Recent incidents, including a Russian anti-satellite test and complications with the Starliner mission, underscore the urgent need for enhanced human space safety.

The Artemis accords offer a unique opportunity to advance international agreements on in-space rescue infrastructure and protocols.

The Columbia accident led NASA to develop in-space rescue planning, resulting in the STS-400 contingency support mission for the Hubble Servicing Mission.

Historical events, such as John Glenn's Mercury mission and the Apollo 13 crisis, highlight the absence of pre-planned in-space rescue capabilities during emergencies.

The Apollo-Soyuz mission and the International Space Station serve as examples of successful international collaboration in emergency scenarios.

Lessons from maritime rescue standards, which are well-established globally for surface and submarine operations, can inform the development of space rescue protocols.

Given the inherent risks of spaceflight, enhanced safety measures are essential as missions become increasingly ambitious.

As the U.S. advances its Artemis program for lunar and Martian exploration, establishing reliable in-space rescue capabilities is crucial to protect astronauts and bolster public confidence.

With upcoming crewed lunar missions and commercial space stations, the potential for humans to be stranded in space without rescue options poses a significant risk.

Despite a shared understanding of its importance among government and industry stakeholders, there is currently no designated leader for developing in-space rescue capabilities.

To address this gap, the White House should initiate an interagency process to define roles and governance for in-space search and rescue, supported by congressional funding.

International cooperation is vital for effective space rescue, as all spacefaring nations operate within the same cislunar environment.