepts, operations and planning, and international cooperation. However, only the Apollo-Soyuz flight of 1975 represents any movement toward establishing an international rescue capability. Recently, prompted by the U.S. Congress, renewed interest in international rescue studies, as well as Space Station Freedom options, is apparent. International meetings on space safety and rescue have been conducted or are planned for the immediate future. The difficulties of launch readiness, limitations imposed by orbital mechanics, and practical implications of international cooperation have been, and are being addressed. Responsiveness, compatibility, and mutual support are key ingredients to any international rescue plan. The ASE, representing astronauts and cosmonauts from 17 nations, strongly urges the continuation of studies and discussions among the spacefaring nations.
authors.affiliation: Association of Space Explorers-USA, San Francisco, California, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fabian
mesh_terms: D018480:Astronauts; D006801:Humans; D007390:International Agencies; D007391:International Cooperation; D016272:Occupational Health; D018635:Rescue Work; D012449:Safety; D013026:Space Flight / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D018531:Spacecraft