Outer Space: Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Legal Subcommittee, 64th session, 1083rd meeting

I now declare open the 1083rd meeting of the Legal Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. This afternoon, distinguished delegates, we will continue our consideration of agenda item 3 of our agenda, General Exchange of Views. The Secretariat has informed me that this afternoon Mr. Prakash Chauhan of India will report back to the plenary on the discussions on organizational matters led by the delegation of India. Thus, we will reopen Agenda Item 7, Future Role and Method of Work of the Committee. We will continue our consideration of Agenda Item 8, General Exchange of Views on Potential Legal models for activities in the exploration, exploitation, and utilization of space resources to take action on the chairmanship of the working group on legal aspects of space resource activities. We will reopen our consideration of agenda item 9, general exchange of information and views on legal mechanisms relating to space debris mitigation and remediation measures, taking into account the work of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee. We will reopen and hopefully conclude our consideration of agenda item 10, General exchange of information on non-legally binding United Nations instruments on outer space. We will continue our consideration of agenda item 11, general exchange of views on the legal aspects of space traffic management. And time permitting, We will begin our consideration of agenda item 12, general exchange of views on the application of international law to small satellite activities. We will then adjourn the plenary meeting so that the Working Group on the Definition and Delimitation of Outer Space can hold its second meeting. Following the meeting, Of the Working Group on the Definition and Delimitation of Outer Space, the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities will hold its 3rd meeting. We have no technical presentations this afternoon. Are there any questions or comments on this proposed schedule? I see none. Therefore, let us continue. We now continue with Agenda Item 3, General Exchange of Views. Distinguished delegates, the first speaker on the list is a distinguished representative of the Moon Village Association. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Then, on— according to the list of speakers, We have ACES Worldwide. You have the floor.

On behalf of ACES, the Alliance for Collaboration in the Exploration of Space, we thank the member states for the opportunity to speak regarding our work supporting space law, policy, and international cooperation. At the onset, we extend our sincere condolences to the colleagues, friends, and family of Polish Ambassador Andres Michel. He was a kind individual whose work both in and outside of the COPUSS was admired. We extend also our congratulations to the African Space Agency on its inauguration and to the distinguished COPUSS member state delegates from the agency. In particular, we extend our congratulations to Mr. Meshech Nediriyotu and Dr. Temidayo Anyunsen, 2 of our Global Advisory Council members who played instrumental role in the agency's establishment. One of AC's core objectives is to promote the application of space technologies for sustainable economic and social development. Our Space and Sustainability Compact Agreement initiative seeks to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Pact for the Future, and the Space 2030 Agenda by fostering cooperation between established and emerging space actors and stakeholders. ACES aims to foster alliances, create action agenda items, roundtable discussions, and educational and programmatic initiatives to promote globally equitable and inclusive space laws and policies. Our board of directors comprises 8 individuals from 4 continents, reflecting a diverse range of professional expertise and generational perspectives. We have 2 space alliance— 12 space alliance partners and an exceptionally distinguished global advisory council of 36 experts from 23 countries, including representatives from BRICS, the G20, and the SAARC countries. Our council includes also former UNOSA directors, Dr. Sergio Camacho Lara from Mexico and Dr. Simonetta Di Pippo from Italy, as well as the former chair of COPUIS, Dr. David Kendall from Canada, and former chair of the Working Group on Long-Term Sustainable Dr. Peter Martinez from South Africa. The chair of ACES is Professor Joseph Pelton, Dean Emeritus of the International Space University, who together with Dr. Kendall established this prestigious space institution. ACES is firmly committed to advancing equitable access to outer space. Our ongoing initiatives include solar storms, planetary defense, space-based solar power, and space sustainability. We intend to enhance coherence and understanding between existing legal frameworks and emerging space technologies. ACES has organized sessions featuring 30 speakers from 20 countries across 6 continents at the U.S.-Africa Leadership Conference, the UN Science Summit, the IACs, and the ITU's Kaleidoscope Conference, where we presented on planetary protection from solar storms, and asteroids, space medicine research, and global health. In recognition of the growing reliance and relevance of our work to the objectives of the COPUAS, we have applied for permanent observer status. With the combined expertise, dedication, and enthusiasm of our board, global advisory council, and alliance partners, we hope to serve as a resource for the committee's member states and offer the expertise of our network, particularly as you delve through the important work of the Committee's working groups and its new ATLAC initiative. We plan our future initiatives based on COPUSS themes relating to science, policy, and international law. We invite representatives of member states to share with us how we can support and facilitate your efforts at COPUSS Within these fields, we are eager to contribute to a more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable space environment. Thank you to the UNOSA Secretariat for their kind support in facilitating our application for ad hoc and permanent observer status. We thank especially the distinguished member state delegates for their attention this afternoon.

De las gracias.

I thank the distinguished representative of AISA. Worldwide for her statement, and we will now we will now close our consideration of agenda item three, although we will return to it on Monday. Distinguished delegates, the Secretariat has informed me that this afternoon. Mr. Prakash Chauhan of India will report back to the plenary on the discussions on organizational matters led by the delegation of India. Thus, we will reopen Agenda Item 7, Future Role and Method of Work of the Committee. Mr. Chauhan, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates. At the 62nd session of Scientific and Technical Subcommittee held in Vienna from 3rd to 14th of February 2025, the STSC Working Group of the Whole discussed under the agenda item entitled Future Role and Method of Work of the Committee, the large number of requests for scientific and technical presentations to be made during the session of the committee and its subcommittees. The working group acknowledged the value of such presentations while noting that there was a need to improve the organization of presentations and facilitate meaningful discussions. The Working Group recommended that discussion on that matter be led by the delegation of India at the 64th session of Legal Subcommittee and at 68th session of the Committee, and requested the Secretary to make the necessary arrangements, including with regard to the use of interpretation. Discussions on the organization matter led by the delegation of India were held at this session of Legal Subcommittee on 7th, 8th, and 9th May 2025. Delegations discussed a range of issues including the clustering of technical presentations, the provision of interpretation, possible limitation on number of technical presentations, and ways to promote more interactive discussions. A range of opinions were expressed regarding the interpretation of technical presentations. Some delegations emphasized that providing interpretation is important for upholding the spirit of United Nations and for supporting multilateralism and multilingualism. It was recognized that interpretation would facilitate the participation of technical experts who may not be fluent in English and would also help disseminate knowledge to a broader audience. Other delegations noted that in context of the current liquidity crisis and limited resources, priority for interpretation services should be given to the working groups and consultation on substantive matters. An idea was also raised to schedule the technical presentations in between the formal sessions and without interpretation. It was also observed that moving technical presentations outside the plenary sessions could cost— could incur additional costs, as this would require a separate team of interpreters. We also explored options for limiting the number of technical presentations. Such as setting a cap per session, per delegation, or per meeting, and noted divergent— diverging views on each of these options. There were also varying perspectives regarding the presentations by experts. On one hand, the view was expressed that representatives of industry and business could be included as part of the national delegations. On the other hand, it was emphasized that independent representation of non-governmental actors such as industry, non-governmental organizations, and academia is important to ensure a broad and balanced exchange of perspectives. I am pleased to inform the Legal Subcommittee that agreement was reached on the following proposals. Proposal 1: one of the— one or more full meetings per session of the committee or its subcommittees could be allocated for technical presentations. The second: presentations should be grouped according to the relevant agenda items. Third: the dates of the meetings fully dedicated to technical presentations should be included in the indicative schedule of work contained in the annotated provisional agenda of the respective session. Fourth, whenever feasible, presentations should be followed by a question and answer segment to facilitate interactive discussions. Distinguished delegates, due to current liquidity situation, it was agreed to recommend that such discussions would not be continued during the upcoming session of CUPAS. I would like to thank each one of you for your kind support and for your attention. Thank you very much.

I thank Mr. Chauhan. For the work undertaken and the presentation of the report to the plenary. Would anyone like to take the floor on this agenda item? Thank you, Madam Chair. Apparently not. Therefore, I will return to the list of speakers for agenda item 7, and the next speaker on the list is the representative of Indonesia.

Thank you very much, Chair. Good afternoon, Chair and distinguished delegates. Because this is the first time for our delegation to deliver a statement, allow us to echo others in congratulating you as the chair of the Legal Subcommittee, LSE, for the second year. Rest assured of our full support to your leadership to achieve fruitful outcomes of this LSE meeting. The Indonesian delegation associates itself with the statement of G77 in China, and we would like to add the following statement in our national capacity. Mr. Chair, our delegation takes notes and welcomes the increasing number of member states and observers at the COPOS meeting. We would like to encourage other states to become members of COPOS, encourage other States which are not yet party to the Outer Space Treaty of 1969 to become a party. We welcome the COPOS Secretariat works on the universalization of the Outer Space Treaty 1967 and increasing COPOS membership. My delegation acknowledges that we have many pending legal issues on our table. In our view, the increasing numbers of pending legal issues and their complexity show that outer space is becoming more important. We believe that the increasing numbers of pending issues and their complexity also shows that many States desire to address the issue of outer space. We see the desire of Member States to strengthen multilateralism and to gain a shared understanding on international norms and to be involved in the codification and progressive development of outer space law. Furthermore, our delegation would like to reiterate the need to have synergy in the work of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, or STSC, and the Legal Subcommittee. Committee or LSS. Mr. Chair, allow me to express our appreciation to the work of ATLAS under the coordination, the co-chairs of Mr. Abbas, Hassan Abbas of Pakistan, and Ms. Ulvia Elena Botezatu from Romania. Allow us to reiterate the need to have integrated work of ATLAS, that any discussion of ATLAS should not only pay attention to scientific and technical aspects of lunar exploration, but also its legal aspects. We look forward to working together in finalizing the work plan of ATLAS for 2025 until 2027 or 2028. The Indonesian delegation would also like to express our appreciation to Professor Stephen Freeland of Australia for his leadership in the discussion in the Working Group on Space Resources. We thank Professor Freeland for the note and its annex of initial draft sets of recommended principles for space resources activities prepared by the Vice Chair of the Working Group, Document A/AC.105/C.2/L. 339, and for holding several meetings in relation with the report. We are of the view that the note and the annex could be a good basis for starting our negotiation on the draft of Recommended Principles for Outer Space Resource Activities. Allow us also to extend our condolences to the Polish delegation for passing of Ambassador Ministra, former chair of the Working Group on Space Resources. His works and contributions will be remembered as part and parcel of the codification and progressive development of outer space law. Our comments regarding the detailed issue on the initial draft sets of recommended principles for outer space resources activities will be provided in the related agenda. Furthermore, regarding future work of the Working Group on Space space resources, we would like— while we are contributing the discussion on Part 1 and Part 2 of the initial draft, we also need to identify other principles of international law that probably have not been captured in Part 1 and Part 2 of the first initial draft. Regarding UNISPACE 4, the Indonesian delegation would like to reiterate the need to have topics regarding development of developing countries and reflect equal representation of speakers, including from non-spacefaring countries. Regarding space traffic management, we acknowledge that there are some informal consultations to move forward the discussion. Our delegation would like to extend our appreciation to the Government of Germany for initiating the discussion. We have read the document of additional text in supporting the proposal for a Study group on legal and policy aspects of space traffic on COPOS posted on the LSE's website recently. We look forward to discussing the proposals to establish the study group on a view to have a possible governance of space traffic management as mandated by the 2024 Pact of the Future. I thank you very much, Chair.

Doy las gracias al distinguido.

Thank you to the representative of Indonesia. And now I will give the floor to the distinguished representative of Argentina.

Chair, delegates, COPUS and its subcommittees play an essential role vis-à-vis the increasing space activities of more and more stakeholders in the public and private sector. That brings new challenges. More members of Corpus is proof of that. With regarding, uh, regarding budget pressure, my delegation can see under the different agenda items when we group them together. We can group some together, but others have to be dealt with individually. But new issues will appear. Therefore, we don't think our agenda will ever get smaller. Including a new subject should not just depend on another one being deleted. That could be very restrictive for future legal dilemmas that require our attention. Technical presentations could be grouped together in one day instead of being throughout the whole session. Establishing working groups is the right measure to deal with subjects because a mandate is established, a timeline, a methodology, and a final result. When we focus on the work with dynamism, this would improve the work of the subcommittees. And as far as this legal subcommittee is concerned, it would cover specific proposals for regulating space activities. The work of interpreters cannot be eliminated or reduced. That would go against multilingualism on the basis of the 6 official languages, inclusivity in debates, and the need for better communication and understanding within the global community when huge efforts are being made to find consensus. Therefore, the situation suggested, which we understand, But that would go against our work and the results of this committee, of COP+ and its subcommittees for society. We support the webcast service because it means greater transparency and participation in debates and points of view, and it supports the smaller delegations. As we've already pointed out in the past, the exchange of opinions during meetings means we can consolidate different points of view view on the agenda items. And given the different levels of technological development, capacity building, and projects, and legal deployment in countries, this is when we have an opportunity to have an enriching exchange of opinions and knowledge. Chair, we reiterate our opinion that we should have greater interaction with the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee that would strengthen the multidisciplinary vision when we draw up regulatory proposals from one or other of the subcommittees, at least as far as this legal subcommittee is concerned, incorporating ethics as referred to by Argentina at the experts meeting in Luxembourg 2024 when we compiled first inputs for a conference in Vienna should also be part of the task framework of COP21 and its subcommittees. And finally, this agenda item also covers the work of AT-LAC. We hope to have all the tools and time necessary to continue with this work so that the work plan can be approved at the next COP21 session. Thank you.

Thank you. Muchas gracias, señora representante.

Thank you to the distinguished representative of Argentina. There are no more speakers on the list. Let us now suspend our consideration of agenda item 7 pending the outcome of consultations. On matters such as Unispace 4 and ATLAS. Distinguished delegates, now I would like to continue with agenda item 8, general exchange of views on potential legal models for activities in the exploration, exploitation, and utilization of space resources. And so we can focus on the chair of the working group. As I announced yesterday afternoon, the subcommittee will now proceed to take action on the chairmanship of the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space. Resource activities. Therefore, I would like to ask the subcommittee the following question: Given the board support for Mr. Freeland to be the chair, and in absence of any other nominations, do I take it that the subcommittee agrees that Mr. Stephen Freeland from Australia Be appointed chair of the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you. I see no objection. It is so decided. I congratulate Mr. Freeland, wish him the very best of luck in advancing the substantive. Work of this important working group. Congratulations.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you. I would now like to repeat my question, but this time for the Vice Chair. Any delegation Because so far we don't have any candidates nominated. As you know, the deadline is 1 PM next Monday, the 12th of May. So delegations do have time. To contact with me or formulate a proposal for the vice chair of this very important working group. Indonesia has the floor.

Thank you very much. I'm sorry for taking the floor, but, uh, we have an interest, of course, to congratulate Professor Finland, our neighboring countries Australia, as the chair of the working group on space resources. We believe his ability, knowledge, and experience could lead us to a very fruitful discussion and the mandate of the working group. Well, thank you very much, Chair. You mentioned about fast-track. I was going to ask you about this issue. So we encourage and we would like to flag to our intention requests from Indonesia that we should have equal distribution geographically and also representative of developing countries in the working group. Unfortunately for Indonesia, we couldn't have any candidate, but we encourage other developing countries to propose its candidate. Thank you very much.

Thank you to Indonesia for that comment. Would any other delegation like to take the floor? Okay, so those delegations who were interested Please contact me before next Monday, the 12th of May, at 1 PM. And so then Monday afternoon, at the beginning of the meeting, under agenda item 8, I will inform you of the status of nominations. Should we have received any, we will ask those delegations to proceed to informal consultations on the 13th of May before the afternoon meeting to see if there could be any agreement on the composition of the Bureau. Following those informal consultations, then the subcommittee will examine it formally under agenda item 8 on the 13th of May in the afternoon. So let us continue with agenda item 8 on Monday afternoon to inform you whether there have been any nominations for vice chair of the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities. So that would be Monday afternoon. Distinguished delegates, now I would like to continue and hopefully conclude our consideration of agenda item 9, general exchange of information and views on legal mechanisms relating to space debris mitigation and remediation measures, taking into account the work of the Scientific and technical subcommittee. I see that there are no speakers on the list. Therefore, we have concluded our consideration of agenda item 9. Distinguished delegates, I would now like to Reopen agenda item 10 at the request of several delegations. Item agenda item 10: the general exchange of information on non-legally binding United Nations instruments on outer space. I thought it had been concluded, but we have had requests for it to be reopened. So the first speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Mexico. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair, and we're grateful for the opportunity to take the floor on this agenda item. Chair, delegates, Mexico acknowledges the important role played by Non-United Nations non-binding instruments in the promotion of international cooperation and the strengthening of the regulatory framework for space activities. These instruments complement the existing legal regime and provide key guidance on the implementation of essential principles in the development of responsible and sustainable space activities. In many cases, Non-binding instruments are the prior step to new legal instruments, and they offer a lot of flexibility for adoption and implementation at domestic level. That is what makes them so useful. Mexico highlights the importance of translating them into specific national measures. In this regard, our country has included some of these provisions in our domestic law, especially regarding the guidelines on the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. And as was mentioned under another agenda item, Mexico is working on an outer space law which will include our international obligations as well as non-binding ones. Mexico believes that the true effectiveness of these instruments is because they are practical and can be voluntarily adhered to. In this context, we encourage the international community to continue to strengthen international cooperation to facilitate implementation and to provide capacity building in developing countries. Regarding discussions on possible amendments to existing international space treaties, Mexico believes that those instruments have proven their validity and robustness in regulating space activity and have lasted well over time. We acknowledge the need to adapt space law to new challenges. We think that any change in the regulatory framework should be based on consensus respecting essential principles which have already been established. Non-binding instruments are an essential tool for dealing with emerging questions in the space sphere and foster confidence among states. Adopting them and implementing them means we can strengthen safety, sustainability, and equity in the use of outer space, making sure that benefits last through generations. Mexico reaffirms its commitment to strengthening international space law, and therefore we will continue to work with the international community to ensure that those instruments continue to be a useful benchmark for space governance and the consolidation of a safe and sustainable environment for future generations. Thank you. Muchas gracias, señora presidenta.

Thank you to the distinguished delegate of Mexico for that statement. And now I will give the floor to Japan.

Thank you, Chair. Chair, distinguished delegates, Japan would like to share our conviction on the importance of non-legally binding instrument under this agenda. Space is no longer a distant frontier. It is integral to our economies and our communication. As space activities expand at an unprecedented rate, so do do the changes we face in maintaining order and sustainability in this new domain. These challenges cannot be addressed by any single nation or entity alone. To navigate this complexity, we must not only adhere to existing legally binding international. Base laws, but also take steps to strengthen and expand what we may call soft laws or non-legally binding instruments, including principles and guidelines that foster cooperation without compromising sovereignty. To turn these soft laws into tangible and foreseeable frameworks, national legislation is crucial. When countries establish robust space laws, they do more than ensure order within their own borders. They actively shape the emerging norms for international space governance. In this context, the development of national space laws serves not simply domestic needs, but also the broadening of the international framework that governs space activities. Particularly, this is true to address emerging and urgent issues. Space debris is a pressing issue that needs our immediate attention. The problem of space debris is severe and poses significant risks to our current and future space activities. It is a challenge that the international community must tackle without delay. Approach of non-legally binding instrument is of a high value. Space debris mitigation and remediation are 2 critical approaches that can effectively address this issue. Japan has been taking a proactive and targeted approach to space debris mitigation. Japan respects to the space debris mitigation guidelines and the long-term sustainability guidelines by incorporating them into national Japanese national guidelines and space activities. This is an example of how national legislation acts as the space law, a soft law to ensure the safe and sustainable outer space. Thank you for your kind attention.

Muchas gracias a la distinguida representante.

Thank you to the distinguished representative of Japan for that statement. We have concluded our consideration of agenda item 10, general exchange of information on non-legally binding United Nations instruments on outer space. Distinguished delegates, I would like to continue with agenda item 11, general exchange of views on the legal aspects of space traffic management. The first speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Brazil.

Gracias, señor presidente. Mr. Chair, establishing clear and effective legal frameworks for the management of space traffic is a matter of utmost importance for the future of space exploration and the utilization. As access to space intensifies, it becomes urgent to develop a robust regulatory structure that ensures safety, sustainability, and international cooperation in this increasingly congested and contested environment. Proper management of space traffic is not merely a matter of regulation and oversight. It's a global responsibility aimed at ensuring safe space operations, minimizing space debris, and guaranteeing that activities in space are conducted sustainably. The current model of orbital occupation and operation may render access to and use of space environment impossible. Mr. Chair, Brazil is able to contribute to this effort. Our country is widely recognized for the quality of its air traffic management system, which demonstrates a high level of situational awareness and technical and operational excellence. The recently approved Brazilian Law on Space Activities, which provides guidelines to promote situational awareness of space objects and debris, is an important step for further developing national space traffic management capabilities. It further encourages international cooperation, capacity building, and technological development in this area. Furthermore, it includes provisions aimed at establishing rules on mitigation of space debris. Brazil is still committed to safety and sustainability of space activities aligned with international best practices and continuously strengthening our capacity to contribute to space traffic management. Mr. Chair, Brazil supports robust multilateral action on space traffic management, including the possible future establishment of the international body dedicated to the matter. Such a body could set global standards and guidelines fostering cooperation among states and ensuring efficient and safe orbit management. In this regard, we consider favorably the proposal made to set up a study group on space trafficking couples presented by German, provided it respects the principles of regional balance and of equitable representation among member states independently of their level of technological and economic development. Additionally, defining a minimum safe distance between satellites, both in low Earth orbit and geostationary orbit, as well as rules for maneuvers, among other measures, would mitigate collision risks and the consequent generations of orbital debris. The sustainability of space. Depends on proper regulation of occupational and operational activities, as well as mutual trust. In light of the above, Brazil recognizes the importance of space traffic management and reaffirms the need to develop norms aimed at creating safer, more sustainable, and collaborative space environments in accordance with international law. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Muchas gracias, señora.

I thank the distinguished representative of Brazil for that statement. The next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Japan.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Chair, distinguished delegates, in recent years, outer space has become congested due due to a rapidly increasing number of space objects. Destructive actions such as anti-satellite tests have also spurred congestion, posing a growing threat to the sustainable and stable use of outer space. In this regard, Japan welcomes the adoption of the Pact for the Future with a view to strengthen international cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space. For peaceful purposes and for the benefit of all humanity. For Japan, securing a stable, safe, and sustainable use of the outer space environment is of the utmost importance. Japan encourages all states to work towards ensuring sustainable space traffic management. Chair, in line with Japanese mid- to long-term policy, for rulemaking on the use of Earth orbit, which was revised in March 2024. Japan is promoting space traffic management initiatives as well as SSA and on-orbit services. Let me highlight some of our recent efforts. Space situational awareness remains a priority for Japan. Japan's Ministry of Defense developed an SSA system that became fully operational in March 2023. We also began sharing SSA information, such as orbital information of space objects, with private satellite operators. This SSA system will enable greater visibility in space and more accurate avoidance of orbital collisions. In order to ensure the safe, secure, and transparent operations of on-orbit servicing, OOS, Japan established national OOS guidelines in 2021 prescribing technical safety requirements to ensure the transparency of OOS operations. JAXA has been developing technologies for rendezvous and proximity operations through a project called CRD-2, Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration, which conducts its activities in accordance with the OAS guidelines. Phase 1 of the project was successfully completed in 2024. Phase 2 already began, and a demonstration including the debris capture is scheduled for Japanese In February 2025, Japan established new national guidelines to prevent the collision of space objects. These guidelines provide an example of the concept and specific measures to avoid collisions with other satellites or space debris, or to reduce the possibility of such collisions as much as possible.

Thank you.

We hope that countries considering licensing on orbit serving will establish standards and guidelines similar to Japan's, including those really related to transparency, so that we can create a business environment in which these services can operate securely. Here, in the same month, the Cabinet Office of Japan hosted the 10th International Symposium on Ensuring the Safe and Sustainable Use of Outer Space, inviting our own USA director, Ms. Holomaini, as well as many distinguished, distinguished guests from governments, academia, and industry, with a focus on rulemaking and cooperation to ensure the safe use of orbit. Throughout the symposium, panelists and participants discussed the opportunities and challenges to realize a globally coordinated effort to this end. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate Japan's commitment to contribute to international discussions on space traffic management to ensure the stable use of outer space for present and future generations. Thank you for your kind attention.

Thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Japan for her statement, and I will now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Korea.

Thank you, Mr. Chair and distinguished delegates. Recently, the rise in satellite launches and reentries has contributed to increased congestion in outer space, prompting growing interest in space traffic management. This approach leverages satellite data to address space debris and ensure the safe and sustainable use of space. A critical issue for the sustainable development of space activities is closely linked to the topics of space traffic management. As such, it is essential that we adopt a comprehensive approach to R&D as well as to the institutions involved in these areas. The Republic of Korea is consistently maintaining the momentum to advance policies aimed at establishing an inter-ministerial response system, and enhancing legal and institutional frameworks to build a robust national space hazard management system. We are also actively involved in international discussions on space traffic management to ensure the safe use of outer space and to proactively address the growing risk of collisions. The Republic of Korea remains committed to international efforts to set standards, including technical guidelines, safety protocols, Codes of conduct, risk assessments, and best practices related to space traffic management. Thank you for our attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of Korea for her statement. The next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of China.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

Mr. Chair, with the significant increase in space objects, outer space is becoming increasingly congested. In particular, the large-scale development— deployment of megaconstellations in low Earth orbits poses urgent challenges to the safety of space activities and objects, as well as the fair, rational, and sustainable use of orbital resources. Against this background, China welcomes the China welcomes the continued discussion of the item, General Exchange of Views on Legal Aspects of Space Traffic Management at the Legal Subcommittee. China believes that discussions under this item should focus on promoting international cooperation to jointly address pressing challenges such as the surge, surge in space debris and the increased risk of collision between spacecraft So as to foster a safer and more sustainable environment for space activities. At the same time, given the disparities in space capabilities and the divergent understanding and practices among countries on relevant matters, special attention must be given to the participation rights of developing countries and emerging spacefaring nations and to safeguarding all countries' fundamental right to access to and use of outer space. Space. The existing international space legal framework provides a solid foundation for space traffic management. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty establishes fundamental principles regarding international cooperation and the equitable use of outer space. Additionally, the instruments developed by COPUS, such as the Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines and the LTS Guidelines, offer practical guidance on debris mitigation and end-of-life management of spacecraft. China calls on all countries to jointly uphold this international law-based governance framework to ensure the orderly conduct of space activities. In this connection, I would like to share some of China's domestic measures. In the legal domain, to standardize space object registration and establish a regulatory framework for space debris, China has enacted regulations such as the measures for the administration of the registration of space objects and the measures for the mitigation and protection against space debris. In terms of standard setting, China has in recent years issued national standards such as the specific specification for orbital data of space objects and the specific specification for monitoring data of space objects, which clarify registration requirements, and provide guidance for assessing close approach risks, coordinating collision avoidance, and issuing notifications. China is also advancing the development of additional national standards related to space debris. On the technical front, China is building a comprehensive space situational awareness system, which includes a debris monitoring network, an orbital data repository, and a collision early warning system, thereby enhancing its capability for in-orbit spacecraft safety management.

Mr.

Chair, China has noted the German delegation's proposal to set up a working group on legal and policy aspects of space traffic under this subcommittee to compile and assess legal and policy issues related to space traffic. In the view of China, this would help promote understanding on this topic. Given the close link between space situational awareness coordination and space traffic management, the feasibility of conducting joint studies on these 2 issues could be explored. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of China for his statement. The next speaker on my list

Thank you very much, Chairman.

Ladies and gentlemen, colleagues, given a huge increase in outer space traffic over the past years, as well as the deployment of constellations, space traffic management is of growing interest internationally. The main goal of space traffic management is ensuring the safety of space operations, in particular preventing collisions between space objects, and thus contributing to the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. Chairman, France believes that space traffic management is comprised of 2 pillars. First, one is operational and in the area of capacity, that is space situational awareness, so as to prevent the risks of collision and to promote the development of technologies to prevent the formation of new space debris. Here we are developing an ecosystem of companies in space surveillance through national measures. We are a main contributor to the EUSST partnership established and financed by the EU, providing collision avoidance public services open to satellite operators across the globe, including foreign barking countries, to help them bolster their capacity or capacity build. As you know, our collective priority should be coordinating space surveillance systems already existing or being developed. This is simply necessary given the explosion of congestion in Earth's orbits, and this should be one of the main topics of UNISPACE. The second pillar is regulation. This could be a package of good practices and technical and legal norms so as to provide a framework for space— outer space space operations under the outer space treaties. Internationally speaking, the adoption of guidelines, standards, and TCPMs allows for swift progress to strengthen outer space activities and their safety, and could pave the way to more binding norms in the long term. This approach should be gradual, incremental, reciprocal, and inclusive. It should bring on board all stakeholders and appropriately take into account the specificity of the operations in national security. It could be based on binding existing regulations nationally or regionally as part of this international effort. Here we welcome the recent efforts of the European Commission for the publication of a European draft. Law— regulation, rather— to strengthen security, resilience, and sustainability of activities and space operations in Europe. And considering its scope, it could contribute to better space traffic management. Chair, as we already said, France in 2024 updated its national technical regulation for space operations, restricting access to certain orbits for non-maneuvering objects, also lowering the residual length in orbit following a withdrawal from service for short missions. This is a technical regulation which better takes into account collision risks in orbit, in particular given the evolution of the space environment and congestion in some orbits, while strengthening efforts to identify and survey space objects. Finally, it provides an appropriate legal framework, ensuring the security and long-term sustainability of outer space activities for constellations and orbital services, for good coexistence between space operations, which are always growing and are increasingly varied in nature. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of France for her statement. And now I give the floor to India.

Mr.

Chair and distinguished delegates, in recent years, the diversification of space activities combined with technological advancement and ease of access to space have led to a sharp rise in active satellite population in outer space surrounding the Earth. In particular, the current trend towards deployment of several large constellations of satellites is likely to increase orbital congestion. With the increasing number of satellites revolving, close approach risk between 2 active assets requires inter-operator coordination, making space traffic management, or STM, complex for ensuring safe and sustainable sustainable space operations. Mr. Chair, the growing economic benefit of space applications has attracted a great number of private players. Therefore, the current scenario requires states to have a robust policy in place to regulate and oversee their activities. Indian Space Policy 2023 mandates adherence to internationally accepted guidelines for ensuring safe and sustainable space operations by all Indian actors. ISRO's System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management steadfastly pursues all efforts for spaceflight safety. It also engages with emerging space players with synergy in the National Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center, or InSpace, to promote robust framework for safe and sustainable space activities. India actively participates in all fora involved in SDM, such as IAA Space Debris Working Group, the IAF Space Traffic Management Technical Committee, and the ISO Working Group 7. In 2024, India hosted the annual meet of Interagency Debris Coordination Committee at Bengaluru, where India's intent for debris-free Free Space Mission, DFSM, was unveiled. The key directives of DFSM include coordination and data sharing at national and international levels for safe spaceflight safety and sustainability, and building capabilities for space object tracking and monitoring. India recognizes the importance of space situational awareness for obtaining relevant, reliable, accurate, and timely information for the safety of spaceflight and prioritizes the establishment of observational facilities and global collaboration to develop comprehensive SSA capabilities. Chair, space operators usually adhere to the relevant best practices to safeguard their space assets and coordinate among themselves for on-orbit, on-orbit risk mitigation. An effective STM relies heavily on coordination and transparent data sharing. In the absence of any universally accepted STM framework, such data sharing is carried out purely based on goodwill, mutual understanding, and trust. Now, the trend towards small satellites in space sector, while greatly beneficial for startups and academic instructions to embark into space ventures, is also accompanied by the commonly faced predicaments of their lack of operator details, accurate orbital data, and capability to perform collision avoidance. Therefore, one of the key enabling factors of STM is awareness raising on the obligations of the state on, on-orbit collision risks and inter-operator coordination among the emerging space actors, including those of small satellites. Chair, there are several provisions within the framework of non-binding LTS guidelines that are foundational to STM practices, such as adoption of a regulatory framework, rational and equitable use of radio frequency and orbital region, data sharing, enhanced tracking, safety of space operations, and promoting international cooperation and capacity building. While the ongoing multilateral collaborations among spacefaring nations for the safety of space operations serve as a stepping stone for the emergence of a global STM. India advocates for a greater engagement and exchange of views among member states in this regard. Thank you, Mr. Chair and distinguished delegates.

Thank you to the distinguished representative of India for that statement. The next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Colombia.

Muchas gracias, señor. Thank you, Chair. Distinguished delegates, given the growing complexity of orbits, Colombia believes we have to strengthen the international legal framework on space traffic management. The increase in launches and orbits and the appearance of new space activities require mechanisms to guarantee the safety, predictability, and sustainability of space operations. In this regard, we support the establishment of a broad-based international information system on space traffic, which will include mechanisms of registration, notification protocols for launches, maneuvers and reentries, as well as technical environmental provisions to reinforce our collective safety in outer space and space situational awareness. We'd also like to emphasize the importance of guaranteeing an equitable participation of all states, especially those with emerging capacities, in the design and implementation of those mechanisms. We would like to stress that it is only through inclusive legal architecture that we can build space governance that will respond to the principles of cooperation, equitable access, and shared benefits for the whole of humanity. We agree that for better space traffic management, we need to have a central registry of objects launched into outer space. Providing states, the private sector, academia, and other interested stakeholders with information on how to identify space objects for the implementation and development of international space law on the exploration and utilization of outer space. Additionally, states must at domestic level promote a registry of objects launched into outer space before the United Nations, as well as at the end of their useful life, and should keep a register of their status before they lose control of that space object. Thank you.

Thank you to Colombia for that statement. The next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

The ever-increasing advancement of space technology and industry, along with growing interest and investment from the private sector, has resulted in a rapid rise in satellite constellations, in-orbit services, and the volume of space debris. These developments underscore the critical importance of space traffic and its effective management. In this context, the Islamic Republic of Iran regards space traffic management as one of the most complex and pressing issues in the evolving governance of outer space. STM broadly encompasses the monitoring, tracking, and regulation of the movement of space including satellites, spacecraft, and orbital debris, with the primary objectives of preventing collisions and mitigating orbital congestion. Addressing this issue requires collective action, scientific and technical capabilities, and robust international cooperation. However, STM must not be used as a tool to impose restrictions on the peaceful space activities of developing countries. Rather, efforts to enhance space safety should promote broader international cooperation and inclusive participation in space activities. We firmly believe that any STM initiative that fails to account for these fundamental considerations will not only fall short of addressing current challenges, but also exacerbate space inequality and deepen the divide between nations. Chair, the fair and effective implementation of STM must include the transfer of relevant technologies and technical know-how to developing countries. Expecting the adoption of technical standards and without providing the necessary capacity building and support mechanisms would contradict the principles of international cooperation. Therefore, several important factors must be considered in addressing space traffic management, including disparities in technical— technological capabilities, the lack of comprehensive multilateral mechanisms for international cooperation, and unequal access to space situational awareness, SSA data, and related infrastructure. While all states, regardless of their level of development, face legal and technical challenges in this area, only a few currently possess the institutional and technical capacity to fully monitor, track, and manage space traffic. The United Nations framework, particularly through UNAN UNUSA remains the most appropriate forum for addressing SDM, as it ensures the full, equal, and effective participation of all states, especially developing countries. Any initiative pursued outside this framework would lack international legitimacy and inclusiveness. In this context, We stress the urgent need to establish a multilateral mechanism within the UN system for the timely, accurate, and non-discriminatory sharing of SSA data. Equitable access to such information is essential for improving transparency and ensuring the that all states can access— can assess collision risks and safeguard their space assets. I thank you, Chair, for your attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran for his statement. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico.

Thank you, Chair. Chair, distinguished delegates, Mexico acknowledges the critical importance of space traffic management as an essential element to guarantee the safety, sustainability, and coordination of space activities. The exponential growth of satellites in orbit, the deployment of megaconstellations and the proliferation of stakeholders in space mean we have to strengthen regulatory and technical mechanisms to mitigate risks and avoid interferences that are damaging to outer space. In this regard, Mexico believes it is essential for the international community to move towards the consolidation of a regulatory framework to effectively manage space traffic. That effort should be guided by the basic principles of space law, especially by the peaceful use of outer space, international cooperation, responsibility, and damage prevention. The growing saturation of space, especially at low Earth orbit, means we have to develop and implement technological and regulatory solutions to guarantee operational safety of space objects. Mitigating space debris in outer space, improving SSA, and the establishment of compatible traffic regulations at global level are essential steps forward in this field. Equally, we acknowledge the value of international initiatives and specialized studies that tackle space traffic management, such as that undertaken by the International Astronautical Academy. In this regard, Mexico welcomes Germany's initiative to establish a study group on the legal and policy aspects of space traffic. Mexico reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the regulatory framework for space traffic management and promoting multilateral initiatives to encourage a safe and sustainable space environment. International cooperation is key in tackling emerging challenges in this field and to guarantee that space activities can continue in benefit of all of humanity. That is why it is so important to join international space treaties. In this regard, we encourage those countries who have not yet done so to consider becoming parties to these treaties as a key step to strengthening the international legal framework on the exploration and use of outer space. Thank you, Chair.

Muchas gracias, distinguida representante.

Thank you to the distinguished representative of Mexico. Thank you for that statement. And now we will continue— actually, no, no, we will continue, says the Chair. We will continue with agenda item 11 on Monday.

Thank you.

Distinguished delegates, there are no technical presentations this afternoon, so we shall soon adjourn so that the Working Group on the Definition and Delimitation of Outer Space can hold its second meeting, and the Working Group on the Legal Aspects of Space Base Resources can hold their 3rd meeting. Before we do that, I would like to inform delegates of our schedule of work for Monday morning. We will meet as usual at 10 AM. We will continue our consideration of agenda item 3, General Exchange of Views. We will continue and hopefully conclude our consideration of agenda item 11, general exchange of views on the legal aspects of space traffic management. We will begin our consideration of agenda item 12, general exchange of views on the application of international law to small satellite activities. And if we have enough time, we will begin agenda item 13, proposals to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space for new items to be considered by the Legal Subcommittee at its 65th session. So we will I would like to now adjourn the plenary so that the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities can hold their 4th meeting. And following that, the Working Group on the Definition— And so the group on ATLAS group can hold a meeting. Then we will have 2 technical presentations on Monday, and informal consultations on Unispace 4 will take place in M3. That will take place between 9 and 10 AM, and there will be a Teams link for that included in Circular CU/2025/137 from the 29th of April this year. I would also like to inform delegates that the informal consultations led by Germany on the proposal for a study group on legal and policy aspects of space traffic will be held in Conference Room M3 on Monday from 12 PM to 1 PM. The schedule of consultations is available on the webpage of the session. And then finally, I would like to inform delegates that on Tuesday morning next week, the 13th of May, Under agenda item 3, general exchange of views at the request of delegations, I would invite delegations to express their views on the impact of the liquidity crisis on the Office of Outer Space Affairs presented by the director last Monday. I have requested the director or her representative to be present at Tuesday morning's meeting to respond to any comments and questions raised. Are there any questions or comments on this proposed schedule? I see none. Therefore, we will now adjourn until 10:00 a.m. on Monday morning. Thank you. I would like to thank you for the work you've done this week, and I would also like to thank the interpreters and the secretariat. Distinguished delegates, this meeting is adjourned until 10 AM on Monday morning, and I now give the floor to the chair of the Working Group on the Definition and Delimitation of outer space so that that group can hold its second meeting. Let's not forget that once that working group has held its second meeting, then the Working Group on the Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities will hold its third meeting. Thank you.