Published on 30 August 2023 in Client Alerts

The UN adopts its report on peaceful uses of outer space

On 10 June 2023, the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) adopted its report, following its 66^th session.  This report considered the representation and deliberations of 102 Member States, held in pursuance to the UN resolution on the International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.[1]

The final report as adopted has not been published yet.  However, it appears from the draft reports that the committee has touched upon four major areas of discussion namely: space and sustainable development;[2] space and water;[3] space and climate change;[4] and the “Space2030” Agenda.[5]  The committee acknowledged the significant role of space science and technology in improving the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes of action relating to environmental protection, land and water management, urban and rural development.  The committee also noted that a large number of space-borne platforms address many water-related issues.

Looking into the future, the committee’s “Space2030” Agenda considered ways to bridge the capacity gap of different States to use space technologies.  It also took into account the possible use of outer space to enhance sustainable ocean economies.

The COPUOS report represents a growing consensus amongst States in the field of outer space, its peaceful use and the global integration of space based technology.  The committee has recommended that it continue examining the same issues at its next session in 2024[6].

[1] See United Nations General Assembly, International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, UN Doc. A/RES/77/121, 15 December 2022. See also United Nations General Assembly, The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, UN Doc. A/AC.105/L.332/Add.4, 5 June 2023.

[2] See United Nations General Assembly, The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, UN Doc. A/AC.105/L.332/Add.5, 5 June 2023.

[3] See United Nations General Assembly, The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, UN Doc. A/AC.105/L.332/Add.8, 6 June 2023.

[4] See United Nations General Assembly, The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, UN Doc. A/AC.105/L.332/Add.9, 7 June 2023.

[5] See United Nations General Assembly, The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, UN Doc. A/AC.105/L.332/Add.11, 8 June 2023.

[6] See United Nations General Assembly, The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, UN Doc. A/AC.105/L.332/Add.1, 2 June 2023.  See also United Nations General Assembly, The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, UN Doc. A/AC.105/L.332/Add.12, 8 June 2023.