The success of the space tourism industry will rely on the ability of space companies to ensure the safe return of tourists from their space adventure. In order to help ensure the safety of their passengers, every tourism company will need to have a plan in place to rescue passengers in an emergency - whether this rescue takes place on land, on the high seas, or in space. This plan must be created against the background of a thorough understanding of international space law regarding the duty to rescue. This paper explores the controversial topic of the duty to rescue under existing space law treaties and makes the case for an expansive interpretation of the treaties that would require states to rescue space tourists. This being said, space companies are advised not to rely on state action to rescue tourists in distress, but are instead urged to make their own arrangements to help ensure the safety of their customers and, in turn, limit their exposure to liability. To assist companies in this task, this paper sets forth the essential components of a rescue policy that should be adopted by every space tourism company.
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