scientific investigation in outer space, and that States shall facilitate and encourage international co-operation in such investigation. Articles X and XI address the promotion of international co-operation while article XII provides ·that States parties to the Treaty shall consider on a basis of equality any requests by other States parties to be afforded an opportunity to observe the flight of space objects launched by those States. Article XI establishes the commitment to inform the Sec.retary-General as well as the public and the international scientific community of the nature, conduct, location and results of activities in outer space. '!!._/ The United States did not sign, ratify or accede to the Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. A/AC.105/C.2/16/Add.8 page 4 . . The practice of the United States in regard to those connnitments is refiected .. both in its national legal framework and the literally hundreds of international arrangements that the United St~tes has entered into since the Treaty came into force. THE AGREEMENT ON THE RESCUE OF ASTRONAUTS , RETURN OF ASTRONAUTS AND THE RETURN OF OBJECTS LAUNCHED INTO OUTER SPACE, ADOPTED 19 DECEMBER 1967, OPENED FOR SIGNATURE 22 APRIL 1968, ENTERED INTO FORCE 3 DECEMBER 1968. 19 u.s.T. 7570, T.I.A.s. 6599, 67 U.N.T.S. 199 The Rescue of Astronauts Agreement generally establishes the obligation of States Parties to assist in the rescue of astronauts and their return to representatives of the. launching States, as well as the return of space objects or their components. THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE CAUSED BY SPACE OBJECTS, ADOPTED 29 NOVEMBER 1971, OPENED FOR SIGNATURE 29 MARCH 1972, ENTERED INTO FORCE 1 SEPTEMBER 1972. 24 U •. S.T. 2389, T.I.A.S. 7762 The Liability Convention elaborates upon the general pri~ciple set out in the Outer Space Treaty (art. VIII). 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing international agreements and treaties related to space exploration and the use of outer space, as well as the responsibilities of states in this context. It mentions specific agreements such as the Outer Space Treaty, the Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, and the Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects. The focus is on the principles and obligations of states in outer space, rather than specific economic, social, or cultural issues.

**Category**
Science and technology