Outer Space: Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Legal Subcommittee, 64th session, 1076th meeting

Good morning, distinguished delegates. I now declare open the 1076th meeting of the Legal Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Distinguished delegates, this morning we will continue our consideration of agenda item 3, General Exchange of Views. As I indicated yesterday, at the request of the distinguished delegate of the Ukraine, we will continue and hopefully conclude our consideration of agenda item 4, and that is information on the activities of international intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations relating to space law. We will then continue our consideration of agenda item 5, status and application of the 5 United Nations treaties on outer space and ways and means, including capacity building, to promote their implementation. Following that, we will adjourn the plenary meeting so that the working group on the Status and Application of the 5 United Nations Treaties on Outer Space can hold its first meeting. So it will be holding its first meeting. We will have 4 technical presentations this morning. And once again, I would like to recall that the schedule of technical presentations is available on the session's webpage. As well as in the Daily Journal. Are there any questions or any comments on this proposed schedule? I see none. And so we can now take up the first of our items for today, which is the General Exchange of Views, Agenda Item 3.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Distinguished delegates, I would now like to continue, as said, with our consideration of Agenda Item 3, and we'll now turn to the list of speakers. The first speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of the United States.

You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair, and good morning, colleagues. The United States looks forward to working with all of you in this room to ensure a successful session over the next 2 weeks. We thank Director Artie Hawamani and the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs for their work preparing this session. We'd also like to welcome Djibouti and Latvia as the newest UN COPUSS member states. And as we think ahead to the important discussions that we will have about the future of space resource activities, we'd like to express our sincere condolences to the delegation of Poland for the loss of Ambassador Andrzej Midzdal. Who served as chair of the LSC's Space Resources Working Group. Chair, the United States reaffirms the importance of the use and exploration of outer space in advancing humanity. Consistent with the 2020 U.S. National Space Policy, we believe that all nations have the right to explore and to use space for peaceful purposes and for the benefit of all humanity. In accordance with applicable law. Now, in 2025, we are on the precipice of possibilities that our predecessors at the beginning of the Space Age could only imagine. Fortunately, the 4 core space treaties created a legal framework which adequately addresses the fundamental issues that underlie activities in outer space. We look forward to working with this subcommittee to discuss how to address the session's agenda items within this existing framework and to identifying where additional non-legally binding principles, initiatives, and guidance may be useful. Since our last meeting, 18 more countries signed the Artemis Accords, committing to the safe, transparent, and responsible exploration of space. As of today, 54 countries have now signed the Accords, which are open to all nations. The Artemis Accords signatory countries are committed to provide lunar mission data parameters to the United Nations, as evidenced by the United States Article 11 submission earlier this year, in furtherance of conducting activities in outer space in a safe and sustainable manner that benefits all humanity. Further, as we will discuss in greater detail under Agenda Item 12, We envision a future with a global coordinated system of space situational awareness providers. The work by the U.S. Department of Commerce to develop the new Traffic Coordination System for Space, or TRACS, will leverage data from operators, governments, commercial, academic, and international sources. The system will provide space situational awareness information and services to spacecraft operators around the world in support of spaceflight safety and sustainability, and will begin operations later this year. The system plans to be one part of a larger hub-based coordination effort. Better understanding of the current issues and frameworks regarding space situational awareness, data, and information sharing could improve the methods or expectations for coordination between such providers. As we look to the future, we believe partnering with and facilitating the activities of commercial endeavors is also essential. Only through unlocking the opportunities can we truly open the door to outer space's true potential for technological innovation, scientific discovery, and exploration. Our deliberations in the subcommittee should be open to inputs from those on the cutting edge of technology and discovery. Our deliberations during the session should seek to ensure that we consider the ways that we can support the activities of non-governmental actors in outer space, while always remaining cognizant of our international legal obligations, as well as the need for safety and predictability to maintain the benefits of space for all humanity. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United States for his statement. And the following speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Japan.

Thank you, Chair. Good morning, everyone. Chair, distinguished delegates, Japan looks forward to collaborating with member states and supporting your leadership, Chair, to ensure productive and meaningful sessions. Chair, to ensure the safety, security, sustainability, and stability of outer space activities, new technologies are essential. However, progress can be hindered by the lack of international norms that facilitate these emerging technologies. The current legal framework has gaps that need to be filled to accommodate the rapid advancement in space technology. Although legal binding agreement may be difficult to reach today, Japan believes that certain international norms and guidelines are essential to effectively and transparently make best use of new technologies. As Japan works to fill these gaps, it is also crucial that new rules and regulations promote the use Implementations, operations, and the commercializations of technologies designed to solve space debris issues in manner that does not impede progress. Japan has already taken steps to lay the ground framework, groundwork for the establishment of such norms at national level. In 2021, the government of Japan. Developed the Space Resources Act and the guidelines for licensing on orbit serving with these principles in mind. Earlier this year, in February, Japan enacted new guidelines on collision avoidance. We encourage the government of member states to establish similar kind of guidelines to ensure the space activities are conducted in a safe and sustainable manner while advancing innovations. Chair, the universalization of international norm is a shared responsibility. It requires cooperation, trust, and collective action by all member states. Japan is committed to this journey through capacity building initiative and technical advisory missions such as Space Law for New Space Actors program. Therein, Japan supports emerging spacefaring nations in crafting their own special laws and policies. Likewise, The National Space Legislation Initiative, which called NSLI, under the Pacific— under the Asian-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum, APRSAF, continues to foster regional cooperation and enhance capacity since 2019, helping Asian-Pacific countries and others draft and implement their national space legislation and/or policies in line with international norms. Upholding the rule of law in outer space is not optional. It is crucial that all member states act in accordance with international law to ensure that exploration and utilization of space Space is done in a safe and sustainable manner. Full compliance with existing legal frameworks, especially the Outer Space Treaty, is a duty that international community shares. Last December, Japan, together with the United States and Argentina, submitted a resolution to the UN General Assembly reaffirming the obligation of all. States Parties to fully comply with Outer Space Treaty. Its adoption by an overwhelming majority reflects a strong global consensus that outer space must remain free of nuclear weapons. The rule of law in outer space is the bedrock of ensuring peace in space. The formation of international norms and the capacity building, as well as upholding the rule of law in outer space, requires cooperation among member states. The role of COPUSS and UNOOSA is pivotal in this regard. Japan is grateful for the leadership and the dedication of the chairperson and the director in guiding this effort. Japanese government and Japan supports Artemis Accord and would like to echo the notion expressed by our colleague of the United States on this accord. Before I conclude, allow me to underline one final point. Japan highlights urgent needs of international norms for space debris remediation. As a leading country in outer space activities, Japan is advancing research and the development of remediation technology and is, and is ready to lead in shaping international norms for remediation by sharing the knowledge it has gained and by fostering collaboration. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you very much to the distinguished delegate of Japan. I would now like to give the floor to the representative of Finland.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Good morning. Finland aligns itself with the statement made by the European Union and would like to make the following remarks in its national capacity. The rules-based international system is important in maintaining the peaceful nature of outer space and in assuring space activities are carried out in a safe and sustainable manner. We recognize the Committee's indispensable role for fostering international cooperation in this respect. In this spirit, we thank you, Mr. Chair, for your leadership in this meeting, as well as UNOSA for their excellent work in facilitating the COPUS meetings. International cooperation is central to the work of this committee. The Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine continues to severely hurt our common efforts in this regard. We reiterate our full solidarity with Ukraine, as well as our firm support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Mr. Chair, in Finland, the start of 2025 has already included many interesting steps in our space administration. We published our updated space strategy in January. The underlying values guiding the implementation of the strategy includes sustainable use of outer space, rules-based international order and cooperation, as well as the right of everyone to utilise outer space in accordance with international treaties. The Space Strategy aims at further developing the Finnish space sector, for instance by means of up-to-date legislation, agile public administration, and well-targeted financing. Legislation and licensing processes should the requirements of the rapidly developing domain, to provide, to provide an encouraging environment for space business, as well as to signal that Finland is a safe and responsible partner. Mr. Chair, to strengthen our participation in international cooperation in the space arena, Finland signed the Artemis Accords in January. By utilizing also the experience to be gained under the Artemis Accords, Finland will continue to support the work of COPUS and its subcommittees with the aim of enhancing multilateral cooperation and governance of space activities on celestial bodies. Furthermore, as the responsible ministry for Finland's space policy, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment signed the Zero Degree Charter, a non-legally binding charter initiated by the European Space Agency. Also, through this initiative, we are part of the community that is committed to finding ways to stop generating space debris and making sure the orbital environment remains usable.

Mr.

Chair, Finland reiterates the importance of development of a global space traffic management regime with the aim of creating common international rules that take into consideration rapid changes in the space sector. On this note, we welcomed the proposal for a study group on legal and policy aspects of space traffic, and we wish to thank Germany on its efforts on the matter. We would also welcome Unispace 4 in 2027 as a possibility to push forward the intentions on having frameworks to guide space traffic on the global level. Space situational awareness capacity is vital in supporting space traffic management, and we are happy to inform that Finland's Space Situational Awareness Centre has started some functions and is expected to be fully operational in 2027. The centre is the national contact point for— of the EU SST Consortium and works in close cooperation with other international partners as well. Finally, Mr. Chair, we acknowledge the Legal Subcommittee as the primary forum for ensuring that space activities and related regulatory developments are carried out in accordance with international law. Finland reiterates the role of the United Nations Treaties on Outer Space, together with the related UN General Assembly resolutions and sets of principles, as the cornerstones, stones of international space law. Accordingly, we encourage the widest possible adherence to the relevant international treaties and guidelines and their implementation in support of the rules-based international order. Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Finland for her statement. The following speaker on my list Is the distinguished representative of Norway. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Norway wishes to thank you for chairing this 64th session of the Legal Subcommittee. Please rest assured of Norway's support. We also thank the Office for Outer Space Affairs for their excellent work in preparing this session. We are pleased to see that the membership. to UN COPUS is steadily increasing. In that respect, my delegation welcomes the new members to the committee, Djibouti and Latvia. Norway continues to condemn Russia's illegal full-scale war against Ukraine. Norway calls for Russia to cease hostilities and unconditionally withdraw all forces and military equipment from within Ukraine's internationally recognized borders. Chair, There is a vast and evolving potential for activities in outer space. The pace of progress reminds us of the importance of the multilateral efforts to COPUS to develop norms and guidelines for the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space. Norway remains committed to the work of COPUS and its subcommittees. Our priorities in COPUS have not changed. The Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities The Working Group on Long-Term Sustainability, Space as an Asset to Combat Climate Change, the Space 2030 Agenda, and Space Traffic Management are still among our priorities. Regarding space resources, Norway congratulates the Vice Chair, Professor Stephen Freeland, on delivering an initial set of draft recommended principles on space resources. We will deliver a separate statement regarding space resources under Agenda Item 8. My delegation also wishes to express our condolences to the Polish delegation on the passing away of Ambassador Misztal. NORIS is also pleased with the progress made on the draft final report and annex to the final report made during the informal meetings of the Working Group on Long-Term Sustainability in April. NORIS welcomes further discussions in the Working Group during the meeting of the Main Committee in June. As for the Space 23 agenda, Norway has submitted its report for the midterm review of the Space 2030 agenda. Norway also supports the holding of a Unispace 4 conference in 2027. When it comes to space traffic management, this topic is gaining increased importance as the number of objects and activities in space continue to grow. We believe the suggestion made by Germany during last year's session of the Legal Subcommittee, to give a mandate to a study group of experts to come up with a proposal on how to move forward on space traffic management is very positive. And Norway co-sponsors the paper by Germany on a proposal for a study group on legal and policy aspects of space traffic. Regarding the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation, ATLAC, Norway has appointed representatives to participate in the work of ATLAC, and we will follow the work of the Action Team. Chair, in conclusion, Norway is proud to report that on the 30th of March this year, the German company ISAR Aerospace launched its rocket Spectrum from Andøya Spaceport in northern Norway. This is the first orbital rocket launched from continental Europe. Despite the short journey of the Spectrum rocket, this marks the beginning of a new era in Norwegian and European spaceflight. Furthermore, Last month, we also had the first person in space wearing a Norwegian flag on her arm. Jannecke Mikkelsen flew on the mission Fram 2 on a Dragon spacecraft from SpaceX. This is the first human spaceflight mission to explore the Earth in a polar orbit. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you very much, distinguished representative of Norway, for your statement. The following speaker is the distinguished representative of Germany.

Honorable Chair and distinguished delegates, Germany fully supports the statement made by the EU, and Chair Germany assures you of its support in guiding us in an efficient and results-oriented manner. We also appreciate the excellent work of the United Nations Office Office for Outer Space Affairs and its committee policy and legal affairs section in preparing our work and fulfilling its mandates under the space treaties with too few resources. Colleagues, multilateralism is under pressure, and against this background, it was an important achievement that the Pact for the Future was adopted, including Action 56 on the outer space governance. With the growing dependence on and use of outer space as a global commons beyond national jurisdiction, we continue to value the Outer Space Treaty and other UN instruments as a solid and robust legal basis for space activities. COPUUS and its subcommittees should continue to lead its progressive development, in particular on space debris, space traffic, and space resources. Germany views the establishment of a study group on legal and policy aspects of space traffic as an important step to advance understanding of legal and policy challenges related to ever-increasing space traffic and to build up expertise at the legal subcommittee. It would complement the work of the scientific and technical subcommittee on the long-term sustainability of outer space activities and global space situational awareness coordination. We thank the United Arab Emirates for their proposal, which we support. Together with Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, the Netherlands, and Norway, we issued a paper for consideration and decision by the subcommittee. Outlining the scope and possible outcomes of a study group on legal and policy aspects of space traffic. According to this proposal, within 2 years, the group would compile and assess legal and policy issues related to space traffic, taking into account policies, best practices, and requirements at national and regional levels, as well as international space law with the Outer Space Treaty as its core. It would produce a research report compiled by a drafting group on the basis of the input received from COP US delegations in response to a questionnaire. We invite all delegations to look at our proposal and stand ready for constructive consultations. Please join us for an informal meeting on Wednesday, 7th of May, at 9 AM in Room M3. where we are prepared to further introduce and discuss our proposal for a study group on space traffic. Honorable Chair, distinguished delegates, the main work of this session will again be carried out during formal and informal meetings of our 3 working groups and the Action Team for Lunar Activities Consultations, ATLAC. We look forward to progressing there on pressing issues of international space law. With regard to the Working Group on Space Resources, we thank Professor Freeland for providing the leadership essential to fulfill the ambitious work plan. The draft principles he provided on time are an excellent first step towards a much-needed framework for space resource activities. We will engage constructively in identifying areas of convergence and agreeing on the way forward. With regard to the Working Group on the 5 UN Space Treaties, we thank all delegations for their constructive participation last year, resulting in a work plan on information exchange on space activities under Article 11 of the Space Treaty. We look forward to discussing the template to facilitate submission of information to the UN. More generally, we assure you of Germany's commitment to the sustainability and safety of space activities as they offer critical contributions to sustainable development, disaster management, and combating climate change. With the Space 2030 Agenda in mind, COPUOS is the appropriate forum for cooperation and reporting to the General Assembly. Outer space is and shall remain open for exploration and use for peaceful purposes by governmental and private sectors. Commercial operators of space infrastructure make significant contributions. The same principles apply to their activities as to those of governments. Finally, we thank the International Institute for Space Law and the European Center for Space Law for convening a symposium during this session and look forward to inspiring contributions. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Germany for his statement. The following speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Luxembourg. You have the floor.

Mr. President, Chairperson, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I'd like to begin by thanking the UNUSA and its Director Madame Arti Holomaini for her leadership and for the excellent preparation of this session. Chairperson, you may rest assured of Luxembourg's support in your leading of our work in a constructive and fruitful manner. Luxembourg aligns itself with the statement by the European Union. We would like to make the following comments in our national capacity. Chairperson, distinguished delegates, in recent years Luxembourg has considerably strengthened implementation of our national legal framework. The Law of December 15th, 2020, on Space Activities and the Law of 2017 on the Exploration and Use of Space Resources provide clear legal framework for licensing and oversight of space activities and space resource missions of non-state actors. Luxembourg space legislation offers the necessary basis for more rigorous registration of space objects, for space activity risk management, for building national capacity for long-term space activities, and for enhanced information exchange with all relevant actors. Luxembourg continues to actively support talent development initiatives across the board. Here, allow me to inform you that a team of students from the University of Luxembourg won the Manfred Lachs Space Law Competition organized by the European Center for Space Law, which was held at the ESA headquarters in April 2025. Chairperson Luxembourg is of the view that the scourge of space debris equally affects all countries that are present or planning to be present in outer space. Therefore, we must together, as a matter of urgency, define and strengthen a set of common rules for all actors and thereby devise realistic and long-term solutions for the sustainability of outer space for future generations. Luxembourg continues supporting the development of technologies that help monitor debris or extend the lives of space objects. We also participate in European programs such as the ESA Space Safety Program. Luxembourg also signed the ESA Zero Debris Charter, thus marking a new step forward in implementation of our national strategy by encouraging the sustainability of activities in outer space. Our national system of space activity licensing includes measures to mitigate space debris aligned with existing standards and the COPRO's guidelines. Chairperson, we welcome the initial deliberations of the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation, ATLAC, under the auspices of its chairpersons, Madam Bottezzato and Mr. Abbas. We look forward to continuing the discussions on the work plan during this session of the subcommittee. We welcome the progress in the work of the Working Group on the Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activity. We welcome in particular the initial draft principles recommended for space resource activities prepared by Professor Friedland, Friedland, Vice Chair of the Working Group. We are of the view that the Working Group on the Status and Application of the 5 UN Treaties on Outer Space has an important mandate, and it offers a valuable opportunity to explore ways of developing and using information exchange tools. Therefore, we welcome the beginning of an exchange of views on the implementation of Article 11 of the Outer Space Treaty. the Outer Space Treaty during the last session of the Legal Subcommittee. The Pact for the Future reiterates the importance of the broadest possible adhesion to the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, and it also emphasizes the essential role of the safe and sustainable use of outer space for implementation of Agenda 2030. Against this backdrop, Luxembourg hopes that the committee will come to agreement on the goals, location, organization, and funding of the Unispace 4 conference in 2027. Thank you for your attention.

Muchas gracias, distinguido representante.

Thank you very much, distinguished representative of Luxembourg, for your statement. The following speaker is the distinguished representative of Austria.

Thank you, Chair. As this is the first time that Austria takes the floor, I would like to thank you, Chair, for your excellent chairmanship. We are confident that our work during this session of the subcommittee will greatly benefit from your skills and experience. I would also like to express our gratitude to the Director of the Office of Outer Space Affairs, Mrs. Arti Hollamäini, and her able and dedicated team for the preparation of this session. At the outset, let me welcome the 2 most recent members of COPOS, Djibouti and Latvia. Let me also express our deepest condolences on the passing of Ambassador Mistal, earlier this year. Ambassador Michtler was an exceptional diplomat who was appreciated not only for his detailed knowledge of space law and his professional skills, but also for his friendly and open approach to everyone he met. As a longstanding delegate and former chair of this subcommittee, he left an indelible mark on its work.

Mr.

Chair, Austria fully aligns itself with the statement of the European Union, including the condemnation of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. The information shared by Mrs. Holmeier yesterday about possible budget cuts affecting UNOSA are worrying. Austria supports that UNOSA is provided with sufficient resources to fulfill its important task, in particular referring to the outcome of the recent strategic review of UNOSA. Due to the exceptional increase of space activities, there's a clear need for effective multilateralism to ensure the safety and sustainability of human activities in outer space. Austria therefore encourages all states which have not yet done so to ratify and implement the UN Treaties on Outer Space, including the Moon Agreement, and to cooperate in order to develop and implement new sets of rules. Austria closely followed the first session of the UN Open-Ended Working Group on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space in all its aspects, which took place in April this year in Geneva. We are disheartened by the valuable time lost in procedural debates and urge all member states to cooperate in good faith to fulfill the whole mandate of that comprehensive working group. Without infringing on the work and mandate of other processes and bodies in the UN system, Austria wishes to reiterate that COPOS and its subcommittees have always had the mandate to also consider security-related aspects of their work. Austria supports a holistic intergovernmental process for the global governance of outer space, which we hope will produce meaningful results across a broader agenda of topics, bringing together diverse national interests and values.

Mr.

Chair, Austria wishes to express its gratitude to the Secretariat and all contributing member states that ensured the success of last year's Summit of the Future. The Grand Pact for the Future contains a clear message that the work of COPUOS will be crucial for advancing the interests and development of humanity. In this respect, we welcome the mandate to hold a 4th UNISPACE Conference. In light of the success of previous UNISPACE Conferences, which have all been held in Vienna, we are looking forward to the Committee agreeing on the programme of work and venue of this conference. Additionally, Austria wants to emphasize the need for new initiatives to advance work on concrete measures regarding the issue of space traffic management in COPUOS. In this context, we support the proposal made by Germany to establish a study group on this issue. We also welcome the complementary proposal from the United Arab Emirates on space situational awareness. In order to remain relevant, The Committee should utilize both of its subcommittees to consider the issue of space traffic management from their respective perspectives.

Mr.

Chair, in December last year, Austria became the 50th signatory of the Artemis Accords. We appreciate the opportunity of the 64th session of the Legal Subcommittee to reaffirm our commitment to all UN treaties in outer space, including the Moon Agreement. AUSTRIA also wishes to congratulate the European Space Agency, which for 50 years has been and remains an anchor and a pioneer for regional cooperation in space activities, research, and exploration. We also want to thank the Vice Chair of the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities, Stephen Freeland, for his initial draft set of recommended principles on space resource activities. activities. It will provide an excellent basis for further discussion under the able stewardship of the Vice Chair. Mr. Chair, Austria attaches great importance to the strengthening of the Legal Subcommittee as the prime multilateral body with a mandate to promote the progressive development of international space law for the peaceful uses of outer space. In concluding, let me underline that the Austrian delegation will continue to provide strong support to the work and deliberation of this summit committee and is looking forward to a productive and rewarding session. Thank you.

Thank you very much, distinguished representative of Austria, for your statement. We will now take up our consideration of agenda item 4, and we will continue our consideration of agenda item 3, general exchange of views, this afternoon. So once again, accordingly, we will continue and hopefully conclude now our consideration of agenda item 4, which is information on the activities of international intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations relating to space law. And I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair. Since the delegation of Ukraine takes the floor for the first time, I would like to express our gratitude to you and the Secretariat for the effective leadership Thank you for this meeting. Distinguished Chair, distinguished delegates, Ukraine welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this important discussion and reaffirm its unwavering commitment to the principles of transparency, cooperation, and capacity building in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space. We believe these principles are best advanced through sustained multilateral dialogue and both intergovernmental and and governmental levels. In this spirit, Ukraine is actively exploring avenues for deeper international engagement, particularly in the development of legal framework governing emerging areas of space activity. For example, Ukraine has endorsed the Artemis Accord, reflecting our support for cooperative, responsible behavior in outer space. In parallel, we are aligned our national space legislation with the evolving legal and policy framework of the European Union, including in the area of their space resource utilization. At the same time, we are mindful of the risk posed by regional fragmentation in space governance. Divergent legal framework may hinder the ability to ensure universal and non-discriminatory access to space and maintain coherence in its application of international law. This highlights the need for robust multilateral mechanisms capable of accommodating new realities without compromising foundational principles. Ukraine also strongly supports the inclusion of non-state actors, particularly the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders in intergovernmental processes related to space sustainability and legal government. In this context, allow me to briefly highlight the activity of the Ukrainian Association of High-Tech Enterprises and Organization Cosmos. The association was established to pursue these objectives by cooperating with state and local authorities on the regulatory and legal framework governing the market of space-related goods and services, providing monitoring and expert evaluation of draft legal and regulatory acts, participation in the development of state programs, national legal and regulatory frameworks for space activities, fostering cooperation with International Space Organization-related associations, alliances, unions in this space domain. The Cosmos Association is open to a partnership with all public and private actors committed to this peaceful use of space technologies, particularly support of UN Sustainable Development Goals. Distinguished delegates, as we collectively navigate an era of expanding space activity and increasingly diverse stakeholders, the development of space law must remain inclusive, adaptive, and grounded in international cooperation. Intergovernmental and non-governmental institutions alike have an essential role in applying, interpreting, and updating the principles of existing Space Treaty to address emerging challenges and seize new opportunities. Ukraine remains committed to contributing actively to this dialogue and to strengthen international legal frameworks that ensure outer space remains peaceful, sustainable, and accessible for all. Thank you for your attention. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you very much to the distinguished representative of Ukraine for her statement. Before we conclude this present agenda item, item 4, let me ask delegations the following question. May I take it that the subcommittee agrees that it is important to continue to exchange information on recent developments in the area of space law with international intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations? And that such organizations should once again be invited to report to the subcommittee at its next session on their activities relating to space law. I see no objections, and it is so agreed. Thank you. We have concluded our consideration of agenda item four, information on the activities of international, intergovernmental, and non-governmental organizations relating to space law. Distinguished delegates, I would now like to continue our consideration of agenda item five, status and application of the five. United Nations treaties on outer space, and ways and means, including capacity building, to promote their implementation. I now turn to the list of speakers, and the first speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Germany. You have the floor.

Honorable Chair, distinguished delegates. The 5 UN space treaties are the cornerstone of the international legal framework for activities in outer space, all of which were agreed by consensus at COPUOS and recommended by the General Assembly for ratification. Increasing dependence on space infrastructure warrants universal acceptance and application of this framework. The 5 treaties are the starting point for ensuring transparency, responsibility, safety, and peace in outer space. We thank UNOSA for information on the status of these agreements and its efforts to raise awareness and build capacity on space law around the world. We appreciate the Space Law for New Space Actors project and are pleased to contribute with experts to technical advisory missions. This year, the Institute of Air Law, Space Law, and Cyber Law at the University of Cologne is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Its director will present the institute's activities in a technical presentation on Monday, May 12th. We thank him, his predecessors, and the whole team for their efforts to promote space law in Germany and partner universities around the world. 2025 also marks the 50th anniversary of the Registration Convention. Registration of space objects is a fundamental pillar of space law, a mechanism for information exchange and transparency, and the legal basis for allocation of jurisdiction and control over objects in space. Since the last subcommittee session, 34 space objects have been added to the German Space Object Register. Sharing best practices and discussing legal issues related to registration is important for developing the legal regime governing outer space. We recommend UNOSA for undertaking the registration project together with the United Kingdom and are pleased to contribute to next week's meeting of national focal points. Honorable Chair, distinguished delegates, registration of space objects can be considered a means of implementing Article 11 of the Outer Space Space Treaty, by which state parties agree to share information on their space activities. We thank the Secretariat for the background paper on synergies between registration and Article 11. Concerning the template under discussion at the working group under this agenda item, it would be valuable to identify the most relevant purposes for sharing information under Article 11 and how this might complement information on registered space object. It could be considered to use Article 11 notifications for novel space missions involving more than one space object, for example, prior to conducting rendezvous or proximity operations, on-orbit servicing missions, or active debris removal procedures, as these activities warrant specific transparency and confidence-building. Article 11 is also of interest for the coordination and cooperation on lunar missions as developed among Artemis Accords signatories. As provided for in the NPS principles, Article 11 could also be used to disseminate information on safety assessments prior to the launch of space objects. Information could also be shared on the launch of space objects which would not be included in the registry of the state conducting the launch. Anticipating a growing use of Article 11 and an increase in submissions to UNOSA, the Office needs adequate resources to disseminate information efficiently. In this regard, a system whereby states themselves enter information into a catalog maintained by the Office could be considered. Thank you very much.

Thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Germany for his statement. The following speaker is the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

Distinguished Chairperson, distinguished delegates. The Russian Federation, as depository of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, on April 16th, 2024, received the instrument of ratification of Colombia. The instrument of ratification contains a statement of interpretation to which a number of states, including the Russian Federation, have responded. On October 17, 2024, the Russian Federation also received the Treaty Accession Instrument of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. The 5 UN space treaties create a reliable international law foundation for space activity that has proven its effectiveness over the past 6-plus decades of spacefaring. The Russian Federation urges states that have not yet acceded to the treaties to consider the possibility of doing so. We reject the practice of using non-membership of the 5 treaties as a pretext for activities that contradict the basic principles and norms of space law. International space law implementation practice based around the 5 UN space treaties has proven how important they've been to uniting the international community around exploring space within internationally agreed legal framework. At the same time, they need to be further developed and fine-tuned in light of current trends in space activity. We support initiatives in favor of broad-based adhesion to the 5 UN treaties on outer space, which are the foundation of space safe— rather, safe space operations. We believe the status of the 5 UN treaties on outer space is beyond question. However, future scientific breakthroughs and technical developments will require their enhancement. For the 5 treaties to remain relevant, the subcommittee should consider the need to amend them or even draft additional treaties and to facilitate broader adhesion to the body of law governing space activities. International and national law governing space activities requires ongoing improvement. We also need to raise the status of recommendatory principles to binding requirements that enshrine relevant legal concepts and procedures. Thank you, Chairperson.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation for their statement. The following speaker is the distinguished representative of Brazil.

Thank you, Chairperson. Capacity building is a priority for Brazil in implementing the principles and treaties that govern outer space. Particularly, Brazil is dedicated to advancing education and awareness of space law. I would like to highlight some recent initiatives undertaken by the Brazilian Space Agency. AEB and its partners. Last year, AEB successfully conducted a basic course on space law through the AEB Virtual School. This comprehensive, self-paced, asynchronous course was designed to introduce space law concepts to a wide audience, including elementary and high school teachers, technical school and university students, as well as legal professionals. It's important to highlight that the course is completely free. The curriculum included 8 key units: Introduction to Space Law, Space Treaties, Definition and Delimitation of Outer Space, Copos: History, Function, and Brazil's Participation. New Space: Congested, Contested, and Competitive. Space Debris. Space Resources. National Regulations of the AAB and the National Space Activities Programs, the PNAEP. Each unit features engaging educational material including concise videos, interactive challenges, and assessments, all delivered through a user-friendly, block-formatted online platform. Of the 677 initial participants, 169 students successfully completed the course. Additionally, the Escola Superior da Advocacia do Distrito Federal, an entity affiliated with the Brazilian Bar Association, has continued its commitment to space law education by offering its basic space law course for the 5th consecutive year in 2025. This 12-hour course has trained over over 150 students from various professional backgrounds, significantly contributing to this dissemination of space law knowledge within Brazil. These initiatives highlight Brazil's ongoing efforts to foster a deeper understanding of space law and its importance demonstrating our commitment to building capacity in this crucial field. Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Thank you very much to the distinguished representative of Brazil for his statement. The following speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Japan. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair, distinguished delegate. In recent years, the number of players in the space sector has increased to an unprecedented degree, leading to the diversification and expansion of space activities. In such an evolving environment, Japan would like to reiterate the importance of the United Nations Treaty on Outer Space. We urge all member states that have not yet done so to become parties to the Outer Space Treaty without delay or conditions. Chair, given the growth in space activities, Japan recognizes the importance of providing educational and training opportunities and facilitating the exchange of information to ensure that space activities are carried out in accordance with the treaties and other international norms. Since the 1990s, the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum, APRSAF, has been facilitating an important regional cooperation measure known as the National Space Legislation Initiative, NSLI. The initiative aims to promote information sharing, and mutual learning on the practices of national legislation and policies in the Asia-Pacific region. The NSLI also helps to build the capacities of Asia-Pacific countries by assisting with the drafting and implementation of national space legislation and policies in line with international norms. The significance of the NSLI has increased, particularly through the Nagoya Vision, which was revised at the memorable APL/SAF 30 conference held in Perth, Australia, in November 2024. There, APL/SAF community pledged to develop sustainable space activities, enhance human resources and capabilities, and promote the growth of the private space sector in the Asia-Pacific region. Following the first and second NSLI reports in 2021 and 2023, respectively, the third NSLI report is scheduled for joint submission to the 28th session of COPUS next month. This report will highlight the effort of each NSLI member state, including those made through the Artemis Accords, as well as the contributions of NSLI member states to the work of COPPIOS. Furthermore, Japan has been collaborating with UN-ESA on the Space Law for New Space Actors project since 2021, to support capacity building for emerging spacefaring nations in the Asia-Pacific region. Following the regional technical advisory mission hosted in Tokyo in January 2024, Japan and UNOOSA have held 2 such missions, one in the Philippines in November 2024, with the tremendous support from the Philippine Space Agency, PHILSA, and the other in Thailand in January of this year, with a major contribution from the Geoinformatics and Space Technology Development Agency, GSDA. During these missions, participants learned important elements of national authorization and the continuing supervision of space activities. Japan intends to continue supporting this project for Asia-Pacific countries. Chair, the Asia-Pacific regional round of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition was held in Japan in March 2025. Since the first Asia-Pacific round in 2000. JAXA's involvement with this competition is critical since it's not only contributed to the development of human resources in the field of space law, but also provided funding to ensure the winning team can go to the final round. Japan is committed to continuing its capacity-building efforts in collaboration with UNOUSA and other— our partners. Thank you for your kind attention.

Thank you very much, distinguished representative of Japan, for your statement. The following speaker on my list is the representative of the Philippines. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Since this is our first intervention, we wish to take the opportunity to extend our condolences for the passing of Ambassador Andrei Mishtal and recall his important contributions to the work of the committee and its subsidiary bodies. We also wish to welcome Djibouti and Latvia to the committee. Chair, since our last meeting, we have worked tirelessly to complete our ratification process of the Registration Convention. And we are pleased to report that in May of last year, the Philippines formally acceded to the Registration Convention. To mark this milestone, the Philippines hosted a forum during Philippine Space Week in August of last year, focusing on the domestic implementation of the convention in a whole-of-society approach. This event brought together key government and private stakeholders to deepen understanding of international legal frameworks and their impact on national space policy and industry. The Philippines is also in the process of setting up a website to serve as the official Philippine registry of space objects, which we will launch during Philippine Space Week in August of this year. In line with Article 2 of the convention, we will be sending formal communication to the United Nations in this regard. We note, Mr. Chair, that even prior to accession, the Philippines has been submitting updates on Philippine space objects, and we will continue to do so in the spirit of transparency and cooperation. In addition, the Philippines is also in the midst of domestic processes toward the ratification of the Outer Space Treaty and the Rescue Agreement.

Mr.

Chair, the Philippines has also taken active measures in building domestic capacities for implementation and compliance with our treaty commitments, as well as fostering domestic constituencies for the peaceful uses of outer space. As part of these efforts, the Philippines hosted the Space Law Technical Advisory Mission in November of last year, as mentioned by our colleagues from Japan aimed to strengthen our legal and regulatory infrastructure for space activities. And this initiative was in partnership with UNOSA and the Government of Japan, and we extend our sincere appreciation to them for their support. As mentioned by Director Hallamaini in her remarks yesterday, the Philippines has also published a bilingual children's book on space law entitled in English Tala and Her Journey Through Space. Mr. Chair, we share that tala is the Filipino word for star. We will launch this book at a side event on the 14th of May, next week, from 1 PM to 1:45 PM at Conference Room M5, and we warmly invite all delegates to attend and receive a copy of this book. In closing, Mr. Chair, allow us to reaffirm that the Philippines continues to pursue ratification of the UN space treaties and to build international partnerships as part of our sincere commitment to becoming a responsible spacefaring nation. Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I would like to thank the distinguished representative of the Philippines for her statement. Following speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Ecuador. You have the floor.

Thank you very much, Chair. Ecuador will make the following comments regarding this current agenda item. Chair, in keeping with its commitment to the primacy of international law, Ecuador is of the view that adherence to United Nations legal instruments on space matters promotes and significantly contributes to the establishment of a safe and sustainable environment for the development of activities in outer space. Moreover, for my country, adherence to and the implementation of these instruments strengthens the effectiveness of COPUOS as the leading multilateral forum to address space matters that are of interest to all of humankind without exclusion, in addition to promoting cooperation and the development of international space Chair, in line with this approach, Ecuador is satisfied following its adherence to the Convention on the Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space. This act represents a solid and concrete step forward in our commitment to the observance, promotion, and further strengthening of international space law. In keeping with the principles set forth in the Outer Space Treaty. This act of adherence gives rise to numerous strategic, technical, and legal benefits for Ecuador. Firstly, it serves to strengthen institutional capacity to more effectively manage space activities, ensuring that every object that is launched under Ecuadorian jurisdiction is duly registered. In keeping with international standards, this practice gives rise to greater transparency and predictability, which are fundamental aspects in order to shape a climate of trust among states. States such as Ecuador, which are starting to further strengthen their presence in the space environment. This step reflects Ecuador's staunch resolve to develop space activities pursuant to the principles. Governing the peaceful and responsible use of outer space. Through this act of adherence, my country has become a state party to 4 of the 5 core treaties that govern space law, thus strengthening its vocation of peace, scientific and technological cooperation, and responsible use of outer space. The Registration Convention entered into force in Ecuador in March 2025. However, A number of months earlier, we had already started working internally to ensure normative alignment to guarantee effective compliance with the commitments made in coordination with the institutions operating in space sector management. Finally, Chair Ecuador restates its readiness to continue its active participation at multilateral fora on space law based on our belief that the peaceful and sustainable development development of outer space will only be possible through compliance with international law and the further strengthening of multilateral mechanisms. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ecuador for her statement. The following speaker is the distinguished representative of Colombia.

Chair, distinguished colleagues, good day. Before beginning, and as this is the first statement delivered by my country, I would like to restate our condolences to Poland following the sad passing of Ambassador Andrzej Misztal, who, through his leadership of the Working Group on the Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities, has left COPUS with an invaluable legacy. Chair, my delegation wishes you the best of success in the development of this legal subcommittee and would like to thank the Director of UNOSA and the Secretariat for the actions undertaken in order to carry out this session. Turning to Agenda Item 5 on the status and application of the 5 United Nations Treaties on outer space, Colombia aligns itself with the declaration delivered by the G77 and China, and in its national capacity wishes to state the following: Colombia acknowledges the importance of the international legal framework established under the United Nations to ensure the peaceful use of outer space, and as such, we restate our commitment to the promotion of respect. Respect for and further strengthening of the existing legal regime in this area. Colombia expresses its resolve to continue progressing towards a harmonious and coherent normative integration with our national space development. We believe that the ongoing exchange of information among states and monitoring the status of ratification of treaties and of domestic regulations in states on matters pertaining to outer space are key tools in order to promote the harmonious application of iuris spatialis internationalis. In the same vein, we underscore the need to further develop ways and means for the application and implementation of the treaties, including capacity building. Turning to the status of the treaties in Colombia, we highlight the following. In 2024, Colombia ratified the Treaty on the Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. This treaty is considered to be the keystone of modern international space law, whereby its ratification was deemed sufficiently broad in order to underscore Colombia's support for internationally agreed principles governing the activities of states in the exploration and use of outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies. Furthermore, the Convention on the International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects, adopted in 1972, entered into force in Colombia on the 2nd of July, 2014. Furthermore, the Convention on the Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space, which was adopted in 1975, entered into force in Colombia on the 10th of January, 2014. In this regard, the Colombian Airspace Force has promoted internal provisions in order to establish norms and procedures for the registration of objects launched into outer space, as well as the single Colombian register for objects launched into space. The 2023 Law 2302, referring to the registration obligation in Article 4, establishes the following: that prior to the launch of any space object from Colombian territory or on behalf of the Colombian state, this object must be registered in keeping with the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space, which was ratified by Colombia. These launches must be aligned with the precepts of the Ministry of National Defense and the Colombian Air Force in order to thus ensure the monitoring, supervision, and regulation of such objects, ensuring that they do not pose a risk to national security, defense, air or space operations, or national sovereignty. Chair, on this item, Colombia equally wishes to express its concern regarding the threat posed by military activity in space. Space and restate its request to those countries with advanced space programs and weapons of mass destruction to refrain from an arms race in outer space. The militarization of space not only represents a direct threat to global security, but equally jeopardizes the scientific and technological progress that all of humankind stand to benefit from. Equally, we recall that matters pertaining to international peace and security fall under the United Nations General Assembly First Committee. Chair, to conclude, my delegation wishes to restate its readiness to continue cooperation here in COPUOS in order to further strengthen the international legal regime on outer space, to guarantee that the exploration and use thereof is carried out in a peaceful, sustainable, and equitable manner for the benefit of all of humankind without leaving anyone behind. Thank you very much.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much, distinguished representative of Colombia, for your statement. A continuación, the following speaker.

I resume.

Before we suspend this plenary meeting, To enable the working group to start its work before suspending the plenary meeting, I would like to ask delegations for their views on continuing the practice of producing some recurrent documents under this agenda item. As you know, There are 3 such documents and a database. And once again, 3 documents under this item and a database. The first document is entitled Education Opportunities in Space Law: A Directory, as you can find it in CRP 7 this year. The second document is entitled Capacity Building in Space Law, and this can be found in CRP 8. And the third document is the— no, the third is the National Space Law Database, and this is also made available as a document.

Thank you.

Entitled Schematic Overview of National Regulatory Frameworks for Space Activities, and this can be found in CRP 6. So once again, there are 3 documents. Education Opportunities in Space Law, a directory. This is CRP 7. The second document is Capacity Building in Space Law. This is CRP 8. And the third document is the schematic overview of national regulatory frameworks for space activities in CRP 6. And this last document equally is the National Space Law Database. The Secretariat has been producing these documents over many years. By inviting member states to submit their contributions and then compiling such contributions, I would like to ask delegations to consider whether this practice of producing documents should continue. And to that end, I would like to ask the following three questions. And propose that we come back to this tomorrow morning, Wednesday, 7th of May, to agree on the way forward so that what is agreed will be reflected in the report. So these are the 3 questions now, and then tomorrow morning we will answer those 3 questions. Thank you. So that we can agree on the way forward and that what is agreed is reflected in the report. The first question is on educational opportunities. Given the importance of updating the Directory of Educational Opportunities and Space Law, I would like to know whether the subcommittee agrees that the office should conduct continue to update the directory and that member states are encouraged and invited to report to the subcommittee at its next session on their contributions at the national level for the future updating of this directory. So that was the first question. And the first question once again concerns educational opportunities and the need to continue updating this directory, whether the Office should continue these efforts of updating the directory And whether member states should continue encouraging the office to do so and continue reporting to the subcommittee on this at each session on contributions made at the national level for this ongoing updating of the directory. The second question. Is on the information on capacity building. Similarly, given the importance emphasized by many delegates on capacity building and space law, I would like to see whether the subcommittee agrees that states member and permanent observers of the committee should continue informing the subcommittee at its next session of any action taken or planned at the national, regional, or international levels to build capacity In space law, and the third question is on the information on national space legislation and regulation adopted nationally. Given the importance of information exchange on developments in the area of national space-related regulatory frameworks, I would like to know whether the subcommittee. Committee agrees that member states should be encouraged to continue submitting to the Secretariat texts of their national space laws and regulations, as well as updates on their national regulatory frameworks for space activities.

Thank you.

On this matter, I was advised by the Secretariat that the same information is also made available and is being updated through the dedicated webpage on the National Space Law Database. Thank you. In addition, I would like to inform you that the Working Group on the Status and Application of the 5 United Nations Treaties on Outer Space will be considering document CRP 6 in more detail on matters relating to the preparation of this document. Distinguished delegates, I would— would you like me to repeat the 3 questions? They seem to be clear and therefore we will continue our consideration of agenda. Item 5 tomorrow morning, and also at the session tomorrow morning, we will get back to the questions that I raised regarding the recurrent practice of producing documents. Thank you very much. We will now suspend the plenary meeting so that the Working Group on the Status and Application of the 5 United Nations treaties on outer space can hold its first meeting. And following the adjournment of the working group meeting, we will then resume the plenary with a view to proceeding with the technical presentations. Thank you very much. Distinguished delegates. We shall now turn to proceed with the technical presentations. We have 4 technical presentations scheduled for this morning's session, and the first presentation— Once again, we have 4 technical presentations scheduled for this morning's session. I recall that there is a maximum speaking time limit of 10 minutes per presentation. The first presentation on my list is on fostering international cooperation through space resources, the Moon as a blueprint. This will be delivered by the representative of the United States. You have the floor.

Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman and distinguished delegates. I'm from the University of Notre Dame in the United States with 39 years of experience in lunar science and exploration, and I come before you today as a member of the U.S. delegation to this meeting, but I'm not an employee of the United States government. However, I'm honored and humbled to be taking to be talking with you today about space resources through this presentation, Fostering International Cooperation Through Space Resources: The Moon as a Blueprint. The Earth has been blessed by having our moon because it can facilitate humans becoming a multiplanetary species. The German-American rocket engineer Krafft Ehricke noted in his posthumous paper and paraphrased here, If God wanted humans to become a spacefaring species, he would have given them a moon. The moon is a place that is close to Earth that we know— and we now know has resources to sustain humans residing there and possibly be exported back to Earth. And the moon has the potential to ignite a vibrant cislunar economy. This talk has been inspired by the recent update from the Working Group on the Legal Aspects of space resource activities. Next slide, please. So I want to start with the— with what the take-home messages are from this presentation and then outline how I arrived at these conclusions. Formulating an international framework for lunar and space resources would benefit from the data returned by an international lunar resource prospecting campaign. For the Moon, resource prospecting is the immediate next step And such a campaign would help inform the Space Resources Working Group by providing data that could nurture international cooperation, develop information-sharing protocols, initiate interoperability requirements, conduct science exploration and commercial activities at the same time, and maybe most importantly, understand the resources in order to responsibly utilize them. next time step. The main message is that when we go to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, we should go together. Next slide. After reading the report from the working group, to me the implicit assumption is that the next stages for space and lunar resources are extraction and utilization. This is not the case, as finding resources is not sufficient to start extraction and use. For extraction to be considered, the existence of reserves needs to be proven, and this distinction is critical and needs to be acknowledged by the Working Group and all on COPUUS. Next time step. A resource is the concentration of natural materials in or on the crust in such form and amount that economic extraction of a commodity from the concentration is currently or potentially feasible. However, a reserve is the recoverable portion of a resource which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of termination. And it needs to be highlighted that as of today, there are no recognized reserves at the Moon, so I emphasize that lunar resources are not ready for extraction and use as their reserve potential is unknown. We simply don't have the fidelity in the current datasets to quantify the reserve potential of any lunar resource. More granular datasets are needed. As you can see from Table 1, we need to know not only the composition, concentration, form, and distribution of the resource, we also need to know the same about any impurities that are also there. We also need to know the geotechnical properties of the resource to understand if it can actually be extracted, and something else that is often overlooked, can we actually get to the resource or is it accessible?

Next slide.

time step. Therefore, these datasets would need to be obtained via mobile surface assets, but prospecting needs to be a campaign of missions. This is highlighted by the fact that the 10 most promising sites for polar volatiles, including water ice, cover an area of over 5,900 square kilometres. As yet, no resource prospecting campaign has been conducted on the Moon, but prospecting campaigns are essential essential before resource extraction and utilisation occurs. The Venn diagram to the left shows the types of data that science, exploration, and commerce would be interested in from the data delivered by resource prospecting. The majority of the data shown in green in the centre of the diagram would inform all 3 of these stakeholders. Another important point is the need for science, exploration, and commercial stakeholders to go to Moon and conduct this type of campaign together. I have read the inputs to the working group that want to have areas of the Moon protected for science. I have to admit I do not agree with this approach, especially during the prospecting phase of resource utilization, because characterization of resources and the environments in which they are found will deliver critical science data. If the areas are protected for science, it is highly likely these areas would never be visited because science missions are taxpayer-funded, and in the United States they are conducted through a competitive proposal process. If resource prospecting is conducted with multiple stakeholders involved, a lot of lunar science would be attained. So I am an advocate of when we go to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, we should go together. And I reiterate, prospecting campaigns will deliver data that informs multiple stakeholders.

Next slide.

For the Moon, the immediate next step is prospecting campaigns conducted in a spirit of international cooperation to characterize the resources and the environments in which they are found. This could promote new partnerships between stakeholders and also present opportunities for international cooperation, development of interoperability standards, and promotion of information-sharing protocols. Next time step. While resource utilization is in the future, planning for it should be considered. Involvement of lunar scientists during the extraction of any resource is essential to maximize the science return. This is because I am proposing that something similar to the European construction model for archaeological sites is followed for resource extraction. For example, when a site is developed for resource extraction and something very different is found that was not anticipated from the prospecting data, mining in that area should be paused and the find documented and sampled by lunar scientists who are embedded in the resource extraction team. Exploration would be enabling science, just as scientific investigations can enable exploration. And from the Venn diagram in the previous slide, both will enable commerce. This is why prospecting campaigns require cooperation between science exploration, commerce, and international agencies. I highlight a paper published in 2024 in ACTA Astronautica that describes the details of an international lunar resource prospecting campaign. The basic premise is coordination of current and proposed missions to get diverse relevant datasets on the same sites of interest. You can see the different international landed and orbital missions that have agreed to be part of this. Next time step. Between now and the end of the decade, there are 26 scheduled missions, some of which could be asked to be part of this coordination. This approach could guide countries who are new to lunar exploration in making an immediate positive contribution. The map to the bottom left represents the permanently shadowed regions, or PSRs in light blue that the prospecting campaign is currently targeting, which are the smaller PSRs. For landed missions, these should be more accessible, involve shorter traverses, and be less risky to explore. The prospecting campaign is being structured to integrate these diverse datasets into prospectivity maps. Simply stated, prospectivity mapping defines a process used to make better use of resource prospecting data. Next slide, please. There are other potential lunar resources that can be used in situ, for export, or both, and on this slide you can see the color coding. This slide also highlights the different potential lunar resources in a fourfold classification. We have the polar volatiles found in the, the cold traps at the lunar poles; regolith, which is where most of the mineral resources are found and will be the feedstock for mineral or element beneficiation and construction materials; pyroclastic deposits or volcanic fire fountains, which are volcanic ash deposits that have local to regional extents, some of which contain hydration signatures identified from orbit.

Thank you.

These are useful for metal production and water extraction. Geologic structures, lava tubes represent safe havens for human habitats from the harsh radiation environment, meteoroid impacts, and the large diurnal temperature swings. Impact craters could be used to develop launch and landing pads or house radio telescopes on the lunar far side, etc. Next slide. I return to the take-home messages from slide 2 with a slight rewording. The data produced by the prospecting campaign could inform the working group on how to formulate an international framework for lunar and space resource utilization. Attaining new prospecting data would nurture international cooperation, develop information-sharing protocols, initiate interoperability requirements, conduct science, exploration, and commercial activities at the same time and understand the resources in order to responsibly utilize them. But most of all, I reiterate, when we go to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, we should go together. And again, I thank you for this opportunity to talk with you today, and I hope this presentation is useful for your deliberations.

Thank you very much for the very interesting presentation. The second presentation on my list is on update on arrangements between— the second presentation on my list is on update on arrangements between the UK and New Zealand to enable in-orbit servicing and active debris removal operations. This will be delivered by the representative of the United Kingdom. You have the floor.

Good afternoon, Chair, distinguished delegates. I'm Matt Ball, the UK Space Agency's Office of Regulation Lead for in-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing. On behalf of New Zealand and the United Kingdom, I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to give this update on the arrangements between our 2 countries to enable in-orbit servicing and active debris removal operations. Next slide, please. The founding space treaties on which national laws are based did not envision— envisage the commercial space industry developing to the extent that it has and will continue to do so. As launching states are absolutely liable for the activities that their companies carry out, operations involving interactions with other states' assets may require further arrangements to determine how that liability is shared, amongst other things. Next slide, please.

Please.

We embarked on a project to jointly explore the policy for active debris removal and ultimately ended up working towards a non-binding umbrella arrangement that would set out how we would work together on joint consensual rendezvous and proximity operations. This arrangement could serve as a framework for how ADR and other servicing operations could be conducted in consistency with the UN Space Treaties. It's a flexible arrangement to cover wide range of missions and account for emerging and novel technology. We can use this as a basis for arrangements with other states or potentially open up to other states to join this one. A note on the language: we refer to the document that we've developed throughout as an arrangement or memorandum of understanding. Treaties are legally binding, and this is not a treaty, although we enter it in good faith, and we concluded that this was a much more flexible and reactive way of working where treaties can be more time-consuming, formal, and potentially restrictive. Next slide, please. For proximity missions that involve more than one state, there may need to be arrangements between those states as to how they will apportion liability for joint missions, provide relevant consents, and recognize each other's safety and security regimes. However, this is untested because such international proximity operations have not really taken place yet, and many states are still developing their regulatory frameworks for proximity missions. New Zealand and the UK have similar values, regulatory regimes, and interests in enabling ADR activity, so it was an obvious partnership. We appreciate the importance of enabling satellite servicing for the benefit of space sustainability, so this project involved working through challenges in applying international law to novel multistate space activities, removing regulatory and policy uncertainty as a barrier, particularly for liability issues, developing good practice, so managing the practicalities across jurisdictions in international— applying international law and how we can recognize each other's legal regimes, and then enabling commercial missions, potentially opening up a lucrative economic sector. Given the complexity of the issues, it made sense to start start with 2 countries. However, we hope to be able to expand this out to include more in the future. Next slide, please. Under the existing international legal regime, we realized we could make some clarifications to enable active debris removal and in-orbit servicing operations. Our arrangement makes clear how our respective regulatory regimes would interact and how servicing activities can be authorized and carried out consistently within the context aspects of international law, including the Liability Convention. It's important to note that we are only engaging with client states who consent to their material being subject to the mission. Next slide, please. So we developed hypothetical scenarios of increasing complexity. We worked through how the simplest scenario might work and progressively built on this. The idea was to gather common themes from each scenario to start to build a picture of what the an overarching umbrella arrangement might look like. We also built up an understanding of things that change from mission to mission that therefore would not be able to be included in the umbrella arrangement to ensure it remained flexible. Those can be dealt with in commercial arrangements between the relevant parties. Next slide, please. We also moved towards considering close proximity missions involving a number of other countries with multiple clients engaged in varied operations. operations across multiple jurisdictions. This is what we think a lot of missions of this type will look like. We want to proactively make arrangements to open up the nascent RPO market and develop the in-orbit economy. Next slide, please. So, our first key outcome was identifying common features of all those hypothetical scenarios we worked on to inform the umbrella arrangement, which establishes the high-level principles. Legally binding commercial agreements for each individual mission will sit under the state-to-state arrangement. Features that differ between those scenarios, such as risk and insurance requirements, the start and end point of each individual operation, and amongst other things, will need to be considered on a case-by-case basis. The proposed distribution of liability is a key principle we've developed in this arrangement. This involves chunking liability to apportion liability to those who are directly involved with interacting with the satellite. If a country's only involvement is with regards to the launch phase of the servicing satellite, we propose that their liability ends when the servicing satellite is placed into the agreed orbit, dealt with in the commercial arrangements that sit under this arrangement. For missions where multiple client objects are being removed or serviced, we propose apportioning liability to the launching states of the servicing object and the launching of the client object. This would be subject again to individual mission agreements, which would also set out those start and end points for each operation to make sure that each respective client was only liable for its— for the duration of its relevant operation. We would also seek agreement from the territory and facility of launch of the client objects if that was that country's only involvement. and assume that their liability has also ended. We would manage these arrangements of liability in accordance with the Liability Convention, so using cross-waivers to constrain liability to each separate activity. We didn't think it would enable activity if the servicing satellite took on all the liability for the duration of its mission due to the potential risk posed by clients, but ultimately that's a commercial decision that, that we're not going to kind of dictate on. We're happy to let our commercial operators make their own decisions there. Um, our final key outcome is transparency. Um, so transparency is key to building confidence in these type of operations. Mission agreements should enable at least publication of information about the joint servicing operation on the websites of all parties and liaison with UNUSA and other spacefaring nations. on each mission. We're also open to hearing views on further transparency measures for ensuring international confidence in RPL operations. We signed the arrangement at the International Astronautical Congress in October 2024. We will publish an explanatory note in the coming months to give more detail to operators and partners as well. If you're interested interested in further discussing how we're enabling in-orbit servicing and active debris removal operations, I'd like to invite you to our side event tomorrow, co-hosted with New Zealand, Japan, and UNUSA, in the press room at lunchtime tomorrow. Thank you for listening.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much for the interesting presentation. The 3rd presentation on the list is on clarifying ambiguities in the outer space Treaty, by the observer for Space Renaissance International. You have the floor.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, okay, are my slides going to be shared? Okay, thank you. So, I'm Adriano Autino, CEO and founder of Space Renaissance International, and I'm giving this I will be making this presentation on behalf of Dr. Dennis O'Brien, who is the chair of the Space Law Committee of Space Renaissance. Next slide, please. Honorable delegates, fellow observers, distinguished guests, Space Renaissance International is a nonprofit entity founded in 2010. Our primary mission is to open space and its resources to the people of Earth to expand civilization beyond Earth's boundaries. We believe that a permanent, sustainable civilian presence in space will be great— a great benefit not only to humanity's future in space, but also to humanity's future on Earth. To that end, we are promoting civilians in space as an 18th Sustainable Development Goal, Space for All on Earth and Beyond. We have helped to create an 18th SDG coalition, now 140 organizations within civil society that support the adoption of a new Sustainable Development Goal by the United Nations General Assembly. We have also created several academic committees to help educate ourselves and the public about important topics including settlements, habitats, transportation, mining and industry, space debris, near-Earth objects, philosophy, art, and space law. For more information, please visit our site, spacerenaissance.space.

Thank you.

Next slide, please. SRI recognizes the important work of COPUOS and its legal subcommittee and recently became an official observer. We believe that it is possible to develop an international framework that will support sustainable private outer space activity while still protecting essential public policy. We also believe that the member states should engage with the private sector in the development of any such framework and any new processes and institutions. We support the working group on the legal aspects of space resource activity and the newly formed action team on lunar activity consultation and applaud their willingness to facilitate private activity in outer space and to engage with the private sector in their work. Since becoming an official observer, SRI has submitted written comments to the legal subcommittee. We acknowledge that the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 is the international agreement with the broadest support. We agree that it should be the foundation of only— of any international framework for outer space activity. However, it is ambiguous or even silent concerning outer space resource activity, especially activity by the private sector. SRI believes that supporting the private sector is good public policy. We need its resources, talent, diversity, creativity, and enthusiasm for a sustainable human presence in outer space. This is not to say that the public sector does not have those things, but it is not enough. Government budgets alone cannot provide adequate funding. We must expand the free market economy into outer space for a sustainable human presence. To do that, there are 4 ambiguities that must be addressed. First, and most important, we must clarify that resources removed from employees can become private property under national law, that such removal is not inherently appropriation, which is prohibited by Article 2 of the Outer Space Treaty. Secondly, we must clarify that all stations, installations, and facilities are within the legal jurisdiction and control of the country that authorizes and supervises them. This is implied in Article 12 of the Outer Space Treaty and made explicit in Article 12 of the Moon Agreement. This will assure that the installations and facilities used for outer space resource activity remain within the control of the private nationals who built them in accordance with their own national laws. The third clarification concerns intellectual property rights. These are not mentioned in either the Outer Space Treaty or the Moon Agreement, but are specifically supported by Section 119 of the Long-Term Sustainability Guidelines that were unanimously adopted by COPOS in 2019. SRI supports the policy of sharing as much information as possible. This will help promote transparency, avoid harmful interference, and advance scientific knowledge and research and benefit emerging countries. But any new agreement must clarify that private intellectual property rights are protected. The third clarification—

sorry.

Yes, the fourth clarification concerns the concept of due regard for the interests of others as required by Article 9 of the Outer Space Treaty. SRI believes that Article 9 focus on consultation requires registration of all planned activities on the Moon and other celestial bodies. Similarly, we believe that Article 9's mandate to avoid harmful contamination requires all countries to conduct an environmental impact assessment for all planned activities. Finally, we believe that due regard and avoidance of harmful interference should be used not only to protect the present interests of those who begin resource activities, but also to protect the future interests of those who will follow, including countries, their nationals, and future settlements. Space Renaissance International is based on a fundamental belief that supporting private activity in outer space will benefit the Earth and its people. Clarifying these 4 ambiguities will give all interested stakeholders, including companies, investors, and future settlers, certainly they need to be part of a sustainable human presence in outer space. This last point highlights the unique role of Space Unite International as an official COPOS observer. We speak for the settlers. We speak for those who feel compelled to establish a human presence beyond our home planet. planet. It is not too early to begin to consider the interests of outer space settlers and settlements, just as Article 9 considers the interests of all member states. To this end, we ask the Legal Subcommittee to acknowledge the Declaration of the Right to Development adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1986. Article 1 of the Declaration states that the right to development is an inalienable human right by virtue of which every human person and all peoples are entitled to participate in, contribute to, and enjoy economic, social, cultural, and political development in which all human rights and fundamental freedoms can be fully realized. We also ask the Legal Subcommittee to acknowledge the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 and its applicability to individuals Working and living in outer space. Acknowledging these rights will benefit both the people of Earth and those who settle elsewhere. At the very least, any new agreement or principle should include the statement that nothing in the agreement or principles shall be interpreted as constraining the rights of settlers or settlements under customary international law. Humanity is facing a historical crisis when just a slight shift can cause massive changes that can last for decades and even centuries. The closest parallel occurred 5 centuries ago when the Age of Exploration became the Age of Imperialism. Then, as now, countries with advanced technologies sought to control the resources of new worlds, creating a legacy of war, suffering, and neglect that is still being felt today. We are concerned that humanity is about to repeat that pattern. There are some who accept that whoever gets to a place first gets to make the rules and can establish resource exclusion zones. Others have declared outright that space is a warfighting domain. Meanwhile, humanity is being challenged, challenged by other issues. Every day we wake up to news of worsening climate change, increasing social unrest, and rising international tensions. To that has now been added the threat of conflict in outer space. The people of Earth have begun to lose faith in their governments, their private institutions, even humanity itself. They are beginning to lose hope. Our duty is nothing less than to restore that hope.

Thank you.

hope, to counter the despair of war and violence and neglect, to give the people of our planet a future that can be lived in, we should do everything within our collective power to promote peace and prosperity in outer space, as it may be the best way to promote peace and prosperity on Earth. Thank you very much for your time and attention. Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much for your valuable presentation. The 4th presentation on my list is on the 3rd International Moon Day, Results and Outlook for 2025. And this will be delivered by the observer for the Moon Village Association. You have the floor.

Thank you.

Greetings everyone. It is an honor for the International Moon Day Group to address the UNOASA Legal Subcommittee 64th session of COPAS and present the International Moon Day 2024 review and future outlook. My name is Nasser Sahaf, Chair of the International Moon Day Group. And this is a brief about the origins of the International Moon Day, its goals, themes, previous events, as well as our plans for the 4th IMD main event later this year. In 2021, the Moon Village Association, an NGO, non-governmental organization, proposed to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space the creation of the International Moon Day to commemorate lunar exploration missions of the past and humanity's planned return to the lunar surface this decade. This proposal was endorsed by COPOS and subsequently was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2021. Officially as International Moon Day, to be observed on the 20th of July annually. The goals of the IMD are mainly to promote public awareness involving different countries, including industry, academia, and space agencies, with special emphasis on the sustainability of lunar exploration utilization, while at the same time fostering global cooperation in the process. The IMD impact can only be understood when we look at the benefits it bestows upon space exploration stakeholders all over the world. You are all invited to organize global events on this day July 20th, to create awareness and foster cooperation in sustainable lunar activity and achieve optimal solutions towards a balanced approach for the next generation of human presence on the Moon. An essential part of the IMD work model is to be globally inclusive by utilizing gig economy platforms and reach out through a more refined lunar base knowledge and contemporary knowledge management by employing modern techniques. IMD will emerge as a platform by itself to foster new lunar science and technology. From the outset of its inaugural year, Adoption of a theme has become an integral part of the International Moon Day. For example, in 2022, its theme was Lunar Exploration, Coordination, and Sustainability, thus reflecting the trend by various stakeholders in the early years of the decade, and was hosted at the Drake State Community and Technical College in Huntsville, Alabama. In 2023, the theme was Beginning the New Lunar Journey for Humanity. This was a clear signal of the multiple missions planned globally and launched in 2023 and was hosted by the Science Museum in Gwacheon, South Korea. In 2024, the theme was Illuminating the Shadows, a literal metaphor for illuminating the Moon's deep craters as well as all planned exploration missions on the lunar surface by many global actors. This 3rd main event was jointly hosted by the Harbin Institute of Technology and the Chinese Society of Astronautics in Harbin, China. This next slide shows the geographical spread of IMD 2024 global events. As you can see, we have more than 46 global events in 41 countries. One of the most popular global events was the telerobotics experience. Thanks to 3 dedicated organizations, NeuroSpace from Germany, HI-SEAS from Hawaii, and Mission Control from Canada made available their rovers in a simulated lunar environment to be controlled remotely by 22 teams composed of individual students from 15 countries. Every year there is a pronounced increase in the number of participating students and countries in this specific category of robotics. The selection process for the IMD Main Event every year is not without difficulties, especially when you consider this whole effort is undertaken by a dedicated team of a few professionals and without funding from sponsors as we did this year. Potential host countries, cities need to contact us directly well in advance for consideration of hosting this global event, normally immediately after the main event of the year in July or earlier. If you know of any entity, city, or country which may be or are interested in hosting the 5th IND event, main event in 2026, I would encourage you to contact us now and apply as soon as possible. This will only guarantee leisure of time to plan its program for the next main event to achieve its potential. A detailed proposal should include a theme, by the host city or country, in addition to a detailed plan, strategy of execution, and of particular importance would be their available budget for the event and international media coverage. You can find more information on this from our website as well, and also download the IMT 2024 Annual Report for more details. This brings us to this year's 4th International Moon Day for 20th July, 2025. This year's IMD main event will be hosted at the University of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates with a theme of One Moon, One Vision, One World. This year we are taking a different approach for global events participation in order to make the process much easier for countries to join in. The review process for global events is streamlined to save time, and proposal can be submitted online where it will be listed automatically. And the period for the global events is doubled to 2 weeks, 1 week before the main event And another week after the end of it. Global Events for 2025 are scheduled for the period of 13 to 27 July, and submissions opened last week, 25th of April, and will close on the last day of the Global Events period on 27 July. Please visit our website to upload your Global Event and share with the world your celebration of the International Moon Day in your part of the world from your own cultural perspective to add a unique flavor reflecting your traditions and/or your aspirations. Thank you for allowing us this opportunity to celebrate man's return to the Moon.

Thank you.

Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. President, for your interesting presentation. Distinguished delegates, I will shortly adjourn this meeting. Before doing so, I would like to inform delegates of our schedule of work for this afternoon. We will meet promptly at 3 PM and we'll continue our consideration of agenda item 3, General exchange of views. We will then continue our consideration of agenda item 5, status and application of the 5 United Nations treaties on outer space and ways and means including capacity building to promote their implementation. We will continue our consideration of that this afternoon. And we'll also get back tomorrow morning to the questions that I raised on the recurrent practice of producing documents. This afternoon, we will also begin our consideration of agenda item 6A, matters relating to the definition and delimitation of outer space, and time permitting. We will begin our consideration of Agenda Item 6B, matters relating to the character and utilization of the geostationary orbit, including consideration of ways and means to ensure the rational and equitable use of the geostationary orbit without prejudice to the role of the International Telecommunications Union. We will then suspend the plenary meeting so that the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities can hold its first meeting. Following the adjournment of the Working Group meeting, we will then resume the plenary with a view to proceeding with technical presentations. Well, not, because there will be no technical presentations this afternoon. Finally, I would like to inform delegates that the informal consultations on Unispace 4 will be held in conference room M3— once again, M3— during lunchtime. From 2 PM to 3 PM, and the consultation will also be available via the MS Teams link contained in the circular CU/2025/137, which was dispatched on the 29th of April. The schedule of the consultations is available on the webpage of the. Are there any comments, any questions on this proposed schedule? I see none. Then, distinguished delegates, the meeting is adjourned until 3 PM this afternoon. Thank you very much.

Distinguished delegates, I apologize for the correction that we have to make for the timing, the starting time of the Unispace for consultations. I apologize for the mistake that we made.

It should start from 1:30, 1:30 in Room M3.

Thank you.

So that will start from the 1:30 this afternoon lunchtime until 2:45. Thank you very much.