Outer Space: Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Legal Subcommittee, 64th session, 1087th meeting General Assembly Date: 13 May 2025 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/asset/k18/k18n0wyhc2 Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations. --- COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [50:18]: Good afternoon. Good afternoon, distinguished delegates. I now declare open the 1,087th meeting of the Legal Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Distinguished delegates, this afternoon we will continue our consideration of Agenda Item 3, General Exchange of Views. Upon the request of Argentina, We will reopen 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 reopen our consideration of agenda item 7, Future Role and Method of Work of the Committee, to invite Morocco, who has led informal consultations together with Italy on Unispace 4, To report on the results of the consultations. As I informed delegates yesterday, under Agenda Item 8, General Exchange of Views on Potential Legal Models for Activities in the Exploration, Exploitation, and Utilization of Space Resources, Egypt had nominated Mr. Ayman Ahmed, Senior Director of the Space Program of the Egyptian Space Agency, for this Vice Chair of the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities. And we heard expressions of support from many delegates yesterday. The CV, the curriculum vitae of Mr. Ahmed, has been made available on the webpage. As I indicated yesterday, the subcommittee will formally take up this matter this afternoon during its consideration of agenda item 8 to take action on the vice chair of the working group. We will continue our consideration of agenda item 11, that is the general exchange of views on the legal aspects of space traffic management, to take action on the proposal submitted by Germany and other delegations concerning a study group on legal and policy aspects of space traffic. Thank you. We will continue and hopefully conclude our consideration of agenda item 12, general exchange of views on the application of international law to small satellite activities. And we will begin our consideration of agenda item 13, proposals to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space for new items. to be considered by the Legal Subcommittee at its 65th session. We will then 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 5th meeting. Thank you. And we have one technical presentation this afternoon. It was originally scheduled for this morning, but the presenters were kindly flexible enough to agree to postpone it to this afternoon session. Are there any questions or any comments on this proposed schedule? I see none. And so now we can take up the general exchange of views. Distinguished delegates, I see that there is no speaker on the list under this item, and so we have concluded our consideration— no, we have not yet concluded our consideration of agenda item 3. Given that the delegation of the United States has requested the floor for— in order to exercise a right of reply. Before giving the floor to the distinguished delegate of the United States, I would like to remind delegations that in keeping with customary practice of our committee, a member state may exercise The right of reply twice only under the same agenda item in one session. And with that said, I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States. United States of America [55:51]: Muchas gracias, señor presidente. Thank you very much, Chair. States would like to deliver a right of reply in response to a few different topics raised over the course of the subcommittee meeting under this agenda item. First, economic sanctions can be a lawful, legitimate, important, appropriate, and effective tool for responding to malign activity and addressing serious threats to peace and security in outer space or otherwise. The United States is not alone in that view or in that practice. Sanctions are not punitive. They are a tool to change behavior. They can be and regularly are removed if the damaging behavior stops. The U.S. sanctions programs are focused on constraining the ability of bad actors to take advantage of our financial system or threaten the United States, our allies and partners, or civilians, not on preventing bona fide humanitarian-related trade assistance or activities. Rather, we work diligently to minimize the effects of our sanctions on such activities. As noted during our Agenda Item 12 statement, The United States continues to carry out its obligations under the Outer Space Treaty to authorize and continually supervise the activities of our nationals, which include commercial and other non-governmental entity satellites and satellite constellations. We also note the important benefits small satellites provide to humanity, including improving communications to remote rural areas that have difficulty establishing ground-based communications. References to concerns under the jurisdiction of other multilateral bodies, such as the ITU, should be raised in the relevant fora. Regarding the comments by one state pertaining to the potential membership of the DPRK in UN COPUUS, the United States understands that members of the United Nations, as well as non-governmental organizations and others, may seek to observe UN COPUUS and its subcommittees. As a state that was instrumental in the founding of UN COPUUS, we welcome the interest in the work of the committee by those entities that are aligned with its purpose: the peaceful uses of outer space. However, we cannot allow countries with WMD and ballistic missile programs in violation of UN Security Council resolutions to participate in UN COPUUS. Doing so undermines the work of the UN Security Council. To that end, we would oppose the request by the DPRK to participate in UN COPUUS in any manner, including as an observer or as a member state. Finally, the United States remains concerned regarding the Russian Federation's proposed resolution, Space Science and Technology for Promoting Peace, or any effort to undermine the legitimate operations of commercial satellite constellations that support national security activities. Issues regarding use of space capabilities for national security purposes are generally most appropriately addressed in disarmament fora such as the UN First Committee, Conference on Disarmament, Disarmament Commission, and the Open-Ended Working Group on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space in All Its Aspects, which is conducting its work in Geneva from 2025 to 2028. Muchas gracias, señor presidente. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [59:07]: Thank you, Chair. Thank you very much to the delegation of the United States. The United Kingdom has requested the floor for a right of reply. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [59:40]: Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I'll keep it very short. We'd just like to align ourselves fully with the statement that we just heard from the United States. Thank you very much. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [59:53]: Muchas gracias. Thank you very much. Any further comments? Then we can proceed to take up the next item on our agenda. We have concluded our consideration of agenda item 3, general exchange of views, and shall now proceed. You have the floor. Russian Federation [1:00:30]: Thank you very much, Chair. Allow us to have clarification as per procedure right now. Under the right of reply, the US took the floor and then the distinguished representative of the UK took the floor. Also as a right of reply endorsing the statement made. From the point of view of the rules of procedure, how possible is that to do? Thank you. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:01:19]: Thank you very much. That interesting question, thank you very much for that. Apparently, that was not the agreed practice. I would like to give the floor To the United Kingdom, you have the floor. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:01:47]: Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Just to respond to the point we heard, I think our intention was to try and save the committee some time by not repeating every single word that we heard in our right of reply, so we just aligned ourselves with the statement. If it's preferable to the distinguished colleagues from the Russian Federation, we can read out the entire statement, but I think it would waste everybody's time and we're trying to save time here. But We're in your hands. Thank you. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:02:21]: Bien, muchas gracias. Thank you very much. If there are no further comments, then we can continue. Thank you very much. We can continue to take up the following. Agenda item, which is 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. Distinguished delegates, upon the request of Argentina, we are reopening this agenda item, and I would therefore like to invite the representative of Argentina to deliver their statement. Argentina [1:03:05]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. Thank you very much, Chair. Distinguished Chair, distinguished delegates and representatives, the increase in the number of governmental space actors as well as those of the private sector and the development of new technologies give rise to new challenges that require legal responses to ensure that space remains a safe, peaceful, inclusive, egalitarian, sustainable environment in order to fully uphold the provisions of the Space Treaty as a keystone of space regulation. As regards the stages of application of space treaties, our nation has ratified the Space Treaty, the Rescue Agreement, the Liability Convention, and the Registration Convention, which have been incorporated into our national legislation. Following the 1994 constitutional reform, Article 75.22 of our national constitution has given treaties primacy over laws, which highlights the importance of the latter— of these for our nation. Furthermore, we already have a national register of objects launched into space. Nationally, we are progressing in the updating and implementation of treaties transposed into our national rules and standards in order to further strengthen the participation of the private sector and national space economy. Chair, we support the ongoing efforts and work of the Working Group of the Status of Application of the 5 United Nations Treaties on Outer Space in order to analyze the challenges that we face in terms of space governance. We welcome the document that has been presented by the Chair of the Working Group on the Status and Application of the 5 United Nations Treaties on Outer Space. The increased participation of space actors globally and the increased in the number of launches of objects into space makes it necessary to ensure that international law can keep pace with this development. In particular, space law plays a fundamental role. Ongoing efforts of the group are necessary. Addressing the implementation of Article 11 is therefore part of the legislative development that our subcommittee is committed to. As such, we believe that the establishment of the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation, ATLAC, should benefit from the work undertaken in both areas. without leading to a duplication or overlapping of mandates. Chair, I would now like to turn to capacity building. Our country is one of the few that has the capacity in place to develop and build its own telecommunications satellites, such as ARSAT, or Earth observation satellites. To date, we have launched various optical and radar remote sensing missions. The SAC series, in cooperation with NASA and And the SAOCOM-1A and 1B radar in L-band are a national mission that is being deployed as part of the SISGE cooperation between the Italian Space Agency and its Cosmos SkyMed satellites. We are also in the process of developing the SABIA-MAR satellite as part of bilateral cooperation with Brazil equally developing its own satellite. All of this was made possible through national scientific and technological capacity building for the past 30 years, which has equipped our country with infrastructure and facilities of international standards which can be used for cooperation or in third-party agreements. For its part, our national space agency, CONAIE, through its training unit provides highly specialized training through agreements with national universities, including degrees and postdoctoral degrees through the Gulic Institute in the form of programs that are open to the entire international community. This growth makes it necessary to expand on the training capacity in space law and equally providing scientific and space diplomacy courses in the form of workshops and postgraduate degrees so that our new generations can equally become experts in this area. As you can see from the Space Law Education Directory, in my country we are now providing a postgraduate course in aeronautical, airport, and space law under the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space Law, INDAE, and the Salvador University in 2024, which established a higher-level technical legal space degree, which is a multidisciplinary comprehensive course of study. In both cases, these courses are open to the participation of foreign students. Furthermore, at the Interdisciplinary Space Study Center, Under the aegis of the Argentinian Space Agency and the National University in Plata, we are equally providing interdisciplinary space law and space economy training courses, as well as workshops for expert participation. A number of specialized law degree courses are equally including space law as a component of their courses and engaging in activities such as workshops and seminars to address this matter with their Students. Education starting at an early age is also part of our national space plan. Our national space agency and other pedagogical institutions have launched programs for children and young people between the ages of 8 and 16. We hope to serve as a bridge for cooperation in academia too, as is the case in other areas of professional specialization. We would like to invite all participants to approach us and to become acquainted with the broad range of educational programs on offer. Chair, in 2024, the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the United Nations here in Vienna, in cooperation with our national space agency CONAE, co-hosted with the Space Policy European Institute the first inter-regional dialogue of space policy of Latin American countries, the Caribbean, and Europe in order to promote the comprehension of space policy for each respective region on the occasion of the 63rd session of COPUOS this Legal Subcommittee. Furthermore, the Argentinian Congress on Space Technology was held recently, sponsored by the National Space Agency, where one specific session focused on space policy and law, and where keynote speakers from various nations attended. To conclude, we highlight the ongoing efforts made by various national institutions and think tanks, such as the Argentinian Council for International Relations, The Latin American Association of Aeronautic and Space Law, as well as the professional law colleges which have specific institutes or activities on space law, such as those located in the federal capital or in Avellaneda, Lanús. We are pleased to see more and more students expressing their interest in participating in the Manfred Lax Moot Court Competition. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:09:33]: Thank you very much. I thank the distinguished representative of Argentina for her statement. Are there any other delegates wishing to take the floor under this agenda item 5? Then we have suspended our consideration of agenda item 5 pending the work of the working group on the status and application of the 5 United Nations treaties on outer space and ways and means, including capacity building, to promote their implementation. Distinguished delegates, we will now reopen our consideration of Agenda Item 7, Future Role and Method of Work of the Committee, to invite Morocco, who, as stated previously, led informal consultations together with Italy on Unispace 4, so that the delegation of Morocco can report on the results of those consultations. And with that, I would like to invite the representative of Morocco to deliver their statement under this agenda item. Morocco [1:10:52]: Thank you. Thank you for giving me the floor, Mr. Chair, and the opportunity to report back to the plenary of this Subcommittee on behalf of Morocco and Italy about the discussions on the possible convening of the UNISPACE-4 Conference in 2027. Those discussions were facilitated by Morocco and Italy, and 3 informal meetings were held on May 6th, May 8th, and May 12th. We would like to sincerely thank all delegations that participate proactively and constructively in the discussion. We would also like to thank the UNUSA team for their invaluable and impeccable support First of all, in the preparation of a report on the possible organizational arrangements of Unispace 4, CRP 4, as mandated by Scientific and Technical Subcommittee. The report was also presented and discussed during the first informal meeting on this subcommittee session. During the second meeting, Mr. Chair, Morocco and Italy presented a draft document with proposals concerning possible objectives, form, venue, dates, participants, organization and scope, and financial aspects of the Unispace Forum. Such a document was completed based on the inputs and proposals from member states and was discussed during the 3rd informal meeting. The same document containing also further language proposals, interact changes as discussed during the 3rd informal meeting, is now available in the CRP 30 tabled by Morocco and Italy. Mr. Chair, further discussions are needed to achieve an agreement on the different elements of Unispace 4. However, such agreement shall be reached during the main COPU session this year to allow for the proper organization of the conference. With that goal in mind, Morocco and Italy humbly propose, first, that our 2 delegations continue to serve as as facilitators of the process. Third, that at least 3 intersessional meetings be held between the 64th session of the Legal Subcommittee and the 68th session of the Committee to continue discussions on the objectives, organizational arrangements, scope, duration, and financial aspects of Unispace 4 based on CRP 30. Thank you very much for your kind attention, Mr. Chair. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:13:07]: Thank you. Thank you very much to the distinguished representative of Morocco for the statement. Are there any delegates who wish to take the floor under this item? Procedo entonces a leerles lo siguiente que quería comentar. Distinguished delegates, Morocco and Italy as the incoming chair of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space for 2025 and designated chair for 2026-2027 respectively, on their efforts and all the work so far in the informal consultations on Unispace 4. I would therefore like to put before the subcommittee a decision that Morocco and Italy, as the incoming chair of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space for 2025 and designated chair for 26— sorry, 2026-27 respectively, be appointed as the co-facilitators of the deliberations on the matter. Any objections? Then it is so decided. Thank you very much. We shall now proceed to take up the list of speakers under this agenda item 7. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan. Thank you. Azerbaijan [1:15:33]: Thank you, Chairman. Under agenda item 7, future role and method of work of the committee, we propose the following. Azerbaijan actively develops the national space industry as from 2008. Nowadays, we see it would be good to suggest space industry yearly statistical data collection form. There might be a need to introduce at the international level a sample form to collect the space industry statistical data. As we know, the UN General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council adopted Resolution 68/2008, 261 in 2014 on fundamental principles of official statistics. It highlights that the high-quality official statistical information plays critical role for making informed policy decisions and supporting sustainable development, peace, and security. Subsequent to such approach adopted by the United Nations, it would be good to produce the internationally suggested statistical questionnaire which may be used as a starting point for purpose of developing national statistical forms to assess the situation and dynamics of the national space industry development. For instance, ITU has a long history of collecting, harmonizing, and disseminating statistics on telecommunications and ICTs. A sample form to collect the space industry statistical data form may cover internationally agreed indicators to help track global developments in the space industry and space activities. The UN Office for Outer Space Affairs and space agencies are well-suited, informed, and experienced to prepare initial version of such statistical data collection form reflecting necessary information to be collected for purpose of productive assessment of the space industry. Then at the later stage, such initial version may be introduced to the respective UN office in charge of Statistics for having such data collection form shaped within the experience of the statistical work, work and experience. For measurement purposes, the OECD Handbook on Measuring the Space Economy issued in 2022 defines 3 perimeters of activities in the space economy: the upstream space segment comprising fundamental space activities such as space manufacturing and launch; the downstream segment including activities that depend on the exploitation of space data and signals, as well as the manufacturing of associated equipment; and space-derived activities, which are derived from space technologies but not dependent on them to function. For space industry yearly statistical data collection, the form covering all of the above-listed 3 perimeters of activities in the space economy should not be exhaustive. The initial draft Azerbaijan Space Agency, Azerkosmos, As prepared, it suggests simple questions aiming not to burden the respondents but to create or increase their interest in the space industry. The form may be also a good way of raising awareness on possibilities and benefits people may acquire through the space industry and space activities. While working on our space industry statistical data collection form, we may deliver the output of our work within the framework of experience sharing to the space agencies of the member states upon request, and we would be glad to receive space industry statistical data collection forms supplied by member states. We would suggest to consider the feasibility of drafting a sample form of space industry yearly statistical data collection form. Once again, we extend our positive feedback to UNOSA. its Director, Honorable Arti Olamaini, and COPOS. Their working process serves to further development of the outer space affairs and peaceful uses of outer space. Thank you. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:19:50]: Thank you very much to the distinguished representatives of Azerbaijan for their statement. We will suspend our consideration of agenda item 7 pending the outcome of consultations on ATLAG. Distinguished delegates, we shall now turn to agenda item 8, general exchange of views On potential legal models for activities in the exploration, exploitation, and utilization of space resources. And as indicated this morning and this afternoon, Good afternoon. We shall proceed to take a decision on the composition of the bureau of that working group. We had agreed upon the proceedings here in this room. Thank you. A procedure that was agreed upon following the untimely passing of Mr. Andrei Mishtal, and which required us to recompose the bureau of the working group. As a result, we agreed upon. A certain procedure with timelines for submission of nominations for candidatures. And once those steps had been completed, Egypt nominated Mr. Ayman Ahmed, Senior Director of Space Program of the Egyptian Space Agency, for Vice Chair of the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities. We are aware of the curriculum vitae, Mr. Ayman Ahmed. We also heard expressions of support from delegations in this regard. I would now like to proceed to have the subcommittee take action on the candidacy for the vice chair of this working group. And the chair and the Bureau wishes to recall also the importance of this working group and of the work undertaken by the working group, which is not merely procedural in matter but which addresses the substantive work as part of the committee's work. Distinguished delegates, I would therefore like to put the following question to you. Given the broad board support for Mr. Ayman Ahmed to be the Vice Chair, and in absence of any other nominations, do I take it that the subcommittee agrees that Mr. Ayman Ahmed from Egypt be appointed as the Vice Chair of the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities? Speaker 16 [1:23:18]: Yes. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:23:27]: I see no objection. It is so decided. Thank you very much. Distinguished delegates, we will continue our consideration Of agenda item 11, general exchange of views on the legal aspects of space traffic management, to take action on the proposal submitted by Germany and other delegations concerning a study group on legal and policy aspects. Of space traffic. As proposed this morning concerning the proposal for a study group on the legal and policy aspects of space traffic, and following the rounds of consultations held on this proposal, I would now like to see whether the subcommittee recommends that the committee should Further, allow me to repeat. I would like to see whether our subcommittee recommends that the committee should further consider this proposal at its 68th session of the committee, with a view to taking a decision on the establishment. Of such a study group, let me repeat. Following the rounds of consultations on this proposal submitted by Germany and other delegations on a study group on the legal and policy aspects of space traffic, the question is as follows: I would like to see if. If the subcommittee recommends that the committee should further consider this proposal at its 68th session of the committee, with a view to taking a decision on the establishment of such a study group. No parece. I see no objection, and it is so decided. Thank you very much. Distinguished delegates, I should now like to continue and hopefully conclude our consideration of agenda item 12. Agenda item 12. General exchange of views on the application of international law to small satellite activities. And the first speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Argentina. You have the floor. Argentina [1:26:45]: Distinguished Chair, distinguished delegates and representatives. The Republic of Argentina is committed to the use and exploration of space, the moon, and other celestial bodies for peaceful purposes in the benefit and in the interest of all nations regardless of their level of economic, technical, or scientific development and in compliance with international law. Our nation has a long history in development of space missions such as telecommunications, optical, and radar missions such such as SAR, as well as the current SAOCOM-1A and 1B satellites, which have been developed and operated by the Argentinian Space Agency, operating in the L-band, a polypolarimetric satellite with an antenna of approximately 34 square meters, weighing 3 tons. However, the development of small satellites is equally a policy that is comprised within our national space activities, which enables other forms of inclusive alternatives, such as a training path for the emergence and development of new space actors and university projects that can contribute to our national socioeconomic development. Now, when it comes to the international legal regime, there is no reference in any of the space treaties which distinguishes the applicability of such treaties depending on the size of the satellite. The same applies to all space objects, whether they are large or With this in mind, my delegation believes that the international legal regime is applicable to every object launched into outer space and that there is no need to establish an ad hoc legal regime for small satellites, which could result in constraints on scientific and technological development, nor should there be any constraints on the access to, use, or exploration of space for peaceful purposes. Rather, it must be inclusive and equitable in nature to ensure the enjoyment of benefits for developing countries in particular. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:28:38]: Thank you very much to the distinguished representative of Argentina for her statement. The following speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Mexico. Mexico [1:28:51]: Muchas gracias, Presidente. Thank you very much, Chair. Chair, distinguished delegates. Mexico recognizes the fundamental role that small satellites play in the development of space capacity, in particular for emerging countries. Their versatility and accessibility have enabled us to make significant progress in areas such as Earth observation, disaster management, food security, smart agriculture, and space meteorology. Against this backdrop, Mexico has promoted the development of small satellites with the aim of strengthening its national capacity and contributing to international cooperation in this manner. In the form of low-orbit satellite operation and through implementation of capacity-building and training programs in satellite technology, our country has sought to consolidate a sustainable and accessible space ecosystem for various sectors. Our recent experience with disasters caused by natural phenomena has proven the need for timely access to satellite data. For example, the activation of the Copernicus emergency system of the European Union, as well as cooperation with institutions such as the National Committee of Space activities of Argentina— CONAE, as it is known in Spanish— the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States— NOAA— as well as the Indian Space Research Organization— ISRO— inter alia, have enabled Mexico to more effectively handle emergencies such as hurricanes and forest fires. We are equally committed to promoting capacity building and training throughout the Latin American and Caribbean region through workshops on small satellites in cooperation with agencies such as the Paraguayan Space Agency and UN-SPIDER. These efforts seek to reinforce the capacity of countries throughout the region to interpret satellite data and imagery and to ensure their application in strategic sectors. Turning to megaconstellations, and without prejudice to the efforts undertaken in this area within the International Telecommunications Union, the ITU, we highlight the need to develop clear rules and standards and efficient procedures for registration in order to ensure an orderly and safe space environment. As such, we wish to recall that the key principles of space law, a number of which are already customary international law, are applicable to all activities in outer space, which can include the placement in orbit of any object regardless of its size. As such, we wish to recall the primacy of states based on Article 6 of the Outer Space Treaty regarding activities in outer space carried out both by state and private actors. This obligation should give rise, inter alia, to the implementation of the registration norms as well as the monitoring and control of objects launched into space, including small satellites, in order to thus guarantee a safe, sustainable, equitable use of space for all nations. It is therefore essential to recall the need to ensure that states can continue to working on transposing the instruments adopted by COPUAS in their national legislation, which, whether binding or non-binding, will serve to strengthen space governance. Here we would highlight, for example, the guidelines on the long-term sustainability of activities in outer space. Speaker 21 [1:32:50]: Thank you. Mexico [1:32:53]: Finally, we wish to underscore the need to balance the development of satellite constellations with the protection of dark and quiet skies, which is a key component for astronomy and of the environment. Thank you very much, Chair. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:33:09]: I thank the distinguished representative of Mexico for her statement. The following speaker on my list is the distinguished representative representative of Saudi Arabia. You have the floor. Saudi Arabia [1:33:26]: Mr. Chair of the 64th session of the Legal Subcommittee, distinguished delegates, the delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its gratitude to the Chair for the opportunity to share the Kingdom's views on the application of international law to small satellite activities. In recent years, satellites have witnessed rapid growth due to technological advancements and the decreasing cost of launches. As a result, this growth has drawn the attention of legislative and regulatory bodies at the national and international levels. This growth will contribute to the enablement of satellite communication services, which can provide connectivity to uninhabited areas and support emerging applications across various sectors such as industry and agriculture. This advancement aligns with the fundamental principles in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty to which the Kingdom is committed. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has developed national regulatory frameworks to support the deployment of non-terrestrial networks, NTN, including small satellites and high-altitude platforms through the Communications Space and Technology Commission, CST, the Kingdom has issued a regulation for the registration of telecommunications space stations, ensuring that all satellite stations providing communication capacity over the Kingdom are registered and available to non-terrestrial network service providers. These regulations have facilitated the registration of small satellites for research and educational purposes and for the provision of satellite communications services across various applications, reflecting the Kingdom's supportive and innovative regulatory environment. Considering the United Nations Treaties and Principles on Outer Space, it is noticed that some space activities need more studies and consideration, like space observation activities conducted via small satellites, such as imaging and remote Therefore, the Kingdom sees the importance of taking these activities into account when considering the development of new legally binding international frameworks. Furthermore, the Kingdom expresses the need for an internationally recognized definition of small satellites that includes their size, dimensions, and the orbital parameters in which they operate, especially when preparing any proposed regulatory frameworks. In conclusion, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirms the importance of adapting national and international regulatory frameworks to accommodate the growing activities of small satellites. This will ensure equitable access to orbital and radio spectrum resources, facilitate research and educational objectives, and enable emerging applications. It also ensures the need for appropriate international regulatory systems for specific space activities such as space-based observation in order to ensure their peaceful use is in line with the 19 86 United Nations principles related— relating to remote sensing of the Earth from outer space. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and the distinguished delegates. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:36:27]: Thank you very much, distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia. The following speaker is the distinguished representative of the United States. United States of America [1:36:39]: Thank you, Chair. We have already seen the benefits satellites provide, including in times of natural disaster. Such as the provision of supplemental cellular service or broadband internet during the devastating recent wildfires in California. As the number of satellites in orbit continues to grow, we must work together as an international community to both harness the benefits they afford and address the new challenges they may bring. The United States continues to carry out its obligations under the Outer Space Treaty to authorize and continually supervise the activities of our nationals. Which includes commercial and other non-governmental entities' satellites and satellite constellations. We also note the important benefits small satellites have provided to humanity, including improving communications to remote rural areas that have difficulty establishing ground-based communications. Several nations have purchased commercially available satellite internet services, which aim to bridge the digital divide and connect more people around the globe to the global digital economy. Providing high-speed internet to areas where traditional terrestrial infrastructure is lacking or unreliable. Finally, in response to the inaccurate characterization of financial sanctions, my delegation would like to stress that financial sanctions are a legitimate, important, appropriate, and effective tool for responding to harmful activity and addressing threats to peace and security. The United States is not alone in that view or in that practice. In cases where the United States has applied sanctions, we have done so in a manner consistent with international law and with specific objectives in mind, including as a means to promote a return to rule of law or democratic systems, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, promote accountability for transnational crime, or respond to threats to international security. Sanctions are expressly a tool for promoting positive and enduring behavior change. We are clear and transparent about these goals. Those who suggest sanctions are inherently unjustified advance a false narrative. Thank you, Chair. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:38:41]: Muchas gracias, señoría representante. Thank you very much, distinguished representative of the United States. The following speaker is the distinguished representative of Austria. Austria [1:38:52]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Austria recognizes the potential of small satellites in advancing scientific research, fostering technological innovation, and bridging digital inequalities. Due to their many advantages, actors both governmental as well as non-governmental from more and more states are planning megaconstellations. They are essential for services such as communication, internet connectivity, navigation, and Earth observation. As more actors become active in this domain, the number of satellites in orbit is expected to increase further. This highlights once more the importance of compliance with existing international legal obligations. In particular, Austria reiterates that states bear international responsibility to authorize and continuously supervise small satellite activities. Including by non-governmental actors, assuring that these activities are carried out in conformity with international legal obligations. Austria supports non-legally binding initiatives such as the UN Guidelines for the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities and the UN COPUOS Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines. The deployment of large numbers of small satellites, often accompanied by the abandonment of rocket upper stages in high-altitude orbits, with extended lifetimes significantly contributes to the growing space debris problem. Compliance with these guidelines is therefore essential. Several non-legally binding initiatives at the regional level go a step further. Austria takes part in initiatives such as the Zero Debris Charter and the Statement for a Responsible Space Sector launched by the European Space Agency. Recently, Austria supported the establishment of the Center for Sustainability and Resilience at the European Space Policy Institute. This center will develop interdisciplinary expertise on the role of space sustainability. These initiatives serve as important steps towards building broader international consensus. New and emerging topics Thank you. Environmental impacts also require attention. The environmental impact of small satellite activities is not confined to outer space. Reentries may also have consequences for Earth's atmosphere. As the number of satellites grows, so does the potential for the reentering space objects to affect the delicate balance of the upper atmosphere, including possible implications for the ozone layer. Austria also wishes to draw attention to the impact of large satellite constellations on astronomy. Increased light pollution is already significantly impairing ground-based optical observations, while radio frequency interference threatens the integrity of radio astronomy and the collection of vital scientific data. The scientific community has repeatedly voiced legitimate concerns which merit careful and serious consideration. The night sky is a natural and cultural heritage, one that deserves our collective commitment to protect. The current international legal framework should only be thought of as the beginning of successful and sustainable space governance in light of these fast-paced developments. We should continue to reevaluate existing guidelines and recommendations without excluding the possibility of further legally binding instruments. Our long-term objectives must be a robust and globally coordinated system for space traffic. In this context, Austria reconfirms its support for the proposal by Germany to establish a study group on space traffic. which is co-sponsored by Austria and many other delegations. We trust that the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space will take a positive decision in that regard at its 68th session in June. Thank you, Mr. Chair. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:43:07]: Thank you very much, distinguished representative of Austria, for your statement. The following speaker is the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:43:18]: Thank you, Chair. Distinguished delegates, the United Kingdom recognizes the importance of space service and provides significant annual investment into space missions and associated technologies. Strategic investment by the UK government into companies such as OneWeb is in part in response to the socioeconomic benefits that investments in satellite communications constellations can provide with their potential to connect people worldwide. Satellite constellations are enhancing global connectivity by providing high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas, bridging the digital divide and contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly 9c, significantly increasing access to information and communication technologies and strive to provide the universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020. The UK appreciates the importance of growing this sector and is committed to developing research and development capability and accelerating the commercialization and industrialization of key technologies and industry capabilities. Necessary for UK firms to meet the demands of high-volume constellation production. This will be achieved through the government programs and catalyzing private sector investment. The UK Space Agency's Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit program will make significant investments into developing UK expertise in key technologies in this area over the next 4 years. Initial funding has been given to companies to develop novel silicon chips and software for user terminals that will be compatible with UK and European constellations like OneWeb's next generation and to develop small flexible mobility and autonomy market user terminal which will allow users to choose their operator and orbit via an app. Reducing costs and enhancing global configurability. The activities of non-governmental entities concerning constellations are to be authorized and supervised by states in accordance with international law, including international space law. The UK's flexible, outcome-focused regulatory framework has been used to license constellations in accordance with the relevant provisions in the Outer Space Treaty. Whilst we continue to develop our framework to adapt to the growing needs of operators, the UK recognizes that there will need to be trade-offs between the needs of small satellite operators and the needs of the astronomical community. The UK government has made a substantial financial investment into developing the UK's astronomical observation capabilities. The UK is home to the Square Kilometre Array Observatory global headquarters and co-funded the site's expansion in 2019. The SKAO is a next-generation radio astronomy-driven big data facility that will revolutionize our understanding of the universe and the laws of fundamental physics. Enabled by cutting-edge technology, it promises to have major impact on society and science and beyond. The SKAO is a co-hosted— co-host of the International Astronomical Union Center for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky and Satellite Constellation Interference, and the UK fully supports the work of this group. Streaks in astronomical images from sunlight reflects Streaks reflected off satellite compromise astronomical data quality, particularly for images obtained in twilight and the lower elevations in the sky. These streaks interfere with the discovery and tracking of small solar system bodies like near-Earth objects and comets, as they can mask or distort the appearance of faint objects, making identification and orbital calculations more difficult. It is therefore critical that we take steps to mitigate the impacts on optical observations posed by satellite constellations by continuing to work closely with both satellite operators and the astronomical community to enable the continued use of outer space in safe, secure, and sustainable. Thank you, Chair. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:48:01]: Thank you very much, distinguished representative of the United Kingdom, for your statement. We have concluded our consideration of agenda item 12, general exchange of views on the application of international law to small satellite activities. I would now like to begin Our consideration of agenda item 13, proposals to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space for new items to be considered by the Legal Subcommittee at its 65th session. The first speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Nigeria. Nigeria · Africa Group [1:48:48]: Thank you, Madam Chair. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:48:51]: On behalf of the African Group, you have the floor. Nigeria · Africa Group [1:49:00]: Thank you so much. I would like to deliver this statement on behalf of the African Group and the following member states: Jordan, Pakistan, Panama, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, and Mexico. Mr. Sheehan, colleagues, the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 and the Declaration on International Cooperation in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space adopted in 1996 established the foundational principles guiding international space activities. These principles include the freedom of exploration and use of outer space by all states without discrimination and on a basis of equality. The OST further underscores that the exploration and use of outer space shall be carried out for the benefit and in the interest of all countries, irrespective of their degree of economic or scientific development. Both instruments emphasize the promotion of international cooperation, the sharing of scientific research and information, and the obligation to conduct activities with due regard to the interests of other states. Moreover, they highlight the duty to avoid harmful contamination and to promote the long-term sustainability of our— of outer space. These foundational obligations are further supported by Articles 6 and 11 of the OST, which collectively establish that states bear international responsibility for all national activities in outer space, including those conducted by non-government entities. States are also required to undertake international consultations if the activities are likely to cause potential harmful interferences. These provisions reinforce the imperative of ensuring transparency, safety, and equitable participation in the evolving space environment. Central to these principles is the concept of benefit sharing, which affirms that the fruits of outer space exploration and use must be accessible to all humankind. With particular consideration given to developing countries, as stipulated in Article 1 of the OST and Article 5 of the Declaration. This concept reflects not only a moral imperative but also a legal obligation arising from the broader framework of international space law. The continued advancement of space activities, including by non-governmental entities, reinforces the importance of ensuring that these foundational principles are not only upheld in theory but also implemented in practice. In view of these challenges, there is an urgent need to discuss innovative measures to operationalize the principles of benefit sharing and sustainability in outer space activities. We also underscore the importance of Aligning space governance with the Space 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 9 on infrastructure and Goal 17 on global partnerships. Ensuring that space activities contribute meaningfully to sustainable development requires that benefit sharing encompasses technical assistance, knowledge exchange, and inclusive participation. We believe that this there is a need to discuss this issue in corpus and in subcommittees with the view to reflect on legal and technical aspects of supporting developing countries, inter alia by means of beneficiaring. Based on the above, we suggest that this subcommittee considers the adoption of an additional agenda item on beneficiaring in support of developing countries to the LSE. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:53:16]: Thank you very much, distinguished representative of Nigeria who spoke on behalf of the African Group. The following speaker, distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [1:53:35]: Thank you very much, Chairman, for giving us the floor. It is our view that the subcommittee should focus on consideration of items already on its agenda. Increasing them at this time is not required. The reports of delegations under item 4, information on activities of international intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations having to do with space law, could be placed on the, the website as information for delegations, as well as references to information resources on the internet. As this item is about information and doesn't necessarily need to have discussion or crafting any sort of regulation instruments, we believe it necessary for the subcommittee to focus its attention on the systemic consideration of legal issues requiring some substantive discussion and proposals, as well as draft documents having to do with international mechanisms for regulating space activities. The subcommittee, for full implementation— or tapping of its potential, rather— will have to step up its consideration of priority questions requiring legal regulation, first and foremost ensuring the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, including interlinked aspects such as the mitigation and remediation of space debris, space traffic management, and finding balanced solutions to the issues having to do with the use of small satellites, megaconstellations, and the exploration, utilization, and exploitation of space resources. Chair, Turning now to the proposal of the African Group to include on the agenda of the subcommittee a new item, the benefits for developing countries or benefit sharing. We think that that's interesting and we understand the ideas behind it. It's an important matter and its significance currently will only grow. The initiative would merit further thought, including as to how it might be reflected in the current agenda. Thank you very much, Chairman. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:56:05]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation for their statement. The following speaker is the distinguished representative Slovenia [1:56:17]: Thank you, Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates. Further to our intervention under Agenda Item 7, my delegation wishes to reiterate its proposal to streamline the Committee's work by consolidating the items on space debris mitigation and remediation and small satellites into a single unified agenda item entitled Sustainable and Resilient Use of Outer Space. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:56:38]: Thank you, Slovenia. Slovenia [1:56:40]: We believe that such integrated approach would, would enhance the efficiency of our deliberations, minimize the redundancy, and better utilize the committee's valuable time and resources. It is important to emphasize that our proposal deliberately excludes the agenda item on space traffic management. We regard this issue as critically important and firmly believe it requires a dedicated standalone consideration under a separate agenda item. Thank you. Separate agenda item. In our view, this rationalization of agenda items would enable the committee to address the most pressing challenges in outer space governance and contribute constructively to sustainable solutions for the benefit of all humankind. Gracias, señor presidente. Thank you, Chair. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [1:57:27]: Thank you very much to the distinguished representative of Slovenia. I now give the floor to the United Kingdom. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:57:40]: Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Good afternoon to colleagues. Um, the UK wants to thank the distinguished representative of Nigeria for their statement. Um, we listened with great interest and we're grateful for the spirit of cooperation that characterizes our work here at COPUS. In particular, we'd like to address this proposal on a new agenda item on benefit sharing. The UK approaches this committee with a clear purpose: to share the benefits of our space knowledge and expertise and to learn from others. We do so openly and in good faith and voluntarily. We therefore see this opportunity to start a discussion as a valuable one, and one in which we would like to participate. However, we're also mindful that this morning we had an extended conversation and discussion about the budgetary situation here at UNUSA, about the capacity of the office to support us, and also, in a positive way, about the multi-donor trust fund that has been established. So the UK has already committed under that discussion to engage our space sector to ensure that they understand the opportunities presented by the Multi-Donor Trust Fund, and to share with them the opportunities that it means in terms of providing whether it's funding expertise or projects to developing space nations so that they may advance. The UK has long been a supporter. of creating more space at this committee, whether it's through reforming our procedures or by inviting new members to propose new initiatives so that we can adopt, for example, a new agenda item. That's why we very much supported the engagement on dark and quiet skies that took place as part of the STSC. However, at this moment, we think it's at a bit early to agree to a new agenda item, and we would like to engage in discussions with those nations that supported the statement so that we can understand how we can best bring it to realization here and in which forum. I don't know if the legal subcommittee is the right one, whether we want to adopt it or have this discussion in COPUS or at the STSC. So we're not at this point in a position to agree to a new agenda item. And I think the same goes for our distinguished colleague from Slovenia. The UK at this point, given what we heard this morning, would find it difficult to increase our agenda when it's already difficult for the Office of Outer Space Affairs to actually service the mandates that it's been given. Therefore, we're very happy to continue the We want to share our knowledge. We want to share our experience and our expertise so that all member states may participate in our collective efforts in outer space. And I believe that's what we're doing. Thank you, Mr. Chair. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:00:49]: Muchas gracias. Thank you very much, distinguished representative of the United Kingdom, for your statement. At the request of a number of delegations, we will keep agenda item 13, proposals to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, for new items to be considered by the Legal Committee at its 65th session. Once again, at the request of various delegations, we will keep this agenda item open until tomorrow morning. Thank you very much. I would now like to invite the Working Group on the Status and Application of the Five United Nations Treaties on Outer Space to hold its fifth meeting. Following the adjournment of the Working Group meeting, we will then resume the plenary with a view to. We are proceeding with one technical presentation— one technical presentation this afternoon. Thank you very much. Speaker 44 [2:02:11]: Thank you. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:29:09]: Good afternoon, distinguished delegates. As stated earlier, we shall now proceed with the last technical presentation scheduled for today. And this presentation is on information on the activities of IGOs and NGOs relating to space law. And this will be delivered by the observer for the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization, APSCO. Before giving the floor to the observer, I would like to thank the observer once again for kindly agreeing to postpone the presentation from this morning session to this afternoon session. Thank you. APSCO · Observer [2:29:55]: Thank you so much, Mr. Chair. It's a privilege for me to introduce the Apsco Space Law Alliance. Recently established under the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization. Next, next slide, please. Um, uh, yes, very quickly I would introduce APSCO. Most of you would know about it, but it's an international intergovernmental organization established in 2008, and the basic purpose of APSCO is to promote multilateral cooperation in space space sciences, technology, and applications, with focus on space governance as well. China is the host country, and we have our headquarters located in Beijing, China, with full diplomatic status. Uh, the members are shown here. I also mentioned the members in my statement yesterday, so I won't repeat here. Um, next, please. So the alliance has been established under the Long-Term Strategy for Space Law and Policy, which was approved in 2020 by the Council, the highest decision-making body of ABSKO. Under this strategy, 11 areas are focused under ABSKO for next 10 years until 2030. And one of the activity was to establish an alliance, a network in the Asia-Pacific region with the focus to connect the education academia research institutions and universities to work together for promoting space law and policy-related curriculums, degree education programs, training, and capacity building in the Asia-Pacific region. This was considered as one of the important elements of the policy and important activity because of the reason that is still in Asia-Pacific region, and especially in ABSKO member states, most of the member countries do not even have a single institution or university providing any degree education program or diploma, or for that matter, any trainings in space law and policy. And considering the contemporary issues and challenges that member states are facing, APSCO believes that member states need their own expertise and their own professionals to guide the governments and the space agencies about these space governance issues, and particularly the contemporary issues in space law and policy. Next, please. In this regard, an initiative was taken in 2021 during the International Conference on Space Law organized by APSCO, and during a sideline meeting within that conference, the high-level universities who are promoting and providing degree education programs in space law and policy from the ABSKO member states were invited and had a deliberation on the idea of whether to have this need of having an alliance within the Asia-Pacific region. And within 3 expert group meetings, we had 48 institutions and 59 experts participating, representing these space agencies, universities, academia, research institutions, and even ministries from 8 member states of APSCO, and all of them agreed on the need to have an alliance in the Asia-Pacific region. And eventually, in November 2023, the APSCO Council approved the alliance establishment and also the terms of reference of the alliance. And currently, we have 27 institutions from 8 member states of APSCO. These include universities, in organizations, space agencies, and even ministries as part of the institutions. And last year in 2024, we integrated the alliance formally. Next, please. In April last year, we had also the formal establishment of the alliance members and the board of the alliance. The board is the executive organ of the Alliance, and under this board we have 11 members elected from the members of the Alliance, and we had the chairman and vice chairman elected from China and Pakistan, and in August last year we had the first board meeting of the Alliance. Next, please. These are the members of the Alliance, just the logos to show. Next. The overall objectives of the Alliance are to focus on developing a network, providing an opportunity to the institutions who have already done work to establish the practices in space law and policy by developing educational degree programs, curriculum, modified curriculum, and the training curriculums. The focus is on bridging the gap between those who have done the work and the institutions and universities who are aspiring to work in space law and policy, to connect with these institutions and learn from them and bridge the gap and the time that they have lost in developing the capabilities. Under this alliance, we would be helping institutions to promote joint activities and especially the joint research. And collaboration on matters— contemporary matters related to spaceflight policy and provide kind of guidelines and input to the governments and to space agencies. Also, under this platform, we would provide capabilities boosting and knowledge sharing research activities. These would include student exchange programs, faculty exchange programs, and expert exchange within the space agencies. And the overall objective would be to also promote the initiatives of the members of the alliance. One important objective also is to connect the alliance with the other international space institutions and organizations working in space law and policy. And here I would like to invite the interested parties from member states and especially from the observers of UNOSA, if they are interested to join and work with us in any field related to space-run policy, we would welcome and highly appreciate connecting with different NGOs and academia, particularly the observers of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. Next, please. So, during the first board meeting of the Alliance, among many activities, 6 projects have been finalized as the initial 6 projects to be executed under, under the alliance in coming years. These include and are led by different members of the alliance from various member states of PABSCO. The first one is to build the capacity in space law policy by targeting tailored trainings and joint research, and this is to be led by China Institute of Space Law. The second is to develop a legal landscape in outer space at digest of the major space law cases and establishment of a knowledge-based platform. This is to be led by the National Space Agency of Pakistan called SPARCO. The third one is establishment of Asia-Pacific Journal in Space Law and Policy, uh, with the joint working with Beijing Institute of Technology. This was also realization that we do not have specific research journals targeting the Asia-Pacific region for promoting their work, their research, and their think tanks in space law and policy. So, this is going to be one big advantage for all the member states and even the regional institutions to work together under this publication. The 4th one is development of the rules and regulations and mechanism for promoting a space economy, which is an important factor that all developing countries, and particularly the countries in Asia-Pacific region, are focusing. The governments need the guidelines, and particularly examples and formats under which they can develop their regulations to support their local industry and their private sector. So, this is going to be led by Jista from Thailand. The 5th one is establishment of the mentor and mentee program inspired by the UNOSA program, and to be led by China Zhongshan University of Economics and Law. And the 6th project under alliance that we are going to initiate is sharing of experience of participant— participation in Moot Courts competition and involving the members of the Asia-Pacific region, especially the APSCO members, to be led by China Zhongshan University of Economics and Law. Next, please. With this, um, I would like to thank all of you who have stayed to listen to this presentation, and thank you, Chair, for rescheduling this presentation. I once again invite all the interested parties and participants here to connect with us under this alliance and support our work. And we need the experiences and the guidance from institutions who have already done our work in— under different mechanisms to run a network and to share with us and to work with us. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. COPUOS Legal Subcommittee · Chair [2:39:13]: Thank you very much for the presentation, for this presentation of this highly important initiative. Distinguished delegates, I will shortly adjourn this meeting, but before doing so, I would like to inform delegates of our schedule of work. For tomorrow morning, we will meet promptly at 10:00 AM. And I would like to inform delegates that the symposium organized by the International Institute of Space Law and the European Center for Space Law on the theme Due Regard in Outer Space: Current Legal Implications will be held tomorrow morning from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. here The program of the symposium is available on the webpage of the session. Are there any questions or comments on this proposed schedule? I see none. Distinguished delegates, this meeting is adjourned until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.