Outer Space: Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, 62nd session, 1024 meeting

Good afternoon, distinguished delegates. I now declare open the 1024th meeting of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee Distinguished delegates, this afternoon we will continue our consideration of Agenda Item 3, General Exchange of Views. We will continue and hopefully suspend our consideration of Agenda Item 10, Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities, pending the discussions in the Working Group. Thank you, Madam Chair. We will begin our consideration of agenda item 11, future role and method of work of the committee. Time permitting, we will begin our consideration of agenda item 12, space and global health. We will then suspend the plenary meeting so that the working group of the use of nuclear power sources in outer space can hold its second meeting today. There will be 5 technical presentations this afternoon. As delegations are aware, the schedule of technical presentations is available on the session's webpage and in the daily journal. Are there any questions or comments on this proposed schedule? I see none. Distinguished delegates, I'd now like to continue our consideration of Agenda Item 3, General Exchange of Views. I now turn to the list of speakers. First speaker on my list is the distinguished observer from Secure World Foundation. You have the floor.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates and observers, on behalf of Secure World Foundation, I appreciate this opportunity to present an update on the foundation's work since February 2024 in support of the aims of the scientific and Technical Subcommittee. Secure World Foundation focuses its activities on 3 primary themes. The first is ensuring the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. The second is fostering the development of sound space policy and law. And the third is enhancing the use of space technology and international cooperation to support human and environmental security on Earth. In July 2024, Secure World Foundation organized the 6th Summit for Space Sustainability in Tokyo, Japan. We thank our co-hosts, the Cabinet Office Space Policy Secretariat of the Government of Japan, for the successful collaboration and co-organization of the event. The summit was attended in person and online by more than 550 participants from 37 states. Key themes discussed included active debris removal progress and challenges, regional space situational awareness initiatives and their connection to global efforts and partnerships models, and sustainability challenges presented by space exploration activities. In 2025, the 7th Summit for Space Sustainability will be held in Europe in the 4th quarter of the year. Details will be announced soon and will be available at the website swfsummit.org. In October of 2024, Secure World Foundation released the 2nd edition of the Handbook for New Actors in Space. This guide provides up-to-date information on the existing legal frameworks national regulation and policy, and operational best practices for safe and sustainable space activities. We also take this opportunity to remind delegations of our publication titled the COPUSS Briefing Book, which is a comprehensive guide to the history and current work of COPUSS and its 2 subcommittees. Both of these publications are available in electronic format on our website And our delegation also has a small number of printed copies available for distribution here at the session. Since the last session of the STSC, we have continued our efforts to address and improve space situational awareness, data sharing, and collaboration. In October 2024, SWF and Singapore's Office for Space Technology and Industry co-organized the ASEAN Space Policy Expert Exchange Seminar alongside the 33rd ASEAN Subcommittee on Space Technology and Applications in Singapore. Key topics included the implementation of the Guidelines for the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities and the relationship of space situational awareness capabilities to access and benefit from space applications. Also in October, the Foundation supported the first UN SpaceBridge event on space traffic coordination, which was convened by the Office for Outer Space Affairs at the UN headquarters in New York City. This event brought together experts from governments and the commercial sector to discuss the way forward to address the complex issues of space traffic coordination in multilateral fora. In this regard, we take note of Conference Room Paper 3 submitted by the delegation of the United Arab Emirates, which contains a proposal for the establishment of an expert group on space situational awareness within the framework of the STSC. We believe this to be a very timely and much-needed initiative to start discussions aimed at developing practical information-sharing practices to aid operational coordination and improve orbital safety, as was envisaged in the LTS guidelines adopted by COPOS in 2019. We believe the establishment of such an expert group would be a step in the right direction to advance global cooperation in SSA information sharing and coordination, and we delivered further statement on this issue under Agenda Item 10 earlier today. Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, The Secure World Foundation looks forward to continuing to support the committee's efforts to achieve and sustain the continued peaceful uses of outer space. Thank you for your attention.

I thank the distinguished observer for Secure World Foundation for the statement. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished observer for Space Generation Advisory Council. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Distinguished delegates, as SGAC's Executive Director, it is an honor for me to present an overview of our network's recent endeavors. SGAC is and always has been a dynamic hub for students and young professionals aged 18 to 35 to actively engage with the United Nations space agencies, industry, and academia. Due to the dedication of our members, staff, partners, and sponsors, we're thrilled to report a successful 2024 and a promising start to 2025. 2025. Our organization's growth remains steadfast, now boasting a membership of over 35,000 individuals spanning over 165 countries. In 2024, SGAC proudly hosted 3 global events, 12 regional and local gatherings across the world, and a range of online activities including webinars, workshops, and research projects. With the generous support of our partners and sponsors, we awarded over 120 scholarships totaling more than $150,000, enabling our members to participate in key space events worldwide. As we look ahead to 2025, we're already deep in the planning of our upcoming events, including SGX in Washington, D.C., and SGFF in Colorado Springs, which continue to serve as key platforms to engaging the next generation of space leaders. In this context, we extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Antonino Salmeri for his leadership as chair during the 2023 to 2025 term. As his tenure nears its conclusion, we look forward to electing a new co-chair to support Dr. Joshua Critchley-Morrows, who assumed the role of chair on May 1st, 2025. Moving ahead, we would like to congratulate Ms. Arti Holomaini, for her excellent work in her first year as Director of UNOOSA, and look forward to a continued collaboration with the Office for engaging the young generation in the peaceful uses of space, especially on the upcoming Space for Youth initiatives. We're also pleased to see youth engagement recognized as an action for the international community in Resolution 56 on the Pact for the Future, adopted by world leaders at the UN General Assembly only 4 months ago. At SGAC, we have been pleased to contribute at the best of our ability to the preparatory process of the Pact in collaboration with UNOUSA and several member states. In addition to providing written inputs to the co-facilitators, we have been pleased to organize and participate in many events on the important topics discussed in the Pact, such as the side event on Space, Youth, and Future Generations that we co-organized together with the government of Austria and UNOOSA, and the side event on outer space in the zero draft of the Pact of the Future organized by the Permanent Mission of Germany and UNOOSA. Outside the framework of this committee, we have been pleased to participate in the excellent conference on the management and sustainability of outer space co-organized in Lisbon by the government of Portugal and UNOOSA, as well as to the 2024 edition of the World Space Forum in Bonn, organized by UNOOSA together with Germany, Peru, and the United Arab Emirates. We have been especially pleased to have presented the voices of the youth in the retrospective session of the World Space Forum to more than 450 participants from over 90 countries and have organized the workshops on the sidelines to inform about the policy positions for sustainable activities in orbit and on the Moon. We're pleased to inform this honorable subcommittee that through our dedicated policy platform, we continue to produce meaningful annual reports outlining the united policy position on key issues for our shared future in space. Just a few weeks ago, we released our 2025 policy position on responsible space behavior, focusing on the 3 pillars of safety, security, and sustainability. You can find more information on this policy position in a dedicated CRP, and we look forward to providing more updates during the next session of the committee. We're grateful for the opportunity to address this honorable subcommittee and stand ready to work together with all member states and observers to foster the peaceful, sustainable, and cooperative uses of space for the benefit of all humankind, present and future. Thank you for your kind attention.

I thank the distinguished observer for Space Generation Advisory Council for the statement. Next speaker on my list is a distinguished observer for— from National Space Society. You have the floor.

Distinguished Chair, esteemed delegates, ladies and gentlemen. It is an honor to address this esteemed body on behalf of the National Space Society, NSS, a global nonprofit dedicated to the peaceful exploration, development, and settlement of space. NSS serves as a bridge between the scientific community, policymakers, and the public, fostering collaboration and advancing humanity's vision for a sustainable and inclusive future. NSS has been honored to serve as a permanent observer of COPUIS for 21 years. Founded nearly half a century ago, NSS is proud to be a thought leader in space exploration and development. We provide a platform for dialogue and innovation, engaging individuals and organizations worldwide. With over 50,000 members, NSS represents a diverse coalition of space advocates. Our Ad Astra magazine, reaching 10,000 print readers quarterly and 40,000 digital viewers, exemplifies our commitment to public engagement. Additionally, our YouTube channel, with 13,000 subscribers and over 3.5 million views, amplifies our reach, along with 120,000 Facebook followers and active community groups. Our president's YouTube channel, Science and Futurism with Isaac Arthur, boasts over 800,000 subscribers, while, while our affiliated podcast, This Week in Space, has 25,000 listeners. NSS is committed to empowering the next generation of global space leaders. Our student programs, including the Space Settlement Design Contest and Competitions, engage over 30,000 students worldwide annually, fostering innovation and hands-on experience in space systems design. The Rothblatt Space Settlement in Our Lifetime Business Plan Competition, supported by SiriusXM founder, Dr. Martine Rothblatt, challenges entrepreneurs to develop business solutions for space settlement and infrastructure. NSS also convenes global leaders, policymakers, and visionaries through 2 flagship events: the International Space Settlement Design Conference, ISDC, and the Space Settlement Summit. The ISDC, held annually, brings together experts to discuss advancements in space technology, policy, and settlement. with an average attendance of 1,000 participants. The Space Settlement Summit is a focused gathering of thought leaders dedicated to addressing the challenges of long-term human expansion into space. These events reinforce NSS's role as a hub for fostering partnership, sharing knowledge, and inspiring bold initiatives in space exploration and development. NSS recognizes the importance of international coordination in lunar exploration and development, We commend those whose dedication led to the creation of the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation, ATLAC. As humanity embarks on a sustained lunar presence, cooperative frameworks for lunar operations are essential to ensure safe, sustainable, and transparent activities. ATLAC represents a milestone in fostering international dialogue on critical operational challenges such as landing site coordination, resource resource utilization and environmental protection. We commend the organizers for ensuring transparent representation from both Artemis Accord signatories and the International Lunar Research Station participants, reinforcing an inclusive approach to addressing operational challenges on the lunar surface. NSS is committed to supporting these efforts and contributing insights that promote international cooperation in lunar activities. At this year's Thank you. As a partner of Copernicus STSC, NSS is proud to support Copernicus through multiple technical presentations offering insights across a broad spectrum of topics. In addition, NSS develops reports and white papers to support informed decision-making among delegates. One key contribution is the Space Solar Power Report, which analyzes the feasibility, benefits, and global impact of space-based solar power. This report highlights how this technology could transform energy sustainability, reduce carbon emissions and drive international cooperation. NSS has also published a policy paper proposing a balanced approach to dark and quiet skies, fostering collaboration between astronomers and commercial space stakeholders to ensure sustainable space development while preserving scientific discovery. We remain engaged in discussions surrounding the Space 2030 Agenda and are actively contributing to UNOOSA's midterm review of this critical framework. In conclusion, NSS remains steadfast in its mission to advance the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space for the benefit of all and stand ready to support all members of COPUIS. Through our research, publications, and global advocacy, we are dedicated to supporting this committee's vital work and shaping a future where space exploration and development benefit all of humanity, both on Earth and beyond. Thank you for your attention.

I thank the distinguished observer for National Space Society for the statement. We will continue our consideration of Agenda Item 3, General Exchange of Views, on Monday morning. Distinguished delegates, I would now like to continue and hopefully suspend our consideration of Agenda Item 10, Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space, activities and hopefully suspended pending the discussions in the working group. The first speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Mexico. You have the floor.

Muchas gracias, señora.

Thank you very much, Chair, distinguished delegates. The Mexican delegation would like to reiterate the importance of working together and in a coordinated fashion to guarantee the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. This effort is essential in order to preserve equal access to the space environment and to safeguard its benefits for all of humanity. In this context, Mexico welcomes the progress made by the Working Group on Long-Term Sustainability, which proves the worth worth of the thematic workshops organized during the last period of sessions. These spaces for dialogue have proven essential for strengthening international cooperation and dialogue in strategic areas such as regulatory and legal aspects, the security of space operations, and scientific and technical research. Mexico recognizes that the Long-Term Sustainability Guidelines are an essential model for regulating space activities. As highlighted in our statement under item 3, these guidelines are currently being incorporated into our own national legislation so that we have specific legislation which deals with topics including mitigation of risks associated with space weather, and the management of space debris. This will allow us to implement viable and practical safe solutions that strengthen our national capacity and also promote a sustainable approach for the use of outer space. In this context, we underscore the importance of keeping open dialogue and exchanging experiences about the practical implementation of these guidelines: strengthening international cooperation and creating— building capacity, particularly between countries with emerging space activities. We believe that education, training, and cooperation are key aspects for the sustainability of outer space activity. In this respect, we welcome the valuable work done by regional science and technology space training centres with the UN. Finally, we would like to recall the importance of continuing with monitoring and updating guidelines in order to respond to new challenges that the space setting constantly throws up. And so we would like to I'd like to close this statement by expressing our full support for the Working Group on Long-Term Sustainability and reiterating Mexico's commitment to working closely with member states to build a global regulatory framework that will allow us to guarantee sustainability and safety for the space environment for future and present generations. Thank you.

The distinguished representative of Mexico for her statement. The next speaker on my list is a distinguished representative of Portugal. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Sustainability and congestion of space is one pressing and ongoing topic within this subcommittee. Indeed, the increasing number of space actors and space objects and the growing complexity of space operations bring significant and pressing challenges that the international community must address, not only to secure the safeguard of current space missions, but also to maintain space usable and sustainable. We do strongly support the enduring leadership of the chair of the LTS Working Group and the Secretariat efforts, and urge the need to substantially advance the works. During this session, we had before us several suggestions on how to go forward, including through expert expert groups. A more thorough proposal on such a group is contained in the timely CRP presented on space situational awareness, and we thank the United Arab Emirates for the initiative. As such, we do welcome this proposal on a dedicated mechanism to discuss coordination of global SSA data and information sharing that, in this matter, can support better global coordination on space traffic and enhance operational safety. Our preliminary assessment of the proposed mandate and terms of reference is very favorable, and we look forward to a more detailed proposal that can be discussed during the intersessional period and approved within the next COPU session.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Portugal for the statement. Next speaker on my list is a distinguished observer from the Outer Space Institute. You have the floor.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, the Moon carries tremendous potential for scientific discovery and technological innovation. However, failures by space actors to coordinate, cooperate, and take steps to preserve the Earth-Lunar environment during this epoch of lunar exploration could create risks to truly unique opportunities, as well as undercut other potential benefits of accessing the Moon. In order to foster international communication, collaboration, and cooperation promote the peaceful use and exploration of outer space and advance humanity's understanding of the cosmos, the Outer Space Institute recommends that the international community work together on one or more major science projects on the Moon. Humanity's presence on and around the Moon is rapidly expanding. There were 12 launches to the Moon in the decade from 2010 to 2019. missions on the lunar surface and in cislunar space. Multiple states are making steady progress towards the decades-long goal of returning humans to the Moon and establishing a permanent presence there. On the one hand, these activities hold great promise for humanity. On the other hand, they may threaten the Moon's pristine state, including its radio-quiet environment and truly unique scientific opportunities. The Moon's characteristics present many challenges, including the lack of an atmosphere, lunar dust, long-term stable orbits, far-side communications, power during lunar night, tracking objects in cislunar space, among many others. Moreover, the Moon is important to many peoples and societies for reasons of history, culture, religion, philosophy, and art. International cooperation has always served as a catalyst for space exploration, and the Outer Space Institute believes that further success requires continued respect, goodwill, open communications, ongoing engagement and confidence-building, as well as commitments and cost-sharing. International cooperation often begins with small steps such as the sharing of scientific data and other forms of information exchange. There are many examples of how international cooperation has enabled the pooling of experience, expertise, equipment and financial resources for missions into outer space. The Committee on Space Research, COSPAR, was established in 1958 and promotes and coordinates a wide range of space-related research from around the globe. The COSPAR SARSAT satellite-based search and rescue system was established in 1979 and has saved tens of thousands of lives. The International Charter Space and Major Disasters, established in 2000, provides imagery on demand from private satellite companies and spacefaring states. All 3 of these international mechanisms remain fully operational today. Major astronomical observing facilities on Earth also constitute critical infrastructure for space exploration. They provide opportunities for all astronomers to submit observing proposals regardless of their affiliation, nationality, or location. Therefore, recognizing the international character of the Moon and given the many successes in COPUS to date and its lead role in international civil space affairs, we recommend under this agenda item discussion of a collaborative, internationally inclusive lunar science project. Any collaborative project should utilize the unique characteristics of the moon. It could involve, for example, major science facilities, including on the lunar far side, or a coordinated and sustained effort to conduct widespread sampling and instrumentation deployment, or some combination of these 2 approaches. In any case, a COPUS process to determine the exact project or projects could begin with open sharing of information and ideas. Whichever approach is selected, it should, we believe, be open to the international— entire international community without discrimination of any kind, on a basis of equality and inclusivity, and taking into consideration the Moon's importance to many peoples and societies. The projects should in no way preclude states from carrying out their own lunar exploration activities while exercising due regard and adhering to the principle of non-interference in accordance with international law. The projects could also promote capacity building across the international community while further fostering the peaceful use and exploration of outer space, including the Moon. To conclude, the OSI wishes to affirm its support to the Chair and the work of the subcommittee. Thank you for your attention.

I thank the distinguished observer for the Outer Space Institute for the statement. We have heard this morning from the distinguished delegate of the United Arab Emirates on their proposal to establish an expert group on space situational awareness as contained in CRP 20 and on holding further discussions with a view to refining the proposal for a decision by the Committee at its 68th session regarding the establishment of such an expert group. Distinguished delegates, I would now like to open the floor to see if there is an agreement in the room to proceed with this proposal. Distinguished representative of India, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. India appreciates that the distinguished delegate from UAE has submitted the CRP 20 proposing for the establishment of the Expert Group on Space Situational Awareness. During the statement under the present agenda item, distinguished delegates from UAE proposed to include language on continuing the discussion on creation of an expert group on SSA into the As such, space situation awareness is an integral component of ensuring long-term sustainability of outer space activities. And as per the multi-year work plan, the ongoing work of the Working Group on Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities is expected to be completed by next year. As we have listened from the various statements made, there are proposals for continuing the discussions on LTS beyond 2026 through various possible means. including the proposal on creating an LTS 3.0 working group. The proposal for establishment of an expert group on SSA could be further discussed considering the ongoing and the proposed work with a view to avoiding duplication and parallel efforts. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of India. Distinguished delegate of Germany, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Germany supports the proposal by UAE and welcomes intersessional discussions.

Germany has long been a supporter of the discussion of topics related to space traffic within the committee and its subcommittees, and we think that it is important that we go forward and reach results in this regard and therefore support the proposal. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Germany. Distinguished delegate of the Islamic Republic of Iran, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to thank the delegation of the UAE for presenting this important proposal. However, since we have received it during this session and we have sent it back to our capital, I think we are waiting for instruction and we are not in a position to, to concur with this proposal regardless of our substantive comment on this case. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegate of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Distinguished delegate of Romania, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The delegation of Romania supports the proposal made by the United Arab Emirates and considers this proposal very timely and necessary to be implemented. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you.

It appears that some delegations need more time to consult. I recognize the delegate of the United Kingdom, I think. Yeah, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Just a short intervention from the UK to support the text which was identified by our distinguished delegates from the UAE, which identifies having further discussions on an expert group towards the next session of COPUS. I think it underlines the importance of having expert groups associated with our work within our work at STSC, and also we can have within those discussions at the intersessionals an understanding of how it may link up with the future work proposed on the Long-Term Sustainability Working Group. Thank you.

Thank you. If there are no further comments at this point, it appears to me that some delegations need more time to consult. I therefore ask delegations to consult and we will get back on this matter later. We— next week. We have suspended our consideration of Agenda Item 10, Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space. activities, pending the discussion in the Working Group and the proposal by the distinguished delegate of the United Arab Emirates. Distinguished delegates, I would now like to begin our consideration of Agenda Item 11, Future Role and Method of Work of the Committee. In accordance with the 5-year work plan and methods of work for the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resources activities of the legal subcommittee contained in the document A/AC105/1260, Annex 2, Appendix, adopted in 2022. The chair of the working group will present activities undertaken thus far by the working group to the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee at this 62nd session. In line with this agreement, I would like to invite the vice of the Working Group, Mr. Stephen Freeland of Australia, that will deliver the presentation for the Working Group. Mr. Freeland, you have the floor.

Chair, distinguished delegations, dear colleagues. At its 60th session in 2021, the Legal Subcommittee decided to establish, under a 5-year work plan, A working group under the agenda item on the general exchange of views on potential legal models for activities in the exploration, exploitation, and utilization of space resources, with Andrzej Michal of Poland and Stephen Freeland of Australia as chair and vice chair respectively. The working group is titled the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities. In accordance with its multi-year work plan, the activities of the Working Group undertaken thus far are to be presented to this subcommittee at its current session by the chair and/or the vice chair of the Working Group. It is with great sadness that I inform the subcommittee of the passing of the chair, my dear friend and colleague, André Michdal, in early January 2025. Ambassador Michdal was highly respected by many delegations and will be sorely missed but always remembered. Despite this tragic loss, I want to assure delegations, as reiterated in an information circular distributed to member states and permanent observers last week, That I remain fully committed and determined that the work of the Working Group in accordance with its multi-year work plan will continue unchanged. I sincerely appreciate the support of Member States in this regard. During numerous Working Group meetings and sessions of Legal Subcommittee and the Committee, as well as several intersessional meetings, The discussions in the Working Group have been rich, substantive, and positive. We have made good progress in a highly cooperative manner that epitomizes the Vienna spirit, and we should remain conscious of the work still to be done. In April 2024, the Working Group held an international conference on space resource activities during the 63rd session of the Legal Subcommittee. This followed an expert meeting held in Luxembourg in March 2024, collecting preliminary inputs for consideration at the International Conference co-hosted by Belgium and Luxembourg and organized in cooperation with the United Nations. Both events focused on specific topics agreed by the Working Group. These events provided important contributions to the work of the Working Group, addressing the multifaceted nature of the exploration, exploitation, and utilization of space resources, and assessing the benefits of further development of a framework for such activities. Also, in accordance with its multi-year work plan, the Working Group will develop a set of initial recommended principles for space resource activities, taking into account the need to ensure that they are carried out in accordance with international law and in a safe, sustainable, rational, and peaceful manner. In this regard, on 22 July 2024, the Secretariat circulated to States members and permanent observers an invitation from the Chair and Vice Chair to provide contributions on elements for an initial draft set of recommended principles for space resource activities. To date, we've received responses from 17 member states and 6 permanent observers, to whom I extend my appreciation. The Working Group agreed that a zero draft of the initial draft recommended principles should be prepared by the Chair and the Vice Chair based on responses received and discussions thus far. I take this opportunity to remind Member States that I welcome any further contributions in response to this information and ask for these to be submitted by 28 February 2025 so that they might be taken into account in the preparation of the zero draft. This zero draft will be circulated to Member States in March 2025, and an online intersessional meeting of the Working Group will be held in April 2025, where I will introduce the zero draft prior to the 64th session of the Legal Subcommittee in May, where there will be an exchange of views on the zero draft and the ongoing development of the initial recommended principles. In closing, I would like to thank the Chair of this Subcommittee for giving me the opportunity to inform delegations of the activities of the Working Group. I'm available for discussions with delegations at any time and welcome their further contributions and inputs. I look forward to working with delegations as we continue to progress Thank you again, and I send you best wishes for a successful and productive session of this subcommittee.

I thank the Vice Chair of the Working Group for his statement. I now turn to the list of speakers. The first speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of China. You have the floor.

Madam Chair, China welcomes the continued review of this item, and we support and hope that COPUS will continue to improve its working methods to better perform its functions and play its due role. With this goal in mind, China would like to propose the following. First, we should firmly uphold the role of COPUS as the main platform for international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space and the rulemaking for global governance. We support different UN bodies and mechanisms in handling matters related to outer space as per their respective mandates, and we firmly uphold the central role of COPUOS in formulating, interpreting, and applying these rules. Overlapping the functions of COPUOS by other processes should be avoided. Also, activities related to outer space conducted by international organizations other than the UN may complement the work of this subcommittee to some extent, but they should be properly coordinated to avoid any impact, unwanted impact, or interference. Secondly, we should actively respond to new challenges in outer space. The subcommittee's decision last year to establish an auction group on lunar activities and to add a topic entitled Dark, Quiet Skies: Astronomy and Large Constellations to the 2025-2029 STSC session are good examples of how the subcommittee keeps pace with the times and actively response to new challenges. We hope that COPIOS and the relevant subcommittees will pay more attention to issues such as the impact of commercial space activities on outer space governance and also the actual needs of developing countries. We also continue to— we should continue capacity building To promote the global governance. Thirdly, we should continue capacity building. Copios has a sound foundation and tradition in building scientific technology and legal capacity in outer space. China believes that we should keep supporting the UN-affiliated regional centers. For space science, technology, and education to play its pivotal role and strengthen exchanges and cooperation among different centers. We should also consider the actual needs of emerging space nations and developing countries and mobilize all parties to make full use of existing resources to conduct more diversified and institutionalized institutionalized capacity-building activities. We would like to take this opportunity to once again thank the UNUSA and its 2 subcommittees for their tremendous efforts in ensuring the work of STSC. We will continue to work with all parties. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of China for the statement. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Canada.

You have the floor.

Chair, distinguished delegates, Canada extends its sincere appreciation of the Secretariat for their efforts in organizing and advancing the work of the subcommittee. The Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, STSC, continues to be a vital forum for fostering international cooperation, and Canada remains committed to working collaboratively with all member states to ensure that space continues to be a domain of innovation, opportunity, and progress for the benefit of all. Canada welcomes the establishment of the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation, ATLAC, and looks forward to engaging in constructive and formal discussion during this session. We congratulate Pakistan and Romania for their nomination as co-chair. We can assure you of our ongoing support. The ATLAC is both timely and necessary given the numbers of missions planned to the lunar surface in the next decade alone. The increase in these activities underscores the need to improve sharing of information and deconfliction. Canada welcomes the Pact of the Future and views it as a timely initiative to strengthen international cooperation and address pressing issues related to space safety and sustainability, with COPUS driving this work. There is a rapidly evolving landscape in the development of both space debris mitigation and remediation mediation mechanism. The long-term sustainability of outer space activities requires sustained global initiatives and coordination to make meaningful progress in tackling this global challenge. The PASC asked member states to discuss the establishment of new frameworks for space traffic, space debris, and space resource to COPUS. We see this as an important recognition of discussions already underway the committee and underline the importance of the dialogue already underway within the Long-Term Sustainability Working Group, Space Resource Activities Working Group, and the broader STSC and LSE agenda. Canada is ready to engage in discussion on the proposal for the 4th United Nations Conference on the Peaceful Exploration of Outer Space to take place in 2027. The 3 previous conferences have been instrumental in shaping the direction of space policy and promoting multilateral cooperation, from climate monitoring and disaster response to supporting global communications and capacity building. Canada believes In Space 4 could help shape the future work of the committee, particularly as both the Action Team on Lunar Activity Consultation and the Working Group of the Legal Aspect of Space Resource Activities should present their report in 2027. In building upon the existing efforts from the committee, it is important that negotiations over the coming months focus on concrete, structured proposals for Inner Space 4 that reflect ongoing discussion and work within the committee and the subcommittees, which would thus drive meaningful outcomes across the 3 proposed tracks of space sustainability, space solutions, and international cooperation. Chair, Canada also acknowledged the vital role of working groups and informal consultations as effective platforms for advancing substantive discussion and achieving concrete progress on specific issues. Informal settings allow in-depth exchanges of ideas and collaborative problem-solving. Canada believes that more time should be allocated in plenary sessions to discuss issues addressed by working groups. Such opportunities, if supported by simultaneous translation, would enable a more dynamic and inclusive exchange change of idea and can ensure that the outcomes of the discussions are integrated into the formal process. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Canada for the statement. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Italy. You have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair, distinguished delegates. Morocco will deliver a joint statement also on behalf of Italy under this agenda item later, but allow me to add short remarks on our national capacities. And first of all, after having listened to the report by the Working Group on Space Resources Activities, we wish to present heartfelt condolences to the family of Ambassador Andrei Mitzal, and to all those who knew him. We are deeply saddened by his passing. Ambassador Mitzal will be sorely missed. Madam Chair, as we mentioned in the General Exchange of Views, Italy welcomes the strong mandate coming from the Pact for the future for a renewed and strengthened role of COPUOS in addressing the most urgent issues for a safe, peaceful, and sustainable use of outer space. We took fully on board also the proposal of holding a 4th United Nations Conference on the Peaceful Exploration of Outer Space, UNISPACE 4, in 2027. With that goal in mind, we joined Morocco in tabling a CRP to start the discussion with the membership. We thank the delegations that co-sponsored this CRP so far: Belgium, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, France, Latvia, and United Kingdom. We trust that with the support of all delegations, we can decide already during this subcommittee to hold UNISPACE Forum 2027. And we look forward to more substantive discussions on the scope and the agenda for the conference. To that aim, we invite all delegations to submit their ideas, inputs, and— on possible topics. And we thank those who have already provided for very interesting insights and themes. The Group of African Countries, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Iran, Paraguay, Portugal, Türkiye, United Kingdom, just to name a few. Madam Chairperson, let me now turn to the ongoing work of the Action Team on Lunar Activities Coordination. First of all, to congratulate you, Madam Chair, and dear colleague Mr. Hassan Abbas for the nomination as co-chairs of the Action Team. Please count on our full full support and constructive engagement in this endeavor. Italy looks forward to a quick adoption of the work plan for the action team in order to start the substantive discussions and hopefully provide recommendations to COP27 already in 2027.

Thank you for your attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of Italy for the statement. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. As an active participant in lunar exploration, the Republic of Korea has consistently emphasized the importance of international cooperation in ensuring the safety and sustainability of such activities. In this context, we warmly welcome the establishment of the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation, ATLAS, and extend our warm congratulations Congratulations to the newly elected co-chairs from the distinguished delegations of Romania and Pakistan. We hope that ATLAS will fulfill its objectives by fostering meaningful collaboration and advancing shared goals in lunar exploration. In 2024, the Republic of Korea and Japan have collaborated to ensure the precise landing of Japan's Smart Lander for Investigating Moon on the Moon through information sharing and a subsequent collision avoidance maneuver carried out by the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter. This represents one of the best practices in compliance with international space norms for lunar exploration. Building on this experience, we will actively contribute to APLAC to address pressing practical concerns in lunar exploration and engage in substantive discussions. We also welcome the initiative to host the next Space Forum in 2027, which will mark a pivotal year for the committee. This event would afford a key opportunity to address pressing space issues and advance space governance while leveraging space to achieve the 2030 Agenda. We look forward to constructive and forward-thinking discussions on a clear and and comprehensive roadmap to ensure its success. Before concluding, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to both Romania and UNOUSA for their leadership and efforts in advancing their— these initiatives. We encourage all member states to join us in supporting and actively engaging in these important endeavors. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea for the statement. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. You have the floor.

Chair, please let me, please let me set out the view of the United Kingdom on the future role of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. The United Kingdom has taken a leading role on the sustainability, security, and safety of outer space. Along with other delegations, we believe that SDSC has a crucial role in ensuring the ongoing sustainability and peaceful use of the space environment. Regarding the role of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, there is an important distinction between discussions held in Geneva and those held in Vienna. The discussions here in Vienna should focus on safety and sustainability, which may support the secure security agenda, while discussions in Geneva should focus on security, which may support safety and sustainability. The fact that many systems are dual-use shows why it's important to have distinct yet complementary discussions in Geneva and Vienna. We would now like to share some remarks on the ways of working. First, the UK would like to welcome Ms. Takemi Chiku to her role as the new UNUSA Chief Policy and Legal Affairs Section. We look forward to further collaboration with the UNUSA Secretariat as we look for ways to improve the ways of working of this subcommittee. The SDSC should be easy for observers to understand, not just for governments. In this regard, we, along with other delegations, welcome the request for feedback on COPUS from the UNUSA Secretariat. As we have witnessed the success of such innovation in the call for the consolidation of agenda items. Second, United Kingdom is pleased to see that we have a diverse range of observers represented at COPUS and its subcommittees. Space sustainability does not fall to governments alone. We believe that we should do more to fully engage the private sector and the scientific community. We would encourage delegations to consider including non-governmental actors as part of their delegations through the COPUS meeting cycle. We have representatives from academia and industry on our delegation for this session. Our colleague from Eutelsat OneWeb delivered a technical presentation on dark and quiet skies, and our colleagues from academia have contributed their expertise to our discussion. The UK believes that sharing experience, ideas, and creating a common vision is one of the defining benefits of the multilateral system. We welcome the initiatives by UNUSA that allow for increased member states and expert interactions, such as the UN Space Sustainability Days and the UN Space Bridge. Next, the United Kingdom would like to thank Chile, Spain, and South Africa for their work pertaining to the dark and quiet skies. We are pleased to remember the group of friends, and we look forward to further discussions on this important subject. We would also like to express our support for the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation, ATLAC. The United Kingdom would like to thank Romania for their early efforts to establish an action team, specifically Mr. Doron Prenaru for his efforts. We'd also like to thank Romania and Pakistan for their co-chair nominations. We are pleased to have Ms. Ulper Bozartu and Mr. Hassan Abbas serving on the Bureau. Chair, we will continue to be active in the SDSC in support of UNUSA, including through funding programs to help others to implement the Long-Term Sustainability Guidelines. The UK is actively engaged in cross-regional discussions here in Vienna, and we look forward to continuing these discussions in the lead-up to UNISPACE 4. UNISPACE 4 has the potential to create a step change in our ambition and engagement in peaceful uses, but only if we continue to engage constructively. The UK pledges to be a positive example in that regard. Chair, our work is only just beginning. We hope that our future is rooted in practical, open, informal, and expert discussion. We need to focus on the mandated COPUS and seek to hear from every other actor making a contribution to our collective endeavors. Thank you, Chair, and to all the participants of this session.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom for the statement. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of France. You have the floor.

Madame la Présidente.

Madam Chairperson, distinguished delegates, distinguished colleagues. As you are aware, France is an active supporter of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and of its subcommittees. We welcome the progress in streamlining our agenda and thus facilitating the proper functioning of the committee and of its working groups. The interventions by the various delegations have been very compelling and the technical presentations have been interesting. By evolving like this, the committee and its subcommittees demonstrate their vitality and their ability to adapt to the new challenges that we face. France will continue to actively participate in the quest for ways to streamline our work. We're also very much attached to having effective and inclusive debates with due regard to the established rules and working methods. Specifically with respect to the technical presentations, we think it's important to have an exchange of information between delegates. This could be enhanced were we to introduce the practice of comments and questions following the presentations. Of course, we would need to organize the time allotted to the technical presentations. Grouping them thematically would make for enhanced coherency. And it would also make it possible to have a proper exchange of views among panelists and delegates. Chairperson, my delegation would like to support, or to recall our support, for the work of the Group on the Long-Term Sustainability of Space Activities, which is so ably chaired by Mr. Uma Maheshwaran. My delegation would like to see it conclude its work with a report We have a report adopted by consensus, so we can turn our attention to a future LTS Group 3.0. Space traffic coordination, space debris mitigation also are priority topics under the sustainability of space activities.

Thank you.

We welcome, or we support the holding of Unispace 4 in 2027 so as to give policy impetus to COPROS, which must continue to play a key role. We recall our support for the CRP submitted by Morocco and Italy. We thank them for the efforts to advance the discussion. We need guidance for our work and some landmark and easily identifiable proposals following on from the Pact for the Future, in particular on space monitoring, space traffic coordination, space debris mitigation, and space resources. In the medium term, Unispace 4 offers a rare and valuable opportunity for COPRIOS to demonstrate yet again its ability to produce concrete deliverables that benefit us all. It's a matter of the credibility of this committee. Madam Chairperson, by way of conclusion, a number of the topics that are covered by the 2 subcommittees and their working groups share commonalities, and our sessions would benefit from greater coordination between the 2 subcommittees in order to better address these cross-cutting issues.

Thank you, distinguished representative of France, for the statement. Next speaker on my list is a distinguished representative of Indonesia. You have the floor.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, Indonesia welcomes the establishment Establishment of the Asian Team on Lunar Activities Consultation, or ATLAC, as a vital initiative under the COPOS framework, aiming to foster collaboration efforts in addressing key issues related to lunar exploration and exploitation. As a committed member of UN-COPOS, Indonesia recognizes the significance of ATLAC in ensuring the safety, sustainability, and equitable approaches of lunar activities. Indonesia congratulates the co-chairs of Pakistan and Romania and would like to extend our support for their works. We believe that the current composition reflects the balanced geographical distribution and the fair different level of development of member states. As already stated during the last informal meeting of ATLAS in January 2027, my delegation would like to reemphasize the need to have a balanced and comprehensive approach to discuss cross-cutting issues of lunar activities. My delegation believes that the discussion of ATLAS mandates, terms of reference, methods of works, work plan, and topics of discussion should lead to a common benefit of lunar activities for all humankind. The interests of developing countries should be taken into account. The delegation looks forward to discussing further detail of the mandate terms of reference, method of work, and work plans of ATLAS meetings. Madam Chair, on the issue of possibility of holding of Unispace meeting in 2027, This delegation takes note of Action 56 of the Pact of the Future, which requests UNAOSA to further discuss the possibility of having UNISPACE in 2027. My delegation is of the view that UNISPACE meeting should be a landmark forum to pave a way for space activities decades ahead. UNISPACE This would strengthen international collaboration and sharing understanding on common responsibility, common benefit of space activities for humankind and sustainable development. Indonesia supports STSC meeting to accelerate the discussion on unispace modalities, including the issue of bureau, budget, topic, venue, speakers, and participants. Virtual informal meetings or intersessional meetings are welcomed to accelerate the discussion on Unispace 2027 in transparent and inclusive manner. We also welcome to discuss further the proposal of Morocco and Italy on this matter. Allow me now to move to another issue, namely Space Resources Activities. My delegation would like to express our condolences to the loss of Polish Ambassador as the chair of the working group. This delegation would like to extend our appreciation to the vice chair of the working group for his report that we heard a couple minutes ago. Madam Chair, Indonesia has provided our comments and inputs We look forward to reading the first draft that maybe will be circulated in March 2027, and the discussion in intersessional meeting, we heard probably it will be in May 2027— '25, sorry. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia for the statement. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative representative of Morocco. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. On behalf of the Permanent Missions of Morocco and Italy to the United Nations in Vienna, Morocco and Italy submitted a conference room paper on Unispace 4, which aims to facilitate our discussions on the organizational modalities of Unispace 4. Needless to recall that space becomes an important item on the international agenda due to a growing number of space actors and activities, as well as calls to strengthening space governance and ensure the safety and sustainability of space activities. In this regard, Unispace 2027 presents a timely and relevant opportunity for COPUS to build on ongoing discussions and take concrete steps toward ensuring the sustainable and responsible use of space, particularly in areas such as space debris mitigation, space resource utilization, and the future of lunar activities. Indeed, Such conference could be an opportunity for COPUS to take concrete actions on these emerging space challenges: interalia, space traffic management, active debris removal, and space resource utilization, while engaging the wider space sector on enhancing space safety and sustainability. We are convinced that this conference would be a milestone delivering concrete results in response to calls for adapted international cooperation and will enhance in-depth awareness of the committee's role in promoting the peaceful use of aerospace. Madam Chair, in closing, Morocco and Italy, as co-authors of the CRP on Unispace 4, which has been co-sponsored by several delegations, are looking forward to a fruitful and constructive dialogue with all participant delegations during the upcoming informal consultations on the preparations for Unispace 4, with the view of submitting in a recommendation for adoption for COP+25 through its Scientific and Technical Subcommittee. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Morocco for the statement. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Australia. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair, distinguished delegates. Australia again expresses its condolences on the sad passing of Ambassador Andrzej Misztal of Poland. Ambassador Misztal was highly respected and made a significant contribution to the peaceful uses of outer space and the work of the committee and its subcommittees, including as the chair of the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities. We are supportive of the working group continuing to progress its important work, consistent with its work plan under the leadership of Mr. Stephen Freeland. For the information of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, we support Mr. Freeland becoming chair of the working group, noting that this is for consideration by the Legal Subcommittee.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Australia for the statement. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative Representative of Portugal, you have the floor.

Madam Chair, distinguished representatives, we've heard the thorough reports on the Working Group on Space Resource Activities delivered by Professor Stephen Freeland. As mentioned earlier in our statement under agenda item 3, we express our sorrow on the passing of co-chair Ambassador Andrés Nissau, our neighbor in the room, and a very respected and cherished member of the space community that will be dearly missed. We remain committed to actively contribute to the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resources, and we do look forward to continuing the works as per the approved work plan under the skilled leadership of Professor Freeland, hoping that the preliminary results will feed productive and engaged discussions between member states. We were one of the delegations conspiring the CRP that posts the Action Team on Lunar Activities. We do find that the current informal consultations are at a good pace, and again, we congratulate Romania and Pakistan for co-chairing this Action Team and look forward to the advancement of our works within this so important mechanism. As expressed in the conference room paper of Morocco and Italy, 2027 appears to be a pivotal year as it marks the 70th session of COPUS, the 60th anniversary of the OST, Outer Space Treaty, and would allow for follow-up on the Pact for the Future, would call on COPUS to address space traffic, space debris, and space resources. We support the general opportunity of Unispace 4, also as a catalyst for the UN system and for the advancement of concrete coordination mechanisms among member states and concrete space governance frameworks, having in mind the need of streamlined work and priorities. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Portugal for the statement. Next speaker on my list is a distinguished representative of Kenya. You have the floor.

Madam Ulpia, I thank you. As an emerging and developing spacefaring nation, Kenya attaches great importance to capacity building, which is essential to developing countries to fully participate in and benefit from space science, technology, and governance. In this regard, we greatly appreciate the UN Space Sustainability Days organized by UNOSA Space Traffic Coordination prior to this session of the STSC. In particular, We appreciate the attention given to the involvement of developing countries, ensuring inclusive dialogue and knowledge sharing. The discussions and exchanges held were invaluable in fostering a deeper understanding on space traffic coordination. A key takeaway from the workshop was the clarification of the distinction between space traffic coordination and space traffic management. From the workshop, we could clearly understand the need to prioritize the creation of a coordination mechanism, and it was made clear by the experts that we do not need to wait for space traffic management in order to advance on a coordination mechanism. Which is an operational matter. Madam Chair, noting that many of us are not necessarily all subject matter experts, it is important to give complex topics like space traffic coordination the best chances of success by ensuring that they are tackled in this scientific and technical subcommittee to leverage on subject matter experts and avoid unnecessary delays. Further, we encourage UNOSA to organize more such initiatives for the benefit of all delegates in the coming 2 years on critical topics which often have a very technical nature. This will be critical in supporting the committee to deliver results on the priorities of the space sector overall. I thank you once again.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kenya for the statement. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. At first, allow me to add my voice to those who expressed their condolences for the passing away of Ambassador Michtal, and I would like to continue my statement. Madam Chair, the STSC provides a unique framework for international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, allowing for a technical examination of space-related issues free from political considerations. Therefore, efforts to improve its processes are essential. The first general principle in enhancing the processes of this subcommittee is the commitment of all States to ensuring that norm-setting process in the field of space, including full exploration, exploitation, and the use, and the sustainable use of outer space, take place within the framework of COPUSS and its subcommittees. This is essential to prevent the fragmentation of space activities. Parallel processes or platforms established based on the interests of a group of countries would undermine the coherent and coordinated efforts of COPUSS and its subcommittees and ultimately hinder the greater sustainability of outer space. The principle of consensus in the work of COPUSS and its subcommittees is necessary to ensure universality and facilitates the implementation of its decisions. Political and geopolitical divide should not divert this subcommittee from its primary responsibility of conducting scientific and technical discussion on space activity and their challenges. As states bear the responsibility for implementing space law rules, space law rules and regulations, the involvement of other stakeholders in space activities should not diminish the intergovernmental nature of space. Space law, rights and obligations, or the central role of states in such activities. This principle must always be considered by the subcommittee in its engagement with other stakeholders. This subcommittee should provide an appropriate environment for the technical assessment of the needs of developing countries and the examination of emerging challenges in outer space. Should adopt new approaches, tools, and methodologies to ensure that it remains up to date with the rapid development in space activities. The establishment of the working group on the challenging issues and the prioritization of topics with high accuracy and focus would contribute to the flexibility and innovation of the subcommittee's methods. While all agenda items of these subcommittees are important, and the rapid evolution of space activities and the increasing presence of private actors in this domain, particularly in relation to megaconstellations of satellites, necessitate dedicated attention. Given the restrictive impact of such satellite constellations on the development of space capabilities in developing countries and the limitations they impose on the free access of all nations to space, these subcommittees should truly examine the technical aspect of this matter. In the context of capacity building and enhancing the space capabilities of developing countries, joint regional projects and the establishment of regional centers for space science and technology education should continue to be supported. These centers should enhance their changes and cooperation with another one— with one another. We can ensure that the STSC remains a leading platform for advancing space science and technology by improving international cooperation mechanism, focusing on the safety of space activities, addressing new scientific and technological challenges in space, upholding the sovereignty and rule of space and enhancing capacity building. Madam Chair, let me address the issue of the lunar activity and the action team. Iran supports the establishment of the action team on lunar activities within the Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space, and we would like to congratulate you, Ambassador Hassan, for assigning this important role. This initiative aligns with our commitment to ensuring that the benefits of space exploration are accessible to all nations, regardless of their economic and technological status. Iran advocates for the principle of free access to outer space for all countries. Developing countries should have equal opportunities to participate in lunar activities and benefit from the scientific and technological advancements that arise from such endeavors. This aligns the article— this aligns with Article 1 of the Outer Space Treaty. We emphasize the importance of the non-appropriation principle as enshrined in the Outer Space Treaty. The Moon and other celestial bodies should not be subject to national appropriation by any means. This principle ensures that space remains a common heritage of humankind, free from claims of sovereignty or ownership. Non-militarization and weaponization of space— space should be preserved as a peaceful domain free from the presence of weapons and military activities. Iran supports the need for transparent and timely information sharing regarding lunar activities. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs is uniquely positioned to serve as the central hub for information exchange and lunar exploration activities. UNOOSA mandate to promote international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space make it the ideal platform for cooperation— for coordinating the dissemination of information. Countries engaged in lunar exploration should actively participate in this process by sharing their plans, progress, and findings with UNOOSA, which will facilitate coordination, prevent conflicts, and promote the safe and sustainable use of lunar resources. Furthermore, Article 11 of the Outer Space Treaty emphasizes the importance of informing the Secretary-General of the United Nations, as well as the public and international scientific community, to the greatest extent feasible and practical of the nature, conduct, location, and result of space activities. By encouraging all countries involved in the lunar exploration to contribute to UNOOSA information-sharing efforts, we can create a comprehensive and up-to-date repository of data that benefits the entire international community. Islamic Republic of Iran recognizes the importance of capacity building for developing countries in the field of space exploration. International cooperation and assistance are essential to help these countries develop the necessary technical and scientific capabilities to participate in lunar activities. Capacity building initiatives should be inclusive, non-selective, and tailored to the specific needs of developing nations. And sorry for taking the time more than what we have been set. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the statement. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Spain. You have the floor.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much, Chair. With regard to holding the Unispace 4 conference My delegation previously took the floor in one of the working groups on this topic, but we would like to underscore the importance of holding this conference and making the most of the current moment that we're in, where we can talk about the Pact for the Future and the importance of space activities, and also And these celebrations that will be held in 2027, which will be the 70th anniversary of the first session of COPUS. And for these reasons, we believe that 2027 would be the best year for holding the Unispace 4 conference.

English representative of Spain for the statement. We will continue and hopefully We will suspend our consideration of Agenda Item 11, Future Role and Method of Work of the Committee, on Monday morning pending the discussions in the Working Group. Distinguished delegates, I would now like to begin our consideration of Agenda Item 12, Space and Global Health. The first speaker on my list is a distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Madam Chairperson, Excellencies, distinguished members, Saudi Arabia welcomes with appreciation the establishment of the Space and Global Health Network, and we extend our gratitude to the Swiss Confederation for its role in establishing the network and hosting and supporting its activities. For the sustained development of space and global health, Saudi Arabia is dedicated to building a world-class scientific community that is capable of reconfiguring their work to address the challenges of research in space and subsequently translating their results for application on Earth. The outcomes of the Kingdom's human spaceflight mission have sparked significant interest in space sciences among the Kingdom's scientific community and the public at large. The historic 10-day human space flight, which was launched to the ISS, marked a milestone for Saudi Arabia. This mission demonstrated the Kingdom's capability to engage in cutting-edge space research and reinforced its commitment to fostering a sustainable space ecosystem. During the mission, Saudi astronauts conducted experiments in human health, cell science, and cloud seeding under microgravity conditions. These efforts contributed valuable data for advancing scientific knowledge and culminated in the publication of 9 peer-reviewed studies, in addition to one book in the first quarter. Moreover, 7 international and local partners participated in these experiments, which highlights the importance of these activities. In line with this vision and in a commitment to pursue improved global health, the Saudi Space Agency has launched its biogravity initiative as a step towards fostering a specialized microgravity research community in Saudi Arabia, thus enabling our local scientists to innovate in microgravity and to collaborate both nationally and internationally. This contributes towards transferring knowledge and improving human life and the Kingdom's status in space research. A first step towards meeting this end, the Biogravity Initiative has established a biogravity community of practice led by 14 of the Kingdom's top biomedical scientists and experts from the National Agency, including our astronaut Rayyanah Barnaoui. This core group comes from diverse backgrounds and covers various fields, life sciences, biomedical fields, biotechnology, molecular oncology, e-health, aviation medicine, proteomics and metabolomics, as well as cell and molecular biology. This Biogravity community of practice has stated its objectives to first creating opportunities for scientists to connect amongst themselves and move on to the space. This was accompanied by a number of workshops where regional and international experts spoke, uh, with the attendance of over 300 attendees, focusing on space research and space research technology, space entrepreneurship, and the roles and responsibilities of community of practice as a tool of outreach and Moving forward, we will continue focusing on high-quality space research and advanced scientific experiments within the microgravity environment. The short to midterm future plans for microgravity research, development, and innovation focus on advancing 4 domains: human healthcare, human biology, and scientific experiments. In addition to medical research, biology, biotechnology, and advanced materials. Furthermore, we'll focus on leveraging microgravity conditions to explore and enhance physiological studies, drug efficacy, and synthetic biology, in addition to oncology research. Such activities seek to to conduct specific experiments in line with state-of-the-art progress and technologies. In accordance with the ethos of COPPIUS and that of Resolution 77/120, both the Biogravity Initiative and the biogravity community of practice enthusiastically Welcome to international cooperation on future programming. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia for the statement. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Japan. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, Japan continues to develop innovative approaches to utilizing space applications for the advancement of global health. Last year, the successful launch of H-III launch vehicle, flight number 3, developed the Advanced Land Observing Satellite, ALOS-4, which will soon provide advanced meteorological observation data to enhance our capabilities in the near future. Japan is leveraging remote sensing technology to address global health issues. For example, The National Center for Global Health and Medicine, NCGM, conducted research in Laos using Earth observation satellite EOS data and epidemiological data on schistosomiasis. Specifically, precipitation and land surface temperature data observed from JAXA's Public Health Monitor and analysis platform, JP-MAP, revealed a significant link between changes in precipitation and the risk of schistosomiasis infection. An increase in annual precipitation was associated with fewer cases, while an increase in, increase in dry season precipitation increased infection rates. If we want to understand, prevent, and manage the outbreaks of diseases, it is crucial to carefully monitor possible factors and enhance our vectorial capacity of the snails in the Mekong River. Remote sensing technology offers a very valuable tool to identify and mitigate these risk factors. Japan also uses remote sensing to monitor air pollutions, including data from JAXA's Japan's Himawari meteorological satellites. These satellites help predict aerosols such as yellow dust and PM2.5, which significantly impact air quality of the atmosphere. According to a recent report by WHO, air pollution is regarded as the single largest environmental risk to human health, causing 7 million premature deaths annually. Space observation can greatly contribute to a better understanding of emissions trends and impacts of air pollutants such as PM2.5 and ozone. It's an area that needs to be strengthened to reduce these environmental health risks, particularly in developing countries. In the coming months, Japan will launch a new satellite called GOSAT-GW to monitor nitrogen oxides, a major air pollutant acting as a precursor of ozone. Together with, with carbon dioxide and methane, 2 potent greenhouse gases. This satellite is expected to help solve global health issues through collaborating with our international partners. Madam Chair, Earth observations of remote sensing satellites enable real-time data collection over vast areas where ground investigations are challenging. Japan remains committed to harnessing space technology for the benefit of humanity and to advance global health. Thank you for your kind attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of Japan for the statement. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

You have the floor.

You have the floor.

Chair, distinguished delegates, the United Kingdom welcomes this opportunity to contribute to the discussion under the agenda item Space and Global Health and wishes to highlight the transformative potential of space technologies to address global health challenges. The United Kingdom believes that space applications will play an increasingly vital role in improving health outcomes. To underserved regions and strengthening global health equity— equality. Space technology has been spun out into innovative healthcare applications, from more precise X-ray machines for detecting cancer to air purifying systems. These contributions are vital in times of crisis such as pandemics or natural disasters, where space-based tools guide timely and effective responses. The UK would also like to highlight the emerging potential of the low Earth orbit environment for developing pharmaceutical and biomedical innovations such as advanced drug formulations, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Microgravity conditions in space offer unique opportunities for research and development that could revolutionize healthcare on Earth. However, the realization of these opportunities is contingent upon addressing shared global barriers, including reliable and affordable launch and return logistics, access to the necessary, necessary manufacturing and testing infrastructure, clear and proportionate regulation, and ease of integration into existing healthcare systems. The United Kingdom home to the largest publicly funded national health service in the world, which makes us uniquely placed to lead the development and implementation of innovative healthcare solutions. Working in collaboration with our national health service, the UK has identified 2 priority areas where space technologies can have the most immediate effect on healthcare. First, the use of satellite-enabled technologies to enhance tracking of patients, staff, and equipment to create resource and cost efficiencies. Second, remote monitoring enabled by satellite communication and Earth observation to allow for proactive diagnosis and care at home, reducing hospital admissions and supporting better management of chronic conditions. The UK Space Agency is advancing innovative healthcare solutions through its Unlocking Space for Government program, which is fostering a user-centered design approach between government, industry, and academia to pilot space-enabled healthcare solutions. In collaboration with the European Space Agency, the UK is also driving innovation in areas such as telemedicine, environmental monitoring, and pharmaceutical development in low Earth orbit. These efforts are helping to align funding and resources across the innovation lifecycle and address regulation and procurement barriers. The United Kingdom also recognizes the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and other critical technologies in delivering space-enabled healthcare solutions. The United Kingdom believes these technologies can play a critical role in analyzing complex datasets, enabling predictive healthcare models and supporting decision-making processes to enhance patient outcomes. However, no single nation can realize the full potential of these technologies alone. The United Kingdom encourages member states to work together to harmonize regulatory frameworks, establish global standards for data sharing and interoperability, and share best practices for integrating space enabled solutions into healthcare systems. Collaborative research and development, joint funding mechanisms, and knowledge exchange platforms will be invaluable to overcoming shared challenges and accelerating progress. The UK stresses the importance of fostering a user-centered approach to ensure space technologies address real-world healthcare challenges. Healthcare providers require actionable insights and reliable services, not just raw data. Many space-based solutions already exist but remain underutilized due to procurement challenges, limited interoperability, and a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. The United Kingdom encourages collaboration between all stakeholders to advance this agenda. A coordinated and user-focused approach will ensure the that space-derived healthcare solutions are accessible, actionable, and transformative for all, helping to build more equitable and resilient healthcare systems across the globe. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom for the statement. We will continue and hopefully suspend our consideration of Agenda Item 12, Space and Global Health, on Monday morning. We will now suspend the plenary meeting so that the Working Group on the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space can hold its second meeting. Following the adjournment of the Working Group meeting, we will then resume the plenary with a view to proceeding with technical presentations. Distinguished delegates, I now turn to proceed with technical presentations. The first presentation on my list is on development of space weather capability in China by the representative of China. You have the floor.

Could you please view my presentation? Okay, thank you. Honored Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, thank you for this opportunity to introduce the new progress in China's space weather capacity building. Next, please. My report has 4 parts. First is Chinese Meridian Project. Next, please. Chinese Meridian Project is a large-scale Ground-based space environment monitoring network. The first phase of the Meridian Project was completed in 2012 with 87 facilities installed at 15 stations. Next, please. The construction of the second phase of the Meridian Project was kicked off in 2019 and was completed in 2024 with a total of 295 instruments installed at 31 stations. The project covers the monitoring of the entire chain of the solar terrestrial space, including 3 monitoring networks: the ionosphere, The middle and upper atmosphere, and the geomagnetic field, focusing on 4 key areas: the polar high latitudes, the northern middle latitudes, the Hainan low latitudes, and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The data of the MERIDIAN project is now open to the public.

Next, please.

For detailed introduction to the MERIDIAN project, please refer to the relevant articles in the recent special issue of the MERIDIAN project in the journal Space Weather. Next, please. Data from the MERIDIAN project is transmitted in real time to the China Regional Warning Center of the International Space Environment Service to support space weather services for China's space activities, such as China's space station. Next, please. The Meridian project obtained a wealth of monitoring data during the super geomagnetic storm event in May Here are strong geomagnetic field disturbances observed by the dozens of geomagnetic stations in China during the geomagnetic storm. Next, please. And this slide shows a series of ionospheric sudden disturbances caused by solar flares and the resulting radio wave absorption phenomena observed by the MERIDIAN project. Next, please. At the same time, the geomagnetic storm caused a strong ionospheric storm, and several ionospheres of the MERIDIAN project observed severe shortwave radio interruptions. Next, please. During the event, irregularities in the ionosphere were generated, causing unusual severe ionospheric scintillation in the mid-latitudes. Next, please. The second part introduces the International Meridian Circle Program initiated by China. Next, please. The International Meridian Circle Program was concepted on the basis of the MERIDIAN project. It is a globally distributed ground-based detection network that combines more than 1,000 instruments from dozens of countries and regions along the meridian circle of 120 degrees east longitude and 60° west longitude. Next, please. Currently, the IMCP program has signed formal cooperation agreements or MOUs with 16 institute— institutions and obtained 3 letters of support. Next, please. In September 2024, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Brazilian National Space Research Institute co-hosted the 2nd MCP workshop in São Paulo, Brazil. And the workshop is co-sponsored by the São Paulo Research Foundation, the Scientific Committee on Solar Terrestrial Physics, SCOSTEP, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China. In December 2024, the MCP program hosted the International Geospace Dome Workshop in Hainan, China. Next, please. And we are working towards, uh, the approval of MCP as Big Science Program by the Ministry of Science and Technology in China. And then next year, we will host the MCP workshop in Sichuan, China— Sichuan Province in China. Next, please. The 3rd section introduces Chinese space missions in space weather. Next, please. The first is China's first comprehensive solar observation satellite, the Advanced The satellite was launched in October 2022, and now it's continuously acquiring— obtaining observation data and making it available to the public. Next, please. The second is the Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer. It is a satellite developed jointly by China and ESA. Its purpose is to study the dynamic response of the Earth's magnetosphere to the impact of the solar wind. Next, please. At present, the satellite platform and payloads have arrived in Europe for full satellite integration and testing. And it is anticipated that the launch will be completed in 2025. Next, please. The third satellite is the Solar Polar Observatory. In 2024, China officially released the National Mid- and Long-Term Plans for Space Science in China, 2024 to 2050. The Solar Polar Observatory is one of the first missions to be implemented under this plan. It will conduct direct imaging of solar polar regions, reveal the origin of the solar cycle, and construct a cloud map of interplanetary space. Next, please. And lastly is a summary. Next, please. China has established important ground-based space weather observation capabilities through the construction of the Meridian Project Phase 1 and Phase 2. In the future, China will continue to promote the International Meridian Circle Program and continue to implement space missions to improve space weather monitoring and early warning capabilities. We are very much looking forward to sharing space weather monitoring data and forecast products with foreign partners, conducting joint scientific research, and jointly improving our ability to mitigate the impact of space weather. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of China for the presentation. Next speaker— next presentation on my list is on SPADEx mission by the representative of India. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Yeah, so we will be presenting details on our recent mission on space docking experiment and PSLV orbital experimental module.

Next Next slide, please.

So India's SPADEx mission is a technology demonstrator mission for docking 2 spacecraft in Earth orbit. On December 30, 2024, India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle carried 2 SPADEx spacecraft named as A and B. They are built on an extended Microsat bus, each with a mass of approximately 218 kgs. These spacecrafts are androgynous in nature, meaning either of them can act as chaser or active spacecraft during docking. After injecting the primary payloads of the mission, PS4 Orbital Experimental Module, known as PoEM-4, is continuing its orbital microgravity experiments and providing seamless data to the scientific community. Next, the primary objective of SPADEx are to develop and demonstrate the technology for rendezvous and docking using 2 small spacecraft and demonstrate controllability in the docked condition. Further, test power transfer between the docked spacecraft. Additionally, post-docking activities where the spacecraft will perform independent payload operations. The docking procedure is meticulously planned with multiple phases: initial separation and controlled drift, sequential closer approach phases with hold points for safety and control, and the final docking phase with capture, retraction, and rigidization. And thereafter, the satellite orbit as a single entity— composite control. Various sensors are enabled commensurate with the inter-satellite distance.

Next.

Satellites are equipped with solar panels, lithium-ion batteries, and robust power management system. The attitude and orbit control system, also called AOCS, included sensors such as star sensors, sun sensors, magnetometers, and actuator— actuator like reaction wheels, magnetic torquers, and thrusters. Key technologies in SPADAX includes docking sensors such as laser rangefinder, rendezvous sensors, and proximity and docking sensor for precise measurement of distance, position, and attitude. The spacecraft are also equipped with inter-satellite link providing real-time transfer of AOCs and navigation parameters between them for relative state estimation. Video monitor is also used for real-time monitoring.

Next.

The docking mechanism of SPADEX is motor-driven, featuring capture, extension, retraction, and rigidization mechanism. Space docking was achieved successfully on January 16th, 2025. Various views of the spacecraft docking can be seen on the screen. This was enabled through appropriate positioning of cameras to image the docking sequence. The cameras were included in both the spacecrafts. Next. The space docking experiment is a pivotal project designed to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking using 2 small satellites. SPADEx will serve as a milestone in advancing India's capability in space docking, a critical technology for future space missions, including satellite servicing, space station operations, and interplanetary missions. Next. Now coming to the POEM-4. PS-4, Orbital Experimental Module, refers to the usage of the spent 4th stage of the Polar Synchronized Launch Vehicle, PSLV. C60 SPAD-X mission is the 4th POEM mission of India. It provides an opportunity for the scientific community around the globe to carry their scientific aspiration in space by conducting in-orbit microgravity experiments for an extended duration of up to 3 months, which otherwise would end up as space debris immediately after ejecting the space— SpaceX spacecrafts. A total of 24 payloads were flown in PoEM-4 mission, of which 14 payloads weighing around 95 kg are from Department of Space, and 10 payloads weighing around 25 kg are from various non-governmental entities comprising academia and startups. All the 24 payloads of PoEM-4 missions— mission were mounted on the multi-satellite adapter inside the payload fairing of PSLV. All the 24 POEM-4 payloads have been working normally, yielding valuable scientific insight and data for a couple of months to validate various proof of concept and enabling technologies for future missions.

Next.

Some of the payloads flown in POEM-4 mission include walking robotic arm, debris capture robotic manipulator, plant experimental module in space, Compact research module for orbiting plant studies, etc. Walking robotic arm is India's first space robotic manipulator with relocating capability through inchworm walking. Successful operation of the robotic arm is completed. Debris capture robotic manipulator aims to demonstrate capturing of tethered debris, releasing of hold-down release Mechanism, latch, and movement of the manipulator was successfully demonstrated. Another experiment plant experimental module in space is designated to study the growth of plant callus in space environment. The successful operation of sensor and imaging unit and healthy callus during launch is achieved. Callus survived in space for five to seven days. Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies, CROPSS, is yet another important payload designed to demonstrate growth of plants in space environment. For this, cowpea seeds have been chosen. These seeds sent in space on 30th December have germinated in space. This is a very inspiring experiment which will open a venue to grow vegetables in space in future.

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In crops experiment, the cowpea seeds were placed in an airtight container of 300 mm diameter and 450 mm height, simulating earth-like environment in space. Suitable soil, water, and temperature were provided to stimulate the germination of the seeds. On day 1, the soil was watered by activating the water injection system. On day 4, germination of the seeds was observed with sprouts coming out. On day 5, 2 leaves were visible on sprouted seeds, indicating successful germination and growth of plant in microgravity environment. The image and video show the various stages of germination of cowpea seeds from day 1 to to leave stage. You can see it on the screen. Such biological experiments are of immense importance for future crewed missions and upcoming India Space Station. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of India for the presentation. The 3rd presentation on my list is on development of a neurohelmet for monitoring cognitive and behavioral processes of cosmonauts in extreme conditions by the representative of Kazakhstan. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair, distinguished delegates. It is an honor to address this assembly today on behalf of the Aerospace Committee of Kazakhstan and International Astronaut Cognitive and Behavioral Research Group. Our mission is to enhance astronaut safety and performance in extreme conditions through cutting-edge neurotechnology. We present to you our latest initiative, the NeuroHelmet, designed for training and continuous monitoring of astronauts to mitigate cognitive and behavioral risks, especially in long-duration space missions. Next, please. You're familiar with world-renowned space agencies, including NASA, the European Space Agency, the China National Space Administration, the Indian Space Research Organization, and Roscosmos. I would like to draw your attention to the Aerospace Committee of Kazakhstan and the historically significant Baikonur Cosmodrome. Next, please. Here we are at the heart of Eurasia.

Next, please.

So now I have a question to distinguished delegates. What do you think Kazakhstan and Mars have in common? Next, please. The answer might be the mesmerizing landscapes. So here you see the landscape of Mars from NASA and ECA. Next, please. Answer: Here is the landscape from the western part of Kazakhstan. We believe Kazakhstan has the potential to inspire future generations to become interplanetary. Kazakhstan has played a historical role in space exploration, hosting Baikonur Cosmodrome, the world's first and largest operational space launch facility. The first person to ever journey into space did so with the word From the heart of Eurasia, the Baikonur Cosmodrome, located in the vast steppe of Kazakhstan. This iconic site is now considered to become a UNESCO Astronomical Heritage. Next, please. Today, the International Astronaut Cognitive and Behavioral Research Group extended the legacy through scientific research aimed at ensuring astronaut cognitive and behavioral safety. In extreme environments such as space and Antarctic, psychological resilience is essential. Our research directly addresses the increasing demand for cognitive monitoring tools that enhance astronaut efficiency, decision-making, and overall health. Beyond the engaging challenges associated with interplanetary aspirations, there are significant mental health concerns. The International Astronaut Cognitive and Behavioral Research Group focuses on ensuring the well-being and cognitive and behavioral safety of astronauts during space missions. Next, please. Cognitive and behavioral issues are growing global health concern. Nearly 50% of the world's population will experience a mental health disorder during their their lifetime, and space exploration is no exception. Astronauts face numerous stressors on the space station, including microgravity, social isolation, physical confinement, noise, and circadian rhythm disruptions. Female astronauts in particular experience high stress levels, with 85% reporting anxiety and 43% experiencing depressive symptoms, compared to 22% and 34% of their male colleagues, respectively. These statistics highlight the need for cognitive and behavioral research initiatives. Next slide, please. To address these concerns, we are developing an ergonomic, ergonomic portable EEG device for real-time cognitive and behavioral monitoring. On the left-hand side, you can see currently available portable EEG devices, and on the right is the NeuraHelmet we are developing. Next, please. NeuraHelmet is designed to provide an accurate representation of cognitive activity to prevent mental health disorders, improve higher cognitive functions including decision-making and planning in everyday and extreme extreme conditions, develop datasets and computational models of human cognition and behavior in space. Next, please. The planned trial aims at assessing cognitive and biometric data in controlled environments. First, we will collect data from healthy adult populations from 2 cohorts, each comprising 40 participants, monitored in distinct settings, including work and rest environments. Participants will be equipped with EEG headbands and smartwatches to track cognitive and physiological metrics. This study will assess cognitive load and focus, heart rate, and other biometrics to evaluate well-being, cognitive and behavioral functions.

Next, please.

To simulate the isolation and cognitive stressors of long-term space missions, the NeuraHelmet prototype will be used at a Kazakh expedition to Antarctic Vinson Massif in December 2025. The objective is to collect real-time cognitive and behavioral data in extreme conditions. This expedition will serve as a precursor to long-duration space applications, refining the NeuraHelmet predictive capabilities and interventions protocol. Thank you.

Goals.

Next, please. The collaboration between governmental, academic, and commercial organizations— Aerospace Committee of Kazakhstan, Kazakh-British Technical University, and startup Neo6— are leading this initiative with a broader vision of preparing cosmonauts, astronauts, and taikonauts for spaceflight. Next, please. Our project has garnered garnered international interest, and our partner AI for Good invited Kazakhstan to present the NIRA helmet prototype at the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva in July 2025. We invite global collaboration in refining and deploying, deploying this technology for future space missions and Earth-based applications for cognitive health. Next slide. We thank our collaborators, and thank you, Madam Chair, and the delegates of the session.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan for the presentation. The 4th presentation on my list is on Space Weather Research in the Philippines: Status and Opportunities by the representative of the Philippines. You have the floor.

Madam Chair, good morning. Today, I will share the Philippines' initiatives in space weather research as part of our efforts in building capabilities in space situational awareness research and operations, highlighting our progress, challenges, and opportunities. Space weather significantly affects technologies vital to modern society, including satellites, communication networks, and navigation systems. For a developing space nation like the Philippines, addressing these risks is essential to ensuring resilience and sustainable development. This presentation aims to underscore our efforts to build capability in space weather research and operations while inviting stronger global partnerships. Philippine Space Agency, or PHILSA, is a central government agency of the Philippines that plans, develops, and promotes the national space program in line with the Philippine Space Policy. Created in August 2019 under the Republic Act 11363, or the Philippine Space Act, PhilSA is an attached agency of the Office of the President of the Philippines for purposes of policy and program coordination and to ensure alignment in national policies and priorities. Our agency's strategic goals include fostering scientific growth, building a robust space industry, and improving access to space data and technologies. Space weather research is pivotal to these objectives, providing the tools needed to predict and mitigate disruptions to essential infrastructure. Through this, we strive to support economic growth, safeguard critical systems, and inspire innovation in space science. Space weather has tangible and often severe effects. Solar flares can cause radio blackouts, geomagnetic storms can damage satellites and ground systems, and elevated radiation can pose risks to both equipment and human safety. Coronal mass ejections can generate geomagnetic storms that disrupt satellite communications, leading to cascading effects on navigation and emergency systems. Power grids are also vulnerable with geomagnetic storms, potentially causing large-scale blackouts. These hazards highlight the urgent need for continuous monitoring and the development of mitigation strategies. To reduce their impact. As the Philippines continues to increase its number of sovereign satellites, safeguarding these invaluable assets becomes an urgent priority. Damages to satellites could lead to economic losses, disruptions in disaster response, and gaps in critical services like telecommunications. To protect the space assets, we must enhance our space weather monitoring and predictive capabilities, supported by robust international partnerships. Moreover, our geographic location near the equator makes us particularly susceptible to space weather-induced ionospheric disturbances. These disruptions affect communication and navigation systems critical to national operations. By addressing this vulnerability, we aim to strengthen our capacity for forecasting and responding to space weather phenomenon. As of today, several government agencies and private academic and research institutions operate facilities for space weather observation. and monitoring nationwide. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration of the Department of Science and Technology operates a solar telescope that monitors sunspots and solar activity, generating data such as daily sketches and Wolf numbers. This information is shared globally, supporting both operational needs and research in space weather prediction. This facility enables us to contribute to the global solar activity monitoring efforts and enhance regional resilience. Our country also hosts 6 ground magnetometers as part of the Circumpan-Pacific Magnetometer Network. These instruments monitor geomagnetic field variations, helping us understand the impacts of geomagnetic storms on ground-based systems. This network may allow us to detect early warning signs of geomagnetic storms and work collaboratively with international research initiatives. A network of 62 continuously operating GNSS receivers in the Philippines, 5 of which are integrated into the International GNSS Service Network, currently support geodetic users, both government and commercial. But it can also provide valuable data on ionospheric total electron content and scintillation. This would support navigation and communication performance analysis, while the integration of these systems into the international frameworks underscores the importance of our data for global space weather research. Additionally, 2 ionosones operate in the Philippines, providing ionospheric plasma density, and other parameters through daily ionograms. These systems, established with support from international partners, are essential for studying ionospheric behavior during solar and geomagnetic events. This capability enables us to understand localized ionospheric disturbances and their implications for communication and navigation systems. All these systems operate within a collaborative framework involving government agencies, academic institutions, and international partners. By leveraging shared resources and expertise, we hope to build a robust national space weather program while contributing to global research efforts. Our collaborative approach ensures the effective pooling of resources and knowledge to address the complex space weather challenges. Despite these efforts, space weather research in the Philippines remains underdeveloped. With only 35 research publications in the past 2 decades. These are mostly focused on observational and theoretical studies of the ionosphere, which came from 10 academic and research institutions that generated 234 citations. However, we have seen a steady growth in output over the last 7 years, reflecting our growing commitment to advancing this field and contributing to the global knowledge base. This growth is attributed to increased awareness and access to international collaboration. Together with increasing government and international support for scientific research, we hope to accelerate this momentum by encouraging more local researchers to focus on space weather. Strengthening our research output will enable us to contribute more substantially in international efforts addressing space weather challenges. In fact, Filipino researchers collaborated with 16 countries which have been instrumental in this progress. These partnerships enhance our research capability to help us address the evolving challenges of space weather. International collaboration allows us to share data, expertise, and technology, building a more integrated global approach to space weather research. Through these partnerships, we can co-develop solutions that enhance the resilience of our respective nations by By continuing to foster these relationships, the Philippines aims to position itself as a vital partner in the global space weather community. In closing, ladies and gentlemen, space weather research is vital for ensuring the safety and resilience of satellites, communication systems, and navigation technologies. The Philippines remains committed to advancing space weather and space situational awareness research and operations, strengthening our capabilities and contributing to global efforts in this critical field. As part of this commitment, FILSA, in collaboration with the JISTA of Thailand and other ASEAN member states, is taking proactive steps to enhance space situational awareness and space traffic management. Through FILSA's Space Science Missions and Space Technology Missions and Systems Bureaus, we will establish a steering committee and an expert committee to spearhead initiatives in this domain. As a designated secretariat, the Philippines will play a vital role in fostering local and regional research collaborations that will drive the development of SSA capabilities, support operational decision-making, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of space activities. With these efforts, we look forward to strengthening partnerships with the rest of the international community to address the challenges posed by space weather, ensuring the safety and security of ground and space assets both in the Philippines and worldwide. For further inquiries and collaborations, please feel free to contact the Philippine Space Agency. Together, we can advance space weather research and create a more connected and secure future. We welcome your insights, expertise, and initiatives as we work towards building a more resilient global space community. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Philippines for the presentation. 5th presentation on my list is on benefiting from space technology for monitoring agricultural production and achieving sustainable development goals by the observers for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. You have the floor.

Madam Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the Food and Agriculture Organization— can I have the next slide? The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the United Nations Office of Space Affairs, UNOSA, launched today the publication Leveraging Space Technology for Agricultural Development and Food Security. Space technologies such as satellite imagery and global navigation satellite systems are integral to modern agriculture. They provide high-resolution data essential for precision agriculture, for effective water management, for crop monitoring, accurate weather forecasting, thereby supporting informed decision-making and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This publication outlines challenges and provides recommendations for enhancing the use of space technology in agriculture, including tailoring technologies to specific needs, improving Earth observation missions, addressing data gaps, and implementing measures to promote sustainable space development. Next slide.

Yeah.

FAO plays a fundamental role in supporting food security, monitoring natural resources, and provision of information for policy-relevant solutions based on data, information, and services increasingly produced with the support from geospatial technologies. Space applications are recognized in FAO's strategic framework to accelerate the implementation of its mandates, in particular for development of plans, growth strategies, and decision-making processes in member states through the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, and better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. FAO is the custodian agency for 21 SDG indicators and supports countries' efforts in monitoring the 2030 Agenda through a number of data and information, remote sensing data analysis, and through the production of fundamental datasets like land cover.

Next.

Ensuring the consistency of spatial data and information is essential for the effective decision-making, in particular to support Sustainable Development Goals. The United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management, UNGGIM, has identified 14 fundamental spatial data layers that serve as the foundation for the UNGS spatial application for the SDGs. Among these, land cover and land use play a crucial role in addressing multiple global challenges, including for agriculture. This data layer provides critical insight for climate actions, monitoring deforestation, desertification, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, reducing desertification and land degradation, but not only. Moreover, in the fight against hunger, land cover and land use data guide food production strategies and enhance agricultural planning, contributing to SDG 2, Zero Hunger. By adopting internationally recognized standards, we contribute to accuracy, consistency, and interoperability across nations. This enables policy speakers, scientists, and stakeholders to harness geospatial applications for a more sustainable and resilient future. Next, please. As the number of space objects increases exponentially, the quality of space-based actual information is not improving at the same rate. This is a growing concern, especially as weather— extreme weather events affecting agriculture are becoming more frequent, in vulnerable countries. Accurate and timely agricultural data is essential to guide effective response and ensure food security. To address this challenge, integrated agricultural information systems are crucial. These systems must consider standards, definitions, software libraries, data collection, processing, dissemination, and services to ensure the consistency and usability. In this regard, FAO supports countries to establish integrated data production chains for special datasets, including for land cover and land use. By leveraging standards such as ISO 1144 series, combined with software like the LCHS, Land Cover Legend Registries, and platforms for cloud computing like CEPAL and dissemination platforms like the Agroinformatics Services, users can track land cover and land use with greater accuracy. This helps decision-makers to have access to high-quality standardized data to support resilient agricultural systems and securing sustainable food production for the future.

Next, please.

These approaches not only enhance data quality, sustainable agriculture, and food security, but also foster improved collaboration and joint response among stakeholders, ministries, and countries. As, for example, West Africa, where experts from 15 member countries under the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, developed a regional land cover reference system that is being used by a number of countries to develop then their own national land cover monitoring system. By aligning efforts regionally and globally, we can build collective and coordinated coordinated response to actual challenges that transcend national borders. In conclusion, agriculture is facing mounting challenges and food security remains a critical concern for millions. Space applications offer powerful tools to address these issues. By improving the adoption of international frameworks, promoting collaboration, and facilitating joint response, can contribute to more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished observer for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 6th presentation on my list is on activities of the Scientific Committee on Solar Terrestrial Physics by the observer for the Scientific Committee on Solar Terrestrial Physics. You have the floor.

Thank you. Dear Madam Chair and the distinguished delegates, I would like to provide an update of the recent activities of the Scientific Committee on Solar Terrestrial Physics, SCOSTEP. SCOSTEP, Scientific Committee on Solar Terrestrial Physics, is one of the affiliated bodies of the International Science Council, ISC, and is a permanent observer of— Next slide, please. Yeah, SCOSTEP is affiliated bodies of the ISSG and is a permanent observer of the UN Corpus. SCOSTEP runs long-term, 4 to 5 years, international interdisciplinary scientific programs of solar terrestrial physics. SCOSTEP interacts with national and international programs involving solar terrestrial physics elements. SCOSTEP engages in capacity-building activities such as the Anyaru Space Science Schools with UNOSA-ISWE. SchoolSTEP also disseminates new knowledge on the Sun-Earth system and how the Earth affects life and society as outreach activities. Next, please. This is a schematic movie showing the Sun-Earth relationship. The Sun emits both optical emissions and plasma particles. The latter are called the solar wind, which sometimes cause big eruptions. The solar wind hits the Earth. The Earth is protected by the magnetic field. The magnetic field forms the magnetosphere and tail-like shape in the anti-solar wind direction. When the tail is teared off, high-energy plasma is injected to the Earth's atmosphere, causing visible aurora and the various consequences on the Earth's atmospheric environment.

Thank you.

The high-energy plasma is hazardous for human activities in space. So we need to understand the processes how these dynamic variations of Sun-Earth system occurs. Next, please. To understand the dynamic solar-terrestrial coupling and its consequences on human activities in space and on climate change, SCOSTEP has operated these 4- to 5-year programs since 1976. Recent programs are COSES, Climate and Weather of the Sun System, VASTI, Variability of the Sun and Its Terrestrial Impact, and PRESTO, Predictability of the Variable Solar-Terrestrial Coupling. The PRESTO program just finished last year, and the next program from 2026 will cause cross-scale coupling processes in the solar terrestrial system. Next, please. This is the sunspot number variations in recent 60 years. As you may know, solar activity has an 11-year cycle. Now we are reaching the solar maximum in Cycle 25, which is much stronger than the previous Cycle 24. The right panel is the prediction of maximum sunspot number for Cycle 25 by various different prediction schemes in 2021. As you see, the current knowledge diverges the prediction from weak to very strong for Cycle 25 maximum. We are trying to understand the processes to make more accurate predictions. Next, please. Because we are now at the solar maximum phase in Cycle 25, many solar eruptions and intense geomagnetic storms happened. One example of intense geomagnetic storm took place in May last year. As shown in this solar coronagraph, at least 5 Earth-directed solar coronal mass ejections exploded on May 8th to 9th last year.

Next, please.

And could you operate the movie?

Thank you.

As a consequence of this intense geomagnetic storm, we saw several low-latitude red auroras at middle and low latitudes. This is an example of low-latitude red aurora seen from the Noto Peninsula in Japan on May 11th. You can see red emissions in the northern sky. At around midnight, strong blue emission was also seen. Okay, next please. During this May storm, we had significant consequences on the satellite operation. The left panel shows the sunspot number in yellow and the number of satellite payloads in gray. The number of satellites drastically increases in recent 5 years. The right panel shows the AP Geomagnetic Index in blue and the number of maneuvering satellites in black during this May storm. In response to the atmospheric expansion and subsequent sudden loss of the satellite altitude during this May storm, more than 4,000 satellites made a maneuver to avoid this fall into the atmosphere. To understand— next, please. To understand these Sun-Earth relationships and their consequences on human activity in space, SCOSTEP ran the PRESTO program in 2020 to 2024. The mission of the PRESTO is to identify predictability of these variable solar-terrestrial coupling performance metrics through modeling, measurements, and data analysis, and to strengthen the communication between scientists and users. PRISTAT has 3 pillars. Pillar 1 covers the Sun, interplanetary space, and geospace. Pillar 2 covers the space weather and Earth atmosphere. Pillar 3 focuses on the solar activity and its influence on the climate of the Earth system. Next, please. At the beginning of the PRESTO program in 2020, face-to-face meeting become difficult because of the COVID-19. Therefore, the PRESTO program has organized online seminar series. So far, we have organized 25 online seminars by this distinguished scientists related to the PRESTO program. Next, please. Under COVID-19 restrictions, the PRESTO program organized in total 36 meetings in 5 years. PRESTO also supported 14 database constructions and 1 campaign observations.

Next, please.

PRESTO program also distribute newsletters every 3 months. The newsletter contains articles on latest CREST-related activities, highlights of young scientists, meeting reports, and short news.

Next, please.

After the CREST program, SCO-STEP is planning to run the next program, COSP, Cross-Scale Coupling Processes in the Solar Terrestrial System, in 2026 to 2030. The COSP program aims at facilitating a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach through focused, internationally coordinated efforts addressing the cross-scale coupling processes in the science system. The program has 3 focus areas, namely sources of space weather and space climate, solar wind, magnetosphere and ionosphere coupling, and external impacts and internal dynamics of the Earth's atmosphere.

Next, please.

As capacity-building activities of solar terrestrial physics, SCOSTEP supports capacity-building schools on solar terrestrial physics. In 2024, we supported 9 schools in Croatia, Kenya, Germany, Uzbekistan, Nepal, Brazil, and Guinea. Next, please. SCOSTEP also ran online capacity-building lecture series to provide high-level lectures to the students and our career scientists. So far, we have organized 20 lectures as shown here.

Next, please.

SKOSTEP operates visiting scholar program for students in solar terrestrial physics. In 2024, SKOSTEP supported 19 students from India, China, uh, Egypt, Brazil, Poland, Russia, uh, Germany, Nigeria, and the U.S. for training at established laboratories for 2 to 3 months in Japan, Germany, USA, Brazil, China, Finland, and South Africa. Next, please. As one of the capacity— of these capacity-building and outreach activities, SCOSTEP also distributes science comic books that introduce topics of solar terrestrial physics to the public, particularly to kids. They have been, they have been translated into English and French, and several are available in Czech, German, Hindi, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Tamil, and Urdu, and Chinese. This translation activity is still going on by volunteer scientists in several countries. In 2023, a new comic book on space has been published. So in summary, PRESTO is a SCO-STEP science program to run during 2022 to 2024 to understand predictability of the variable solar terrestrial coupling. Scientists from more than 70 countries and regions participate in the PRESTO program. The next SCO-STEP program in 2026 to 2030 will be COS, Earth-coupling processes in the solar-terrestrial system. Solar terrestrial science will reach as many developing countries as possible via SCOCEP's capacity building and outreach activities. That's it. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Scientific Committee on Solar Terrestrial Physics for the presentation. Distinguished delegates, I will shortly adjourn the Before doing so, I would like to inform delegates of our schedule of work for Monday morning. We will meet promptly at 10 AM. We will continue our reconsideration of Agenda Item 3, General Exchange of Views. We will continue and hopefully suspend our consideration of Agenda Item 11, Future Role and Method Work of the Committee, pending the discussions in the Working Group. We will continue our consideration of agenda item 12, Space and Global Health. Time permitting, we will begin our consideration of agenda item 13, Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space. We will then suspend the plenary meeting so that the Working Group of the Whole can hold its 5th meeting. Following the adjournment of the Working Group meeting, We will then resume the plenary with the view to proceeding with technical presentations. We will have 5 technical presentations on Monday morning. Delegates are reminded that the full schedule of technical presentations is available on the session's webpage. I'd like to inform delegates that the informal consultations on the Working Group on the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space will hold a meeting in conference Conference Room M6 Monday morning from 9 to 11 a.m. I'd also like to inform delegates that the informal consultations on Action Team on Lunar Activities consultation will be held in Conference Room M3 on Monday morning from 9 to 10 a.m. Schedule of consultations 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 AM on Monday morning.