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Selected Examples of National Laws Governing Space Activities: Argentina

[UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION]

NATIONAL DECREE No. 125/95

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL REGISTRY OF OBJECTS LAUNCHED INTO OUTER SPACE

Buenos Aires, 19 July 1995

Official Gazette, 25 July 1995

Whereas the Argentine Republic is a party to the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space,

Considering:

That, in accordance with article II of that international instrument, States shall register space objects launched into Earth orbit or beyond by means of entries in an appropriate register which they shall maintain for such purpose, and

That the present decree is issued in exercise of the powers conferred by article 99 (1) of the National Constitution:

Article 1. The National Registry of Objects Launched into Outer Space is hereby established under the authority of the National Commission on Space Activities.

Article 2. The registration of space objects shall be effected in the Registry by their owners and operators, together with particulars of any rights, resolutions, contracts and other legal acts or deeds relating thereto.

Article 3. The registration of space objects in the Registry shall be mandatory and shall, in conformity with the international regulations in force, confer national jurisdiction and control over the registered space object, wherever it may be located.

Article 4. Procedures conducted with the Registry shall be in writing. The National Commission on Space Activities shall, as the implementing authority, regulate the functioning of the Registry and the system of fees payable.

Article 5. The following information shall be entered in the Registry:

(1) If the object has been launched jointly with one or more other launching States, the international conventions concluded with such State or States;

(2) An appropriate designator of the space object;

(3) Anticipated date and territory or location of launch;

(4) Anticipated basic orbital parameters, including:

(a) Nodal period,

(b) Inclination,

(d) Perigee;

(5) Anticipated general function of the space object;

(6) Name and address of the owners and/or operators of the space object;

(7) Identification of the firms participating in the construction of the space object and of its launch vehicle;

(8) Identification of the launch service provider;

(9) Information on the insurances arranged;

(10) Identification of the party responsible for exercising control over the space object;

(11) Location and characteristics of the satellite tracking, telemetry and command (TTC) station and of the master or tracking station, if applicable;

(12) On-board transmission power and frequencies of the space station;

(13) Mass of the space object;

(14) Anticipated useful life of the space object;

(15) Precautions taken with regard to non-pollution of outer space, including celestial bodies, in particular whether mechanisms have been provided for placement in a transfer orbit at the end of the useful life of the space object;

(16) Anticipated date of disintegration, recovery or loss of contact with the space object;

(17) Identifying mark located on non-disintegrable parts.

Article 6. On completion of the space object�s mission or at the end of its useful life or on the occurrence of any accident or incident which renders it unfit to meet its objective, the Registry shall be notified with a view to recording such events.

Article 7. The Registry shall furnish to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Religion, General Directorate for International Safety and Nuclear and Space Affairs, the information specified in article IV of the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space.

Article 8. The Registry shall be public. Any interested party may obtain a certified copy of the entries in the Register by submitting a request to that effect to the authority responsible for the Registry.

Article 9. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Religion, General Directorate for International Safety and Nuclear and Space Affairs, shall inform the Secretary-General of the United Nations of the establishment of the Registry, in accordance with the provisions contained in article II of the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space.

Article 10. To be communicated, published, transmitted to the National Department of Official Registration and filed.

Signatories:

Menem � Di Tella

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