Outer Space: Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, 62nd session, 1029 meeting
General Assembly
Date: 12 February 2025
Language: English
Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uaohd2mo
Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations.

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STSC · Chair [23:15]:

Good morning, distinguished delegates. I now declare open the 1029th meeting of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. At the request of the distinguished representative of Tunisia, we will continue and hopefully conclude our consideration of Agenda Item 3, General Exchange of Views. At the request of the distinguished representative of the United Arab Emirates, 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. At the request of the distinguished delegate of Argentina, we will continue and hopefully suspend our consideration of Agenda Item 11, Future Role and Method of Work of the Committee, pending the discussions in the Working Group. We will begin our consideration of Agenda Item 16, Draft Provisional Agenda for the 63rd Session of the Subcommittee, and hopefully suspend it pending the deliberation of the Working Group. We will then adjourn the plenary meeting so that the Working Group on the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities can hold its second meeting. There will be 3 technical presentations this morning. As delegations are aware, the schedule of technical presentations is available on the session webpage and in the daily journal. Are there any questions or comments on this proposed schedule? I see none. Distinguished delegates, I would like now to continue and hopefully conclude our consideration of agenda item 3, general exchange of views. I now turn to the list of speakers. The first speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Tunisia. You have the floor.


Tunisia [25:14]:

Thank you very much, Madam Chair, ladies and gentlemen. Distinguished delegates, I'm pleased to outline to you the main interests and developments in the Tunisian space sector. Based on our prestigious history in this area, our human capacity, as well as our agricultural heritage, our favorable geographic location has allowed us to strengthen our position in the space sector, catalyzing international development and cooperation through the peaceful application and uses in order to attain the SDGs. In the context of our national strategy, the space sector has acquired increasing importance regarding its use by public authorities, academia, and the private sector. As such, Tunisian youth is building further initiatives in order to gain access to this area. When it comes to space technology, we are particularly interested in scientific development. Such as the launch of small satellites and GNSS applications, the development of satellite reception networks, and integrating artificial intelligence in numerous areas. Currently, a significant quantity of data is provided through space technology in order to to find tangible solutions to tackle emerging challenges such as Earth observation, data analysis. The relevant ministries, academia, as well as companies are making use of space imagery in order to integrate artificial intelligence systems in order to develop smart agriculture, to combat desertification in arid areas, and to study soil specificities for the purpose of water resource management. This is particularly relevant as in so doing this will guarantee food security and allow us to mitigate climate change. Moreover, the National Land Mapping and Remote Sensing Center in Tunisia also provides and makes use of space imagery and data in order to help quantify and qualify development. The same applies to coastal erosion strategies, studying maritime pollution, and ensuring follow-up and monitoring of sea levels, which are all particularly relevant when it comes to the protection of Tunisia's coasts. The National Meteorological Institute also makes use of space data, which is particularly relevant in order to take stock of climate change developments such as floodings, droughts, earthquakes, and climate change. In order to further build the space sector capacity in a comprehensive fashion, we are working towards establishing a regulatory framework that is conducive to that purpose in order to harness the use of the space sector. We have also enacted new space legislation to attract investment, build innovation, and foster cooperation among the various national authorities and international partners. In order to enhance resources, international cooperation plays a vital role in order to help strengthen the sector, and we hope to build closer partnerships with international associations as well as with the private sector in order to take on board cutting-edge technology and benefit from international expertise. Equally, the Tunisian authorities believe that the space sector provides opportunities for sustainable development through investing in research and development, providing training, and raising awareness. Accordingly, we have organized annual scientific encounters in Tunisia in order to help build our capacity and allow us to participate in the space sector. We fully believe that as a result of the efforts made by all parties involved, and in particular in the context of activities under the aegis of the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs, UNOSA, Tunisia will be able to harness these various opportunities provided through the space sector so that in turn these can serve as catalysts in support of good governance and in support of our citizens and to resolve challenges related to the space sector and the climate worldwide.


STSC · Chair [29:52]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Tunisia for the statements. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished observer from the World Space Week Association. You have the floor.


WSWA · Observer [30:08]:

Thank you, distinguished chair. Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates, it is an honor to address this subcommittee on behalf of the World Space Week Association. We extend our sincere gratitude to the chair, the secretariat, and the director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. For their tireless efforts in convening this important session. World Space Week, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999, is celebrated annually from October 4th to 10th. As the largest global space-themed event, it provides a unique platform to bridge space activities and societal impact. Fostering public engagement with space activities and their benefits for humanity. This initiative invites member states to showcase achievements, promote awareness, and inspire innovation within their communities through the annual celebration of World Space Week. By participating, countries not only amplify their contributions to the space sector, but also strengthen global cooperation, and public understanding of the role of space in addressing shared challenges. In 2024, World Space Week celebrated its 25th anniversary under the theme Space and Climate Change. This theme underscored the critical role of space technologies in addressing one of humanity's most pressing issues. From satellite monitoring of environmental changes to enabling disaster response and climate resilience, space provides invaluable tools to mitigate the impacts of climate change. We were honored to have Peter Platzer, Executive Chairman of Spire Global, as our honorary chair. Spire Global's work in satellite-powered climate solutions set the tone for a year of impactful activities. Throughout 2024, the association facilitated global participation through public outreach campaigns, educational initiatives, and resources available at our website, www.worldspaceweek.org. A significant milestone in 2024 was the launch of the STEM Educators for Climate Awards. Recognizing teachers globally for their efforts in advancing education on space and climate change. This initiative not only celebrated the contributions of educators, but also emphasized the importance of nurturing future leaders equipped to address climate challenges through space innovation. With over 15,000 events held in over 80 countries, 2024 saw outstanding engagement. Pakistan recorded the highest number of events, followed very closely by Saudi Arabia, Ireland, Croatia, Romania, and Turkey, showcasing the diverse global enthusiasm for World Space Week. As we turn to the future, the theme for World Space Week 2025 is Living in Space and will highlight the growing reality of sustained human presence beyond Earth. This theme seeks to explore the development of innovative technologies, sustainable solutions, and international collaboration essential for long-term habitation in space. We are delighted to announce Robert Lightfoot, President of Lockheed Martin Space, as the Honorary Chair for 2025. With his extensive expertise and leadership in space exploration and development, Mr. Lightfoot will guide efforts to inspire and prepare global audiences for the exciting possibilities of living and thriving in space. World Space Week serves as a unifying platform for celebrating achievements, sharing innovations, and fostering dialogue about the future of space exploration. We invite the subcommittee, its member states, and permanent observers to embrace World Space Week 2025 as an opportunity to showcase your accomplishments, engage engage your communities and contribute to a global narrative of exploration and innovation. We are very grateful to our board, national coordinators, event holders, and sponsors including SPIRE Global, Lockheed Martin, Airbus, Viasat, Eutelsat, VAST, Kuwait Investment Company, and SLU, and many others whose support has been instrumental in the success of this initiative. Their contributions enable us to sustain and expand and the impact of World Space Week year after year. Thank you, distinguished chair and esteemed delegates, for your attention and continued support. Together we can continue to build bridges between space and society, one celebration at a time. Thank you.


STSC · Chair [35:39]:

I thank the distinguished observer from the World Space Week Association for the statement. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished observer from the International Academy of Astronautics. You have the floor.


IAA · Observer [35:51]:

Thank you. Madam Chair, Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates. First of all, let me ensure you, Madam Chair, that we look forward to supporting your leadership for a meaningful and productive session. Our appreciation goes also to the Director of the UNULSA, Ms. Artei Holomene, for her leadership, leadership, as well as to the Secretariat and the entire office for their excellent performance. Please also allow us to express our sadness regarding the passing of Ambassador Andrzej Mistal and Dr. Adigana de Abiadun. The International Academy of Astronautics has played a significant role in promoting international cooperation and advancing the field of astronautics since its establishment in 1960. Recognized by the United Nations in 1996, the Academy operates as an independent non-governmental organization with a mission to bring together eminent experts in astronautics for the betterment of humanity. With approximately 1,100 members and corresponding members from 94 countries, The Academy boasts a diverse and distinguished membership base. Members are individuals who have made significant contributions to astronautics and related scientific fields, and their election to the Academy is a recognition of their achievements and services. The Academy engages in various scientific activities aimed at fostering international cooperation and advancing knowledge in astronautics. This includes organizing conferences, symposia, and meeting— meetings covering a wide range of topics such as space sciences, technology development, policy, and their impacts on society. These events provide platforms for discussing key issues in astronautics, sharing research findings, and fostering collaboration among professionals. During 2024, the number of IAME regional meetings and standalone conferences amounted to 23. The Academy is publishing the journal Acta Astronautica, which reached in 2023 an impact factor of 3.52. More than 1 million downloads were counted of this publication were counted in 2022. The Academy also publishes cosmic studies journals, dictionaries in multiple languages, and book series on relevant subjects. More than 75 cosmic studies are available on the IAA website, iaa.space.org. In 2024, the Academy contributed significantly to the International Astronautic local Congress, preparing a substantial portion of the program. More than 67 sessions brought the Academy contribution to the Congress to 35% of the entire event. During 2025, the Academy will organize more than 20 conferences, and we would like to mention here some conferences coming this spring, such as the 11th Space Traffic Management Conference in Austin, Texas, in March; the 9th Planetary Defense Conference in Stellenbosch, South Africa, in May; the 15th Symposium on Small Satellites for Earth System Observation in May in Berlin, Germany; and the 12th Symposium on the Future of Space Exploration in May in Turin, Italy. The Academy, through its committees, commissions, and study groups, is covering all substantive agenda items of the Subscientific and Technical Subcommittee agenda, contributing to the global extension and continuity of knowledge development in the space and space-related areas. For this session, I would like to mention the contribution of the Academy to the initiative to the protection of dark and quiet skies, and to the need for the designation and preservation of sites of special interest on the Moon. Importantly, the Academy's membership policies include the following individuals from many countries to join regardless of their national spacefaring status. This approach enables the participation of experts from non-spacefaring spacefaring countries, offering them opportunities to engage in space activities, uh, and potentially initiate space program in their own region. Overall, the academy play— continues to play a vital role in advancing astronautics, fostering international cooperation, and promoting the peaceful exploration and utilization of space for the benefit of humanity. You can be assured, Madam Chair, that the International Academy of Astronautics will remain proactive in contributing to the goals and program— programs that make the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space a very unique body for the benefit of all nations. I thank you for your attention.


STSC · Chair [41:38]:

I thank the distinguished observer from the International Academy of Astronautics for this statement. We have concluded our consideration of Agenda Item 3, General Exchange of Views. Distinguished delegates, I'd now like to continue and hopefully suspend our consideration of Agenda Item 10, Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities, and hopefully suspend it pending the discussions in the Working Group. Distinguished delegates, We would like to come back to the proposal from the distinguished delegate of the United Arab Emirates as contained in CRP 20 on space situational awareness to hold further discussions with a view to refining the proposal for a decision by the committee at its 68th session regarding the establishment of the group. Distinguished delegates, before I open the floor, I understand that the distinguished delegate of the United Arab Emirates would like to take the floor. You have the floor.


United Arab Emirates [42:42]:

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, the United Arab Emirates is pleased to take the floor on this agenda item and to express our appreciation to you and all the delegations for their engagement on this important topic. At the outset, the UAE acknowledges the discussions that have taken place during the informal consultations and recognizes that a number of delegations have indicated the need for additional time before being in a position to take a decision on the proposal. We appreciate the constructive comments shared and the spirit of collaboration by all delegations. The UAE remains fully committed to advancing mechanisms that are practical and inclusive. We seek to continue discussions during the intersessional period, allowing for further engagement and refinement of our approach. This will enable us to return to the committee with a revised proposal that takes into account the perspectives and concerns of all delegations. We seek agreement that further discussions on this matter should continue. And we look forward for constructive engagement with all delegations in the spirit of consensus and cooperation. I thank you, Madam Chair.


STSC · Chair [44:02]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Arab Emirates for the statement. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Norway. You have the floor.


Norway [44:13]:

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Norway has an increased focus on safety and sustainability of space operations.

Where SSA is essential and have been actively participating in the LTS 2.0 working group with inputs to the compile table. Norway would like to support the proposal by UAE on an expert group on SSA and welcomes further discussions on how it fits or can complement the possible continuation of the work of the LTS working group. Thank you.


STSC · Chair [44:45]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Norway for the statement. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Russian Federation. You have the floor.


Russian Federation [45:00]:

Thank you very much, Chair, for giving this delegation the floor. I'd like to begin with expressing my extensive gratitude to the distinguished delegation of the UAE for the proposal. Our view is that this topic, increasing awareness regarding events and objects in outer space, is extremely relevant and does go hand in hand with the Russian initiative, namely the establishment under the UN of a center for information exchange on events and objects in outer space. We are quite sure that both initiatives will require further detailed study and elaboration on the committee. However, the proposal coming from our distinguished colleague from the UAE regarding the establishment of the expert group raised a rather serious question for us. That is, what would be the best manner to organize discussions on this very important topic in the subcommittee and the committee, and probably not just on this topic, because there are increasing number of new topics that require extremely thorough and careful attention from the committee. Their discussion requires a significant amount of time. We are far from convinced that the establishment of an expert group on the matter will be a way to ensure that we have this type of substantive expert dialogue. The experience of work on many working groups in the STSC— and the same could apply to the LSC, though— has shown us that time is always of the essence and lacking in our work. The work— the groups meet in informals for a very short amount of time, 15 to 20 minutes, and essentially are forced to work during lunchtime without interpretation in small rooms and often in parallel. All of this makes it more difficult for delegations to participate in the work. What is the way forward? I am not sure. The number of topics is ever-growing, as I said. It is absolutely evident that the committee and the subcommittee are going to have to discuss them. However, if we keep doing this through the establishment of working groups, expert groups, or whatever type of groups, it's absolutely clear to us that we're going to have to have a very serious discussion as to how to fully reorganize the work of the committee to ensure that these negotiations groups or frameworks have enough opportunities and resources to carry out their activities. At present time, this is all very difficult. To the extent that we've understood, even organizing online system— meetings rather with interpretations requires from OUSA significant expenditure, and our opportunities are limited. And thus, we think it would be too soon to create any additional working groups. Instead, we're going to need to determine on the whole how we are moving forward in substantive and professional discussion on the committee. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.


STSC · Chair [48:45]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. The next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Egypt. You have the floor.


Egypt [48:55]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. Good morning to you and to all colleagues. Egypt appreciates the leading efforts of the United Arab Emirates in championing the emphasis on allowing for more expert-level discussions on space situation awareness, and we took note of the intervention that was just made on the upcoming discussions on how to move forward on the suggestion. From a procedural point of view, Egypt recognizes the pivotal role of the committee. In fostering international cooperation to ensure that space activities are conducted for benefit of all humankind. The Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of COPUSS has been instrumental in addressing critical issues through its specialized working groups. Currently, the STC oversees several working groups, and they exemplify the collaborative efforts within the STC to address complex challenges in space activities. In recent discussions, a proposal establish expert groups has emerged as a means to delve deeper into scientific technical issues. While the intention to harness specialized expertise is commendable, Egypt would like to raise a question on the financial implications of these proposals. Egypt is also of the view that the creation of such groups, along with their unique methods of work and terms of reference, may deviate from the intergovernmental nature of COPUS. This approach could set precedents that alter the traditional modus operandi of this UN committee, potentially impacting the inclusive and consensual-driven processes that have long characterized COPUS deliberations. Egypt believes that the creation of these groups, if needed, should consolidate the work of this subcommittee and the committee, including through having a clear mandate and agenda to be discussed and agreed by the committee for these groups, and a clear vision on how it complements the current work of the STSC and its working groups. while reiterating that these discussions in any additional working groups should eventually be considered in the working groups of the STC before being presented to the subcommittee and eventually the committee. In conclusion, Egypt advocates for strengthening the existing structure within the STC, and we're looking forward to further discuss the deliberations that will be led by the UAE. Thank you, Madam Chair.


STSC · Chair [50:59]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Egypt for this Thank you, Mr. President, for your statement. Next speaker on my list is a distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. You have the floor.


Iran (Islamic Republic of) [51:14]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, to achieve long-term sustainability of outer space activities, we need a comprehensive and holistic approach. One critical element of LTS shall be the consideration of the challenges posed by space debris, particularly for emerging spacefaring nations that face heightened risks due to financial and technological constraints. The rapid expansion of space activities has led to an increase in space debris, which disproportionately affects countries still in, in the process of developing their space program. While developed nations have historically contributed to the majority of space debris, it is developing countries, often lacking adequate resources and mitigation capabilities, that may bear the burden. The risk of collisions with debris threatens not only their satellites but also the continuity and viability of their space programs. To address this inequity and ensure the sustainability of space activities, The Islamic Republic of Iran recommends that COPUS and its subcommittees consider the establishment of a fund to support developing countries that experience damages to the satellite due to the space debris. And we are happy to hear that there are other delegations, including the Egyptian delegation, who presented this idea, and we are happy to see that this idea is getting this broader support. In this body. This fund would provide essential assistance to emerging spacefaring countries in mitigating the consequences of debris-related incidents. The support offered by this fund could take multiple forms, including financial assistance for the repair or replacement of damaged satellites, capability-building initiatives such as training programs, technical workshops, and research grant enhanced capabilities of developing countries in managing space debris risk and cooperation mechanism to facilitate access to advanced debris mitigation technologies and enhance the capabilities of the satellites in order not to be easily turned to be debris. Such an initiative would not only alleviate the immediate impact of space debris but also contribute to the long-term stability and inclusivity of space activities. By ensuring that develop— by ensuring that developing nations remain active participants in the global space community, we can foster a more equitable and cooperative space environment. Moreover, the establishment of this fund would reinforce the principle of space equity, aligning with international commitments such as the Outer Space Treaty, which underscored the importance of cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space. By supporting this initiative, member states, particularly those with advanced space capabilities, can demonstrate their commitment to a just and sustainable future in space where all nations can pursue their space ambiguities— ambitious, sorry, their space ambitions without undue hardship. This proposal differs from the Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects, or Liability Convention. The Liability Convention establishes a framework for holding a launching state liable for damage caused by its space objects, including compensation claims for harm inflicted on other states. However, it does not comprehensively address the cumulative and long-term risks posed by space debris. Which often result from decades of space debris rather than a single identifiable launching state. This proposal advocates for proactive and collective approach by establishing a dedicated fund to assist developing countries affected by space debris, regardless of whether the responsible entity can be identified. The Islamic Republic of Iran considers this proposal as a step toward ensuring that all countries, regardless of their level of development, can access and benefit from space activities without being disproportionately affected by consequences of past space endeavors. While I have the floor, if you allow me, Madam Chair, I would like to address the proposal by UAE. I think and we believe this proposal is a very important proposal. We have a we received some instructions saying that we have seen some opportunities and at the same time challenges in this specific important issue. However, we think that essential— it is essential at first that we need to have a comprehensive understanding of the broader landscape of the current proposal related to the expert groups while we have seen that in the LTS There were another proposal about the expert group. Therefore, we would like to first have a better understanding before rushing to any new creation of an expert group without fully assessing existing and emerging proposals that may create— may overlap efforts and inefficiencies. A more strategic and informed approach is needed to ensure that any future mechanism is well integrated and serve its intended purposes while we are focusing on the role of the corpus that should not be undermined. Thank you, Madam Chair.


STSC · Chair [56:58]:

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


India [57:07]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. India appreciates the UAE had submitted Conference room paper proposing for establishment of the expert group on space situational awareness. During the earlier statement under the present agenda item, distinguished delegate from UAE proposed to include language on continuing the discussions on creation of experts group on SSA into STSC report. Space situational awareness is an integral component of ensuring long-term sustainability of outer space activities. As per the multi-year work plan, the ongoing work of Working group on LTS is expected to be completed by next year. As we have listened from 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 expert group on SSA could be further discussed under the existing mechanism, that is. Working Group on Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities, avoiding duplication and parallel efforts. Thank you, Madam Chair.


STSC · Chair [58:14]:

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


Germany [58:22]:

Madam Chair, we would like to emphasize once again that space traffic and space situational awareness are, in Germany's view, critical topics of space governance and should be adequately addressed by COPUS and its 2 subcommittees. In this regard, we warmly welcome the proposals by the United Arab Emirates to establish an expert group on SSA, as well as by other delegations concerning the continuation of the work of the LTS Working Group, ably chaired by India. We consider it important to continue discussions on the United Arab Emirates proposal, including possible links to the existing LTS Working Group, intersession as well as during the 68th session of COPUS. In our view, the timely formation of an expert group on SSA could provide a clear path forward on topics linked to long-term sustainability and safety of space activities and space traffic. At the present session, we would welcome if the STC report sets the path for further discussions on the UAE proposal. We appreciate delegation's open-mindedness as we continue exchanges on the best way forward. This could enable the Main Committee to address these issues and possibly decide on the appropriate way forward with regard to all relevant proposals concerning space traffic, those discussed at the STSC, as well as those discussed at the Legal Subcommittee. It is crucial that we make meaningful progress on these matters. COPUS and POSIT subcommittees need to start engaging on the topic now. Build up capacity and expertise and be ready for more substantive discussions as the challenges become more urgent. Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, before concluding, we take this opportunity to thank all participants of our side event at European Space Policy Institute, uh, here in Vienna on the topic of space traffic on Monday this week. Thank you very much.


STSC · Chair [1:00:12]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Germany for the statement. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative France, you have the floor.


France [1:00:21]:

Thank you very much, Chair. I would like to endorse the statements made by several delegations, including the distinguished delegate of Germany, on the urgent need to deal with this topic, SSA. As you're aware, we are committed to the LTS of outer space activities and are very active We promoted the coordination of existing SSA systems according to a concrete and pragmatic approach, one that is implementable, and this remains on the table. That is why we welcome the UAE's proposal with interest. The topic must be dealt with well, though we did originally prefer to deal with it through the LTS Working Group. The UAE's proposal, and I'd like to thank them for it, is indeed quite interesting. We thank the delegation for their efforts and initiative to put this priority of SSA on the subcommittee and the committee's agenda. We will thus take our time to consider the initiative And again, thank the United Arab Emirates for their initiatives in promoting discussion on space surveillance and LTS.

Thank you.


STSC · Chair [1:01:54]:

I thank the distinguished representative of France for the statement. Is there any other delegation which wishes to take the floor at this stage on these agenda items? I recognize The distinguished delegate of Spain, you have the floor.


Spain [1:02:11]:

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. We also would like to express our gratitude for the proposal presented by the United Arab Emirates, which we believe is a timely proposal. I'd also like to indicate that the Commission and the subcommittees working methodologies geared towards working groups. We understand that we have a long agenda. Often we have to rush through themes, but in order to accomplish our work in the plenary, we need to convene meetings of working groups, of expert groups who help us, who assist us in being able to focus the content of our debates and Accordingly, we have also submitted a number of proposals regarding the creation of expert groups under the Working Group on Sustainability, which undoubtedly might help to improve the quality of our discussions and in turn facilitate decision-taking, which will help support the sustainability of activities in outer space.


STSC · Chair [1:03:19]:

Thank you. Thank you, distinguished representative of Spain, for the statement.

Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:03:26]:

Thank you, Chair, and we appreciate the ongoing discussion in relation to the mechanism to further our work on the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. We welcome the proposal from the United Arab Emirates and our distinguished delegates who raised the topic of providing an expert group on the topic of space situational awareness. This is a key and pressing issue for us all, for all our delegations, to understand how we can better coordinate our activities in the future. And we believe that expert groups are a key way to bring together that diverse set of opinions and the diverse set of technical perspectives on the best way to coordinate our activities and the operations within our respective countries. We also recall that under the long— the first working group, the long-term sustainability, there was significant progress made by expert groups to gather best practice, to understand the technical challenges, and then raise that to discussion across a broader group within the working group. So we value the ongoing discussions within this committee on what the best approach would be to take these certain areas, such as space situational awareness and long-term sustainability, forward. And we support the idea of having experts within that conversation. Thank you, Chair.


STSC · Chair [1:04:48]:

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


China [1:04:58]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. China supports within the framework of UN office to discuss issues of reforming Coperson's S&T subcommittee and also supporting UAE for his proposal. But what we are thinking, if we set up this expert group, we need to explore the specific forms including the terms of reference, working procedures, and to whom the working group should report. Some delegation I heard suggested putting it under STS Working Group. Whether we need to take such a form, we need further discussion to decide on what form and what content we can conduct the space situation awareness within the framework of the Commission Committee. Thank you, Chair.


STSC · Chair [1:05:58]:

I thank the distinguished delegate of China for the statement. I'd like to give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Indonesia.


Indonesia [1:06:08]:

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Indonesia is also in the position of supporting the proposal of UAE. Basically, for the substantive issue, we could support that there is a need to discuss about the substantive issue of long-term sustainability, especially the situation awareness. But unfortunately, Actually, we also have taken some notes and we could support, we could second the interventions made by some colleagues, for instance, before me, asking questions. Well, actually so many questions, but I also would like to add some questions to enrich our discussions. For instance, one, what is the difference between technical or expert group with working group. I think this is a basic principle. This is fundamental issue that we have to discuss not only for the issue of Agenda Item 10, but this is a fundamental issue in the negotiation of COPs. What is actually the difference— the differences between technical expert group and Working Group. Are they actually— they are the same, or what is actually the connection between those 2 forums, if I may say they are different? Secondly, we also second the questions regarding the TOR, the mandate, as distinguished delegation of China mentioned about the DUR, the mandate, and also some colleagues— if I have a second, Razia mentioned about— Egypt also mentioned about cost and then timing, for instance, and then I will add the report procedure, the procedural issue. If this expert group is established and then discussed, how it will report to the working group? What if the working group revise the work of the expert group. Can I say that, for instance, Indonesia, we're revising— if Indonesia members of this technical expert group and then suddenly in the working group we would like to revise, there will be contradictory between the work of expert group and also the issue of working group, for instance? So there are so many issues, Madam Chair, that we think—


STSC · Chair [1:08:36]:

Thank you.


Indonesia [1:08:37]:

we need to discuss, but substantively we could support the importance of discussing this situation awareness, but unfortunately we see there is an issue, a procedural issue that we have to take— to think carefully. Thank you, Madam Chair.


STSC · Chair [1:08:54]:

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


Switzerland [1:09:03]:

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. SSA and space traffic is extremely important for Switzerland. Switzerland promotes transparency and information exchange in these areas. This is a topic for which COPUOS has a high-level mandate. Through the Pact for the Future, which asks COPUOS to find a framework to discuss this topic. We note with interest that there are several proposals, ideas on the table, one of them being discussing the topic in the framework of a new working group on the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. Then there's the more detailed proposal from the UAE, CRP 20, and we thank the delegation for that proposal. When it comes to Switzerland, we are of the view that it's important To find a way to work at expert level on the subcommittee so that concrete outcomes are produced. So we welcome the various proposals, and in particular, the idea to also continue discussions during the intersessional period upstream of COPUOS's session. This will be a way to see how the various proposals could be implemented and lead to concrete work at expert level with outcomes, ideally between now and— well, at least to have things set up by 2027 before Unispace 4. So we welcome the proposals and the idea to continue talking about it in the intersessional period. Thank you.


STSC · Chair [1:11:15]:

Thank you, distinguished representative of Switzerland, for the statement. I recognize the request for the floor from the distinguished representative of the United States. You have the floor.


United States of America [1:11:28]:

Thank you, Chair. I would just like to add my delegation's appreciation for the UAE proposal and the conversation that has taken place thus far. We really think that this is a way to help, you know, address some of the pressing challenges that we're facing and really utilize the convening power of COPUUS and build on its very substantive work, including things like establishment of expert groups, which really helps focus the conversation on substantive technical expertise, and it has a very successful track record in things like the LTE Working Group, space weather, et cetera. And I think based on the interventions we've heard today, I think this really seems to warrant additional conversations about where this may belong, what the terms of reference could be, how this may connect to LTS and the LTS Working Group. So I think we look forward to having additional conversations and subsequent COPUOS meetings on this and really look forward to finding a way ahead. Thank you very much.


STSC · Chair [1:12:28]:

Thank the distinguished representative from the United States for the statement. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Pakistan. You have the floor.


Pakistan [1:12:37]:

Thank you, Chair, and we welcome the proposal by UAE on this important topic that is very relevant. We just want to echo that we will remain engaged on the various questions raised by other delegations here and look forward to engage constructively and for a positive outcome for the better working that's strengthen COPUS and its subcommittees. Thank you.


STSC · Chair [1:13:01]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan for the statement. Are there— is there any other delegation wishes to take the floor at this stage on this agenda item? I understand that the distinguished representative from the UAE would like to take the floor.


United Arab Emirates [1:13:36]:

Madam Chair, we thank all delegations for their perspectives that were shared. The UAE is flexible. Our objective is not to seek immediate approval for the establishment of an expert group at this session. Instead, we seek to continue discussions during the intersessional period, allowing for further engagement and refinement of our approach on whatever convenient. We thank again all the delegations for the provided feedback and inputs. Thank you, Madam Chair.


STSC · Chair [1:14:07]:

I thank the distinguished representative from the United Arab Emirates. Distinguished delegates, do I take it that there is no objection that the United Arab Emirates withhold consultations in the intersessional period to further refine its proposal for a decision by the Committee at the 68th session? I see no objection.

India.

India, you have the floor.


India [1:14:42]:

Thank you, Madam Chair.

As per—

we have made interventions on the topic and we have suggested that it's— we need more time to discuss if the topics to be discussed separately, informally, and what are the mechanisms and etc. But this topic can always be discussed under the existing mechanism, that is the Working Group of Long-Term Sustainability.

Thank you.


STSC · Chair [1:15:17]:

Thank you. Distinguished Representative of Iran, you have the floor.


Iran (Islamic Republic of) [1:15:21]:

Thank you, Madam Chair, and I would like to add my voice to what our distinguished colleague from India mentioned. There is some procedural ambiguity in this issue. I think any delegation at any point of time can send an invitation and just present its views, but if we would like in this format just allow one delegation to convene this such sort of the consultation, whether it's informal or informal, so it needs to have some specific agenda item. So as rightly our distinguished colleague from India mentioned that Or not, but separately, I think UAE is fully like the other delegation to have its presentation information session at their own initiative. But under this specific body, we need some specific agenda item. And as I mentioned that due to our very broader relation with the UAE, we are very cooperative. In this issue, however, we have to stick to the procedure. Thank you.


STSC · Chair [1:17:01]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Iran. I recognize the request from from the distinguished representative of Japan. You have the floor.


Japan [1:17:10]:

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Since this is the first time for me to take the floor, I would like to express my. Our gratitude for the chairs and the secretariat of this conference for their devoted work. I'm a bit sorry for the delay to join the other delegation to express our views on the proposal of the UAE. First of all, we welcome the UAE's proposal. I think it's a very important topic. At the same time, I guess the the substantive work should have some kind of correlation with the LTC work. So, we need to sort out a little bit of what kind of work we can do and what kind of procedures should be there. So, we welcome further conversations on this matter. Thank you very much.

Thank you.


STSC · Chair [1:18:13]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Japan. I'd like to give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Germany. You have the floor.


Germany [1:18:26]:

Thank you, Madam Chair, and also thank you to the previous speakers, including the distinguished colleague from the Islamic Republic of Iran, for the comment. I just wanted to seek for clarification. It is our understanding that there would be a paragraph in the LTS report allowing for further discussions to happen under the LTS agenda item on this topic. Is that the case? Could you please confirm? And then is there also an option to go back to previous language that we had, for example, like on the Action Team on Lunar Activities consultation before it was established? There was an encouragement of the delegation proposing that action team, which was Romania back then. Would it be possible to have such a wording encouraging the United Arab Emirates to again present a refined proposal, which then could include language that is answering to the concerns that were expressed previously, and that this would be the basis for further discussions and change on the matter. Thank you.


STSC · Chair [1:19:50]:

I thank the distinguished delegate of Germany. I recognize the request for the floor from the distinguished delegate of Nigeria. You have the floor.


Nigeria [1:20:01]:

Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

While the delegation from Nigeria supports the proposal from the UAE, the delegation will also want to find out what the difference will be between the mandate of the Space Situational Awareness and that of the LTC.

The clearance or the explanation of the terms of reference for these 2 entities will further explain the rationale for supporting the SSA proposal. Thank you very much.


STSC · Chair [1:20:48]:

I thank the distinguished delegate of Nigeria. I would like to request delegations, and particularly the United Arab Emirates, to consult and to refine the proposal and hold further meetings, and we will get back on this matter later today. If there is no other delegation wishing— the distinguished delegate of the United States— United Kingdom, sorry.


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:21:41]:

Thank you, Chair. And to hopefully progress the discussion on expert groups and their value, Could we request that the Secretariat, Yanusa, maybe would circulate a paper on the history of expert groups and their formation and their structure and their use within the discussions here at maybe STSC and then also at LSE to provide that to delegations to provide that insight into how we've used them in the past and what they've been used for? Thank you.


STSC · Chair [1:22:13]:

Thank you. Thank you for the suggestion. The distinguished representative of Iran, you have the floor.


Iran (Islamic Republic of) [1:22:21]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. In line of what our distinguished colleague from the UK mentioned, may I request the Secretariat to provide also a separate paper in order to enlighten us about that, whether without having agenda item we can have consultation or not. So the core procedure, as I mentioned, the consultation needs to be under a specific agenda item. So whether there was any such incident in the past that there was an issue discussed without any agenda item under the title of the informal consultation, definitely there would be any sort of discussion without informal, informal, without any agenda item, but having a consultation, informal consultation without an agenda item, whether we had such a reference in the past or not. Thank you.


UNOOSA · Secretariat [1:23:32]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to first, I can respond to the questions raised by the distinguished delegate of Iran. Not specifically indicated as an agenda item such. For example, UniSpace 4 is one example. There was no specific agenda item which says holding of UniSpace 4 as such, but we actually ended up holding informal consultations, although it was indicated in the report of the committee that the consultations would be held on the proposal that was initially originally submitted by the Secretariat. Another example is, of course, again, it's— there's some relevance to one of the agenda items as such, but there was no specific agenda item of the lunar activities consultations, for example. So, the ATAC is also like the body established by the committee, but there was no specific agenda item as such. It was linked to the nature of all and the methods of work of the committee, but it is not a separate agenda item as indicated. And of course, it can hold informal consultations. Now, coming back to the question of the United Kingdom, the request for the Secretariat to produce like a note or a paper on expert groups, I wonder if the United Kingdom is asking the Secretariat to produce paper during this session or not, that would require some time, and I'm not entirely sure if we can do that in a matter of like a few hours from now. So I just want to just get back to the United Kingdom for the clarifications on the request that they have made.


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:25:16]:

Thank you to the Secretariat for responding to the request. From the United Kingdom's perspective, we're flexible in terms of timings. I think producing a paper or a note from the Secretariat, providing that insight into how expert groups have informed our work over previous sessions of SDSC or LSC, and potentially the structure of those expert groups and the type of experts that have been engaged, whether it's government experts, industry, or academia, and how that has supported our various agenda items in the past, would be very beneficial. So, we thank the Secretariat for taking action on, but as I said, we're flexible in terms of timings. We do think it would be beneficial to all distinguished delegates in the room. Thank you.


STSC · Chair [1:26:03]:

As for the distinguished delegate from the UK, I would like to give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Russian Federation.


Russian Federation [1:26:14]:

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. For giving my delegation the floor. We welcome colleagues' enthusiasm, really in line with the relevance of the topic brought up by the distinguished colleague from the UAE. We welcome the intention to organize professional and expert-level discussion of this matter. Even the idea of creation of the expert group itself is something we like. Our concern, though, is regarding the question as to whether or not the subcommittee can organize yet another platform for talks. Let's look at the work of the committee over these past 2 weeks. We had to work— if we were to do this, we would have to begin at 9:00 before the plenary. We did that for ATLAS. So, and then also for the working group regarding UNIFSPACE IV. The working group on LTS, just like the working group on NPS in outer space, were forced to mostly conduct informals during lunch. We're really pushing ourselves to the limit. So can we really afford to create yet another body? Today, several delegations proposed an expert group that could be created under the WG on LTS. It's a good idea, but what does it mean in practice? That these 2 bodies would meet in parallel, or that The Working Group on LTS is going to have to devote some of its time to the expert group. What would that look like in practice? We already don't have enough time for organizing discussions. Creating yet another body, it's going to make these invaluable resources even less accessible. So we really need to define how we would organize all of this and then agree on the establishment of a new structure.

Thank you.


STSC · Chair [1:28:37]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Russian Federation. I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. You have the floor.


Iran (Islamic Republic of) [1:28:45]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm sorry for taking the floor again, and what Mr. Kamyabidze just mentioned was pretty informative and I learned so much and I would like to thank her. However, the instances that the Secretariat mentioned had some relevance or reference to the past. UNISPACE IV was based on UNISPACE III, and ATLAS, to my knowledge— I was not here or involved when it was established— based on the Working Group, and now it's under the agenda item on the future of the work. Therefore, I think we need— and I believe that we can have a reference to some agenda item, but I take note of what Mr. Kemi mentioned. But I believe that what the other colleague mentioned, it's clearly mentioned that when we are ready to do that is when there is a consensus. But now, unfortunately, there is no consensus on this issue and it's not a matter of— I think we need to find another creative way to address this issue, and I think that the best way and the safest way is that the UAE just send an invitation. At any point of time, we are ready to attend those— that information meeting by UAE, but under the agenda item or under the title of the informal council. consultation or intersessional informal consultation, I think there will be some procedural and substantive challenges that may not do the service to the essence of that paper. Thank you.


STSC · Chair [1:30:52]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Iran. I recognize the request from the Spanish delegation. You have the floor.


Spain [1:31:03]:

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Our delegation wishes to recall our commitment to multilateralism, to effective multilateralism, and as such, we firmly believe that COP UOSCE and its 2 subcommittees are the only forum under the aegis of the United Nations in order to address in a cross-cutting manner all scientific, technical, and legal matters pertaining to the peaceful use of outer space. Convening informal consultations, expert group meetings, working group meetings, all of this undoubtedly helps to focus our debates, allowing us to further progress in the various areas of our program. Not organizing these informal consultations or meetings ultimately would mean that COPUOS would fail to undertake one of its basic purposes, which is to undertake a cross-cutting discussion of all of the peaceful uses of outer space. Thank you, Madam Chair.


STSC · Chair [1:32:10]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Spain. I'd like to give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Germany.


Germany [1:32:33]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. And listening to the statements that have been made before, I think we all see that we do not have consensus on like a paragraph of the subcommittee noted, but maybe we have heard from other delegations in this room that it would be useful to have a revised proposal by the UAE, including potential language on how the way forward could be with the LTS working group. And I think this is something that the UAE will— we have to wait for the UAE to confirm, but discuss with the Indian delegation as well to see on how we could appropriately address this. But for this, we need more time, and this needs to be discussed. So, I would like to come back to my proposal to include language in the report saying that we encourage the United Arab Emirates to revise their proposal and to hold meetings or to offer meetings. And as our distinguished colleague from the Islamic Republic of Iran said, it's up to the UAE, of course, to send us invitations for these meetings, and the same could happen also at the plenary session in June, like it happened this year at the SDSC, so they could organize meetings again. We could come together and then see how we can progress with this proposal. But my proposal would be to really include language on encouraging the UAE for this way forward so that we have a basis to come back to the discussions in June.


STSC · Chair [1:34:11]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Germany for the suggestion. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. You have the floor.


Russian Federation [1:34:25]:

Thank you very much, Madam Chair, for giving me this floor again. Allow me to fully agree with what was said by the distinguished colleague from the delegation of Spain. Indeed, such that our subcommittee should be effective, what we would need is to focus more on professional and lively expert-level discussions on those topics which are most pressing today. And for that reason, perhaps together we should think about how we might reduce time that we spend on plenary discussions, that is, spend less time on making our national statements on the 15 agenda items. We could do that in writing, and in that manner each delegation would disseminate their statement in writing, as is already done, and then we could spend more time on the work of expert groups and the working mechanisms which actually bring us significant tangible outcomes. Thank you.


STSC · Chair [1:35:23]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of the United States. You have the floor.


United States of America [1:35:33]:

Thank you, Chair. I would like to just agree with the statements made by the German delegation about a potential path forward on this. I would also note that I think furthering these discussions would be important. I think sometimes we find ourselves falling into the trap of discussing about discussing, and while the procedural aspects are obviously very important, one of the foundational aspects of this committee, we still need to have these substantive engagements to try to move some of this work ahead. So I really hope that we are able to find that. Thank you.


STSC · Chair [1:36:02]:

I thank the distinguished delegate from the United States for the statement. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Indonesia. You have the floor.


Indonesia [1:36:10]:

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I'm sorry for taking the floor again. Well, to be honest, for us, these delegations is quite concerned because the process, it seems like there are some debates in the discussion. Well, actually, UAE is quite flexible, as he mentioned many times, is quite flexible. But it seems like there are 2 poles here debating each other. So in our view, there should be middle ground. And we would like to suggest again, UAE, to think about how to find the middle ground, taking into account all the suggestions, questions, and also concerns from all member states, not only from one side but also from many, many kinds of considerations. Secondly, we also would like to second the statement and suggestion by distinguished delegation of Germany, but we would like to add some words as he proposed after the sentence he said, we also would like to add as followings, and taking into account the questions and also concerns of some delegations, including questions on the modalities, inter alia procedural issues, mandate, TOR, and probably they can also provide us with the roadmap, what actually they are going to discuss in the short term, middle term, or long term. Thank you.


STSC · Chair [1:37:47]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative from the United Arab Emirates. You have the floor.


United Arab Emirates [1:37:56]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. We invite for further discussions on procedures and mechanisms and look forward for constructive discussion. Thank you.


STSC · Chair [1:38:25]:

I thank the distinguished representative from the UAE. Next speaker on my list Is the distinguished delegate from the United Kingdom— you have the floor.


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:38:41]:

Thank you, Chair, and we welcome the discussions we've had this morning about bringing technical discussions and expert-level discussions back to our discussions here at the SDSC. I think what we would like to see, and we've We've seen some constructive proposals so far in terms of how we better manage our time, why we come out to Vienna to have these discussions, and where we bring experts to join in these discussions. So we hope that there may be elements that the Secretariat may take back to some of the reform proposals as part of our future method of work. Moving forward, and on the artistic boost delegates from the UAE, we support the need for ongoing discussions regarding their proposal, and we will look forward to being part of those. Thank you, Chair.


STSC · Chair [1:39:32]:

I thank the distinguished representative from the United Kingdom. We have had a very useful discussion, and I thank delegates for their views. We have exhausted the list of participants, and therefore we propose to suspend the item We now close this item and proceed with consideration of item 11. Distinguished delegates, I'd now like to continue our consideration of agenda item 11, future role and method of work of the committee, pending the discussions in the working group. First speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Argentina. You have the floor.


Argentina [1:40:17]:

Madam Chair, once again the Subcommittee of Scientific and Technical Affairs has a lengthy agenda of items to address, technical presentations and a broad range of both formal and informal meetings of working groups inter alia. The rapid developments of technology and of space activity and the increasing growth of new space actors, both governmental as well as non-governmental, make it necessary to respond to the rapid progress made and challenges related to space, striking a balance between scientific and technology— technological progress with safety and sustainability of space for present and future generations, as well as the sustainability for peaceful purposes. We reaffirm that the committee and its subcommittee must remain the forum in order to continue these discussions, develop approaches both from the scientific and technical angle as well as from the regulatory viewpoint. Given that a number of items are already addressed in both subcommittees or are intrinsically linked to one another, measures should be implemented in order to ensure an active interrelationship and communication between both subcommittees. As such, my delegation is of the view that we should consider the reasonableness of opening working groups, expert groups, or action groups in order to avoid potential overlap with existing groups, which could ultimately lead to a dispersal of efforts or an inefficient use of human resources, economic, technical resources, and of time. Turning to time management, while some improvements have been made possible by clustering some of the agenda's items, We do feel that this is an area that can be further improved upon in order to avoid double-booking meetings held outside of the official daily sessions. While it is useful to convene informal meetings, in some cases it can mean spending more than 9 hours in ongoing meetings. This is particularly difficult for smaller delegations or delegations which do not have support teams in place. Able to bring in members from capitals in order to attend meetings that are taking place at the same time but in different rooms, which ultimately undermines the productive, constructive, and inclusive work carried out within the committee. Distinguished delegates and representatives, we commend Madam Ulpia Elena Bottizatu of Romania and Mr. Hassan Abbas of Pakistan for recently assuming their positions as the co-chairs of the Task Force on Lunar Activity, ATLAC, and rest assured you have our full support. We take note with keen interest of the ongoing interest in this matter in this forum, given that emerging challenges related to dark and quiet skies, astronomy, and large constellations are included as an agenda item. The Republic of Argentina is not only a nation with satellite space programs in place but equally has an extensive history in astronomical themes with a territory with peerless regions for astronomical observation, which has given rise to numerous international cooperation agreements. In the same vein, in October 2024, Argentina hosted the 6th RFI Conference in the city of Bariloche, which was attended by 116 participants of 19 nations of all continents. Here, matters pertaining to the radioelectric spectrum, radio frequency interferences were addressed both from the scientific as well as from the regulatory angle in discussions as to the impact on radio astronomy, meteorology, and remote sensing. Representatives of the Argentinian Space Agency, CONAE, alongside the representative of SKAO, discussed emerging challenges related to dark and quiet skies from the scientific and technical and regulatory viewpoints. Finally, our delegation is closely following discussions on the convening of Unispace 4 in 2027 in the preparation for the 70th COPUOS session and the 60th anniversary of the Outer Space Treaty. And we shall continue to follow discussions in this regard and are grateful to the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs for information that it can provide to us through its distinguished director in order to carry out a detailed analysis of organizational, budgetary, and programmatic aspects. Thank you.


STSC · Chair [1:44:56]:

Distinguished representative of Argentina for her statement. Next speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Egypt. We have suspended our consideration of Agenda Item 11, Future Role and Method of Work of the Committee, pending the discussions in the Working Group. I'd now like to begin and hopefully suspend our consideration of Agenda Item 16, Draft Provisional Agenda for the 63rd Session of the Subcommittee, pending the discussions in the Working Group of the whole. I would like to inform delegates that the Secretariat has informed me that the 63rd Session of the Subcommittee has been scheduled to be held from 2nd to 13th of February 2026. I have no speakers on my list. Uh, is there any delegation wishing to take the floor under this item of the agenda? I see none. We have suspended our consideration of agenda item 16, draft provisional agenda for the 63rd session of the subcommittee, pending the discussions in the working group of the whole. We will now suspend the plenary meeting so that the working group on the long-term sustainability of outer space activities can hold its 3rd meeting. Following the adjournment of the working group meeting, we will then resume the I now close the plenary with a view to proceeding with technical presentations.


Speaker 78 [1:46:49]:

Thank you.


STSC · Chair [1:56:58]:

Distinguished delegates, I now turn to proceed with technical presentations. The first presentation on my list is on UAE Space Data Center Space Analytics and Solutions Program by the representative of the United Arab Emirates. You have the floor.


Farman · CEO · Ali Al Hammadi [1:57:25]:

Distinguished guests, salaam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. My name is Ali Al Hammadi, CEO of Farman. An Emirati startup that combines satellite data and imagery, AI, and remote sensing to provide actionable insight for smart cities and environmental monitoring. It's an honor to be here today representing Farmen under the oversight of the UAE Space Agency to discuss how space-based technologies are transforming environmental monitoring and geospatial intelligence. As Foreman, we are fortunate to work closely with the UAE Space Agency, who leads several strategic space programs. Among them, the Space Analytics and Solutions Program, SAS, is the one we are most aligned with. The SAS program provides access to funding, satellite imagery, and technical support. Using our technical expertise, we can transform them into actionable insights. Now, it goes without saying how space technologies has been transformational in saving our environment. And I'm here today because I believe we all share a common concern for the future of our planet. The global warming continues to challenge us, and 2 major culprits, methane and carbon dioxide, are the ones to blame.

And the good news is that we have the tools to address this.

Now, we often hear about carbon dioxide, but we often less hear about its younger brother, methane. Like any younger brother, it's more dangerous. In fact, methane is 85 times more potent over a 20-year period. Yet detecting and tracking these gases is no easy feat. Traditional methods are expensive, slow, and don't always provide the full picture. Many systems rely on estimates and often lag behind reality, which is why accurate and timely data is so crucial. Now, imagine a system that not only captures the broad picture but also allows us to zoom in with pinpoint accuracy. In collaboration with the UAE Space Data Center, we have developed a multi-tiered approach, leveraging satellite data to track emissions at different levels. Country levels is the first level. And at this level, we are tracking overall trends, mapping out regions of concern, and observing the impact of national policies. We can highlight shifts in emissions across entire countries. We then narrow our focus to urban areas. This is crucial for identifying hotspots, those industrial and residential areas where emissions over 10,000 kilograms are having the biggest impact. Cities are often the key to driving change, and this level of detail supports targeted local policy. Zooming even further, we monitor specific sites like factories, power plants, and landfills, capturing emissions as small as 1,000 kilograms per hour. This allows for site-specific intervention and more granular understanding of sources. All of these are already rolled out. We are now working on the final, most refined analysis Which is our source level, which will allow us to detect emissions as low as 100 kilograms per hour. Whether it is a small industrial leak or minor agricultural source, we can pinpoint it, track it, and help mitigate it quickly. And here is the best part. Much of this is based on open-source data, making it both scalable and accessible. This means we are breaking down barriers to comprehensive GHG monitoring. Now, how does it work? How do we actually detect these gases from space? It's all about wavelength absorption. Now imagine a banana. It looks yellow because it absorbs all other colors and reflects only yellow. Methane and carbon dioxide similarly have unique colors, or what we call spectral signature, that we can detect using satellite imagery. Of course, water can absorb many of these wavelengths, as we can see here from the graph, which makes offshore detection quite tricky. But we have developed ways to minimize interferences and focus on accurate measurements. Our model starts with reliable local data and leverages global datasets. We factor in population density, vegetation, and industrial activities. As well as other relevant regional factors such as meteorological variables, wind, dust, and humidity, all critical components to ensure the accuracy of our detections. Our system is validated with over 90% accuracy across different scales and regions. We are confident that our approach is both effective and reliable, providing accurate data that stakeholders can act upon. Here is a visual example, the Arabian Peninsula. Over the years, we have monitored increasing level of methane and CO2, and it's clear we can see more yellow over the years, which means more emission. This regional data allows us to track long-term trends and evaluate the effectiveness of international policies. If we zoom in, We look at specific cities, industrial zones, and higher-density residential areas, which tend to show higher concentrations, as we can see in the examples here in Dubai and Qatar. This detailed analysis empowers urban planners to focus mitigation efforts where they will have greater impact, saving both time and resources. Now, of course, we can go even further to site level. Here is a case study of a refinery we monitored. We can see the usual methane, but here is a sudden spike in methane emission, a probable leak. Thanks to continuous observation and the work on the, on the ground, we tracked the anomaly, allowing for a quick intervention. Which we are thankful for them. This targeted approach not only addresses the immediate problem, but provides long-term insight to prevent future incidents. So why are we discussing this here today, and how is this related for global space governance? One, cost-effectiveness and scalability. Satellites provide affordable near real-time monitoring compared to ground-based inspection and drone inspections. Second, customizable detection levels from global to site-specific precision. Third, early detection, reducing response time and economic losses through this methodology. Fourth, predictive analytics. We can anticipate and mitigate future emission spikes based on trends. And of course, most importantly, because of the policy and support, government can shape stronger environmental policy using real data and actionable data. Now, all of this is great because it can allow us to go on a global impact. In fact, by a study of IEA, if we can reduce 75% of methane leaks, which is possible through this technology, we can cut up to 60 million metric tons of methane emissions and CO2 equivalent, which is equivalent to $5 billion in savings. By leveraging space-based GHG monitoring, we can turn data into action, enabling a cleaner, faster, and more sustainable future. Thank you a lot for having me here today and for your time. Here is our details, email and QR code. Please feel free to reach out, and I look forward to further discussions. Thank you.


STSC · Chair [2:05:50]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Arab Emirates for the presentation. Second presentation on my list is Green in Space Manufacturing by the representative of China. You have the floor.


Beijing Spacecraft Manufacturing [2:06:29]:

Thank you. Honorable Chairman and distinguished delegates, thank you for the opportunity to present at this UN Coupos session on sustainable space development. Today, on behalf of Beijing Spacecraft Manufacturing, a subsidiary of the China Academy of Space Technology, I'm honored to share China's commitment and practices in promoting green space manufacturing. Let us explore how sustainable innovation can build a shared future for human space exploration. BNC, as a core force in China's aerospace sector, specializing in spacecraft manufacturing and green technology applications, Aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, we are committed to promoting international cooperation through green innovation and knowledge sharing. From China's first satellite to the lunar exploration project, BSA has created many historical achievements. Today, we are leading the industry in sustainability development. We have been recognized as a national green factory in China and a leader in industrial carbon achievement in China. We believe that aerospace excellence and environmental protection can go hand in hand. My sharing will go from the following 4 parts. The first part is green and sustainable principles. In this part, we will share our foundational vision. And the second part is global trends and shared challenges. In this part, we will share a call for collective actions. And in the third part— Is China's exploration and best practices. In this part, we will share open solutions for global partners. And finally is the future vision. Here we will share towards a sustainable space ecosystem. In the green and sustainable parts, you know, sustainability space development requires full life cycle management, green manufacturing, responsibility resource utilization and how carbon operations. At BIC, we integrate the Green+ framework, combining smart design, renewable energy, and lifecycle management to minimize environmental impact while maximizing mission success. And also, you know, global trends call for smarter Cleaner solutions, AI driving automation, eco-materials, and renewable energy. This is not only a technical change, but also the way to address cross-nation challenges such as climate change and orbital debris.


Speaker 83 [2:10:00]:

Hi.


Beijing Spacecraft Manufacturing [2:10:04]:

Energy consumption, toxic processes, and recycling inefficiencies remain critical challenges. These challenges require global standards, technology sharing, and multilateral cooperation— goals we are calling for through this forum. To build a sustainable aerospace ecosystem, BIC adopts a 3-pillar strategy: green standards, circular production systems, and cross-sector partnerships. This aligns with the UN's goals for inclusive and resilient industrial Our green strategy combines intelligent R&D, data-driven governance, and international certification systems. We are willing to build standards with our global partners to ensure both competitiveness and sustainability. Global partners. Reduce waste by production. Automation is revolutionizing production. From robotic arms to AI quality control, PNC's innovations reduce waste by 40% and energy use by 25%, a testament to technology's role in achieving SDGs. Orbit 3D printing enables in-situ manufacturing, slashing weight and emissions. Image constructing lunar bases with local materials. This is not science fiction, but a near-term goal we can achieve together. All production-related information is collected through the circulation of the 3D design model during production, and eventually the product data package is formed and delivered together. With physical products to realize paperless development. Replacing outdated methods with laser cutting and friction stirring welding reduces pollution by 60%. Such innovations prove that Sustainability and efficiencies are mutually reinforcing. BSE's transition to solar and wind energy cuts carbon emissions by 35%, or smart grids and real-time monitoring platforms exemplify how clean energy can power industrial growth. Regarding the future vision, you know, future mega constellations require scalable green solutions, automated production lines, and AI-driven logistics will redefine efficiency, ensuring space development benefits all humanity. Digital enterprise leverages data to optimize entire process, and from additive manufacturing to carbon footprint tracking, transparency and accountability will guide our journey. Mass production requires a balance between efficiency and sustainability. Standardized, precise, and closed-loop systems ensure quality while protecting our planet, a model that can be replicated globally. In situ manufacturing using lunar regolith and solar energy will reduce dependence on Earth's resources. This is not just a technology leap forward. But our commitment to intergenerational quality in space exploration. The Earth is our only home. Let's work together to promote green aerospace manufacturing guided by the principles of the United Nations. BSA is ready to work with all countries to innovate share knowledge, and contribute to our sustainable future. Together, we can turn the vastness of space into a realm of shared prosperity. Thank you.


STSC · Chair [2:17:00]:

I thank the distinguished representative of China for the presentation. Third presentation on my is on recognizing cultural heritage as part of new guidelines for the long-term sustainability of outer space activities by the Observer for, for All Mankind. You have the floor.


For All Mankind · President · Michelle Hanlon [2:17:20]:

Thank you, Chair, distinguished delegates and representatives. My name is Michelle Hanlon. I'm a space lawyer and educator. I teach space law at the University of Mississippi in the United States. I'm also the co-founder and president of For All Mankind. Next slide, please. Ours is the only organization in the world focused on and committed to protecting human cultural heritage in outer space. We are an entirely volunteer, nonprofit, non-governmental organization with hundreds of volunteers— lawyers, scientists, engineers, and policymakers from every inhabited continent. We encourage the development of reasonable and practical protocols, a treaty even, that will balance development and preservation and include systems to select, manage, and study relevant cultural heritage artifacts and sites in space. In so doing, we seek to promote the exploration and utilization of space and its resources in a stable, sustainable, and successful manner. Next slide, please. Delegates, in 2019— next slide, please. Thank you. In 2019, this committee adopted the preamble and 21 guidelines for the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. What an achievement! At the time, the committee also agreed to establish a new working group tasked with, among other things, identifying and studying challenges and considering possible new guidelines for the long-term long-term sustainability of outer space activities. This working group, in its draft final report, identifies as challenges, first, ensuring that all nations, including emerging spacefaring nations, enjoy inclusive participation in space activities, and second, the implementation of operational and technological measures of self-restraint to state space activities in order to prevent adverse development in space. It recommends forming an expert group to discuss possible thematic areas or potential new guidelines, including the sustainability of deep space missions like lunar missions. Next slide, please. We fully support the recommendations. Regardless, discussion must commence, perhaps within the ATLAC, as recently suggested by both Poland and the United Kingdom, to understand and address the mechanics and mechanisms of identifying and protecting culturally significant sites and artifacts on the Moon and beyond. Addressing the recognition and protection of heritage offers 2 distinct opportunities. First, it provides a unifying purpose and builds inclusivity among spacefaring and emerging spacefaring nations by recognizing cross-cultural— Thank you. Contributions to human space exploration. And second, it alleviates reliance on self-restraint, as the development of best practices, even rules, for protecting heritage sites can become a foundational framework for the implementation of best practices for all lunar and space activities. Let me reiterate, we are deeply appreciative of Poland and the UK's suggestion to include preservation of lunar heritage as a new area of activity of the ATLAS and hope that this presentation will convince other distinguished delegates to support the need to address the protection of cultural heritage in space, especially now as we see other UN entities and private NGOs like IKEMOS seeking to implement regulation of space activities on their own. Next slide, please. Distinguished delegates, I don't need to impress on this body the fact that many, many missions are planned for the Moon in coming years. One of the greatest challenges we face is balancing multiple use cases, including resource extraction, needs of astronomy and science, mitigating the effects of lunar ejecta, and of course the protection of historic sites. Next slide, please. What this body may not realize is that there are more 115 sites on the Moon which contain artifacts memorializing humanity's quest to reach for the stars and explore the universe, starting with our closest neighbor, the Moon. From Luna 2 to Apollo 11 to Chang'e 4 and Chandrayaan-3, to the wheel tracks left by Chinese, Russian, Indian, Japanese, and American rovers, to the boot prints left by the first humans on the Moon. Next slide. It is a stunning display of achievement. We invite you to explore these sites, which are cataloged for posterity on our For All Mankind Moon Registry. Next slide. Protecting heritage while advancing development is not actually a new challenge. It is an ongoing one. In the 1950s, Egypt determined that in order to promote and accelerate the industrialization and modernization of its economy, it needed to harness the power of the Nile River. The Aswan High Dam would result in the creation of a vast lake which would assure the obliteration of 3,000-year-old temples and monuments, footprints of an ancient civilization known as Nubia. Next slide, please. Egypt turned to the international community. The international community did not prevent development. Instead, it implemented what has been called the greatest archaeological rescue of all time. More than $80 million were raised from 50 nations. Hundreds of sites were excavated and memorialized. And then, uh, 5 experts from 5 continents convened to develop and then implement strategies to relocate 22 temples and architectural complexes. Some of them were moved to higher ground brick by brick. Next slide, please. The International Rescue Nubia campaign will be numbered among the few major attempts made in our lifetime by the nations to assume their common responsibility towards the past so as to move forward in a spirit of brotherhood towards the future. Next slide, please. As Egyptian President Anwar al-Sadat noted at the time, the success we are celebrating today It gives us concrete evidence that when people work together for a good cause, they can achieve miracles. We have joined hands in saving an ancient civilization, so let us join hands to save the future of all peoples by strengthening peace. Next slide, please. The Nubia Campaign created the foundation for an International Convention on World Heritage. The convention builds upon the sense of kinship with one another as part of a single global community. Next slide, please. Our journeys to the Moon and other celestial bodies represent the work and innovation from countless people over generations. The signs of human activity that now lie on the lunar surface are evidence of a technologically advanced, intelligent civilization. They tell a story of science, technology, and culture and serve to capture the imagination. And they memorialize the work of millions of scientists and engineers throughout human history and across cultures who studied or endeavored to reach the stars. Next slide, please. The sites are also an archaeologist's dream. They are frozen in time, undisturbed by wind or rain, and untouched by any other human or any other living organism. mechanism since. Next slide, please. Distinguished delegates, it is without question that the decisions made today with respect to the protection of humankind's cultural heritage in outer space will have far-reaching implications for all humanity for generations. Protecting cultural heritage in outer space serves as a foundation for consensus building. Perched on this rare threshold threshold, we urge you to recognize the extraordinary opportunity and profound responsibility you have to shape a future that sees all of humanity benefiting from the vast possibilities offered by outer space. The future starts with the acknowledgment that the recognition and safeguarding of cultural heritage must be included in developing legal frameworks for lunar and space governance. Next slide, please. Distinguished delegates, this is our Nubia moment, but it will not require $80 million. It will require consultation, transparency, and sharing of best practices. It requires the commitment of this body to accept the heavy mantle of responsibility to protect these sites, which are so exceptional as to transcend boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future generations of all humanity. It will not be easy, but that is not why we go to space. Next slide, please. Distinguished delegates, in Laetoli, Tanzania, evidentiary traces of the first time humans stood on 2 feet are recognized as human heritage. Celebrated for their universal value and well protected, they mark a universal achievement, an accomplishment without which we would not have evolved into a species that has reached the moon. It's time to accord our cultural heritage on the moon and elsewhere in outer space the same level of respect. Distinguished delegates, we do not have the luxury of turning a blind eye to the history which is strewn on the lunar surface. Remember, when people work together for a good cause, miracles can happen. We have joined hands to save the memories of humanity. Let us join hands now to save the future of humanity by strengthening the kinship that builds peace. To succeed, this effort must start with COPUSS. It starts with you, and we at For All Mankind stand ready to support. Thank you for your kind attention.


STSC · Chair [2:27:13]:

I thank the distinguished observer for For All Mankind for the presentation. The 4th presentation on my list is on integrating culture, commerce, and collaboration Collaboration for Sustainable Space Exploration by the observer for the National Space Society. You have the floor.


NSS · Board Director · Chantal Byer [2:27:35]:

Sustainable Space Exploration: Integrating Culture, Commerce, and Collaboration. I'm Chantal Byer, and I sit as a board of director and represent the National Space Society. As well as our Director of the Creative Art Committee. Distinguished delegates, esteemed colleagues, and honored guests, it is a privilege to stand before you today as we discuss one of the most critical frontiers of our time, sustainable space exploration. As humanity expands beyond Earth, we face an urgent question: how can we ensure that our pursuit of the universe does not repeat these mistakes of our past, but instead builds a future of balance, inclusivity, and responsibility. Sustainability in space is not just an environmental imperative; it is an economic necessity, a cultural opportunity, and a moral obligation. We must create a future where economic growth, environmental preservation, and cultural inclusion coexist. Not only on Earth, but beyond. Today, we define sustainability in space. We must look beyond short-term missions and resource extraction. A truly sustainable space economy must minimize environmental harm, preventing debris, limiting ecological impact, And ensuring responsible resource utilization. We must foster economic longevity, building business models that prioritize long-term ecological and financial viability. We must honor cultural heritage, ensuring that space remains a domain for all of humanity, reflecting our shared history and aspirations. We are not merely exploring space. As we explore space, we are shaping a new civilization beyond Earth. As we do, we must ask, what legacy will we leave? Sustainability is not just about survival. It is about identity, heritage, and meaning. Throughout history, culture and creativity have defined civilizations. Space should be no different. Imagine a future where art, literature, and design inspire responsible space exploration. From Jeff Koons' moon phase sculptures to installations that remind us of our shared humanity that exist on the Moon today, commemorating 125 historical figures that connect us to the Moon. Cultural artifacts such as that music and narratives accompanying missions, that we ensure expansion does not lose touch with what makes us human. Diverse voices shape space policies and missions, from Indigenous wisdom on resource stewardship to contemporary artists imagining futures beyond consumption-driven Expansion. If we treat space as nothing more than a resource, we reduce its potential. But if we integrate culture and creativity, we unlock a new kind of sustainability, one that preserves both nature and human spirit. While commerce is often seen as a driver of exploitation, It can also be a force for good if built with sustainability in mind. For instance, we have satellite mega constellations that must be designed with deorbiting mechanisms to prevent dangerous orbital debris. We have resource utilization on the moon and asteroids that must prioritize minimal impact, much like the principles of sustainable mining on Earth. Business models must shift from extraction to regeneration, ensuring that every commercial venture contributes positively to the space environment. We have this opportunity to set a new economic precedent, one where profit and planet are not at odds but mutually reinforcing. History has taught us what happens when development outpaces responsibility. We have seen environmental degradation, resource depletion, and economic short-termism drive unsustainable practices on Earth. We cannot afford to replicate these mistakes in space. We need to look at renewable energy initiatives We can develop closed-loop systems for energy generation on the Moon and Mars. Let's look at our circular economies. We can ensure that material use in space is, is repurposed and reused. Conservation strategies. We can designate protected zones in space for science research and cultural heritage. Sustainability is not the responsibility of one nation or one company. It's a global endeavor. To ensure our collective future is secured, we must establish international guidelines for responsible resource use. We must foster public-private partnerships to integrate sustainability into commercial space We must promote cross-disciplinary collaboration between governments, industry, artists, and environmentalists to create a holistic approach to space exploration. Only through unity can we shape a future where commerce, culture, and conservation work in harmony. Innovation will define the next phase of sustainable space exploration. Emerging solutions already show promise, such as self-cleaning satellites that reduce debris, orbital zoning policies that protect key areas for scientific research, art and storytelling as tools for advocacy mobilizing global awareness for responsible space policies. When we apply creativity to sustainability, we not only solve problems, we inspire solutions. As we conclude, let us reflect on what we do collectively and individually to ensure that our expansion into space is not just sustainable, but visionary. Let's recognize the intersection of culture, commerce, and sustainability as not just an economic venture, but a human one. Let's incorporate diverse voices into space policy, from artists to environmental scientists, from economics to Indigenous leaders. Let's support practical sustainable frameworks, whether through regulatory policies, business innovations, or collaborative projects. And the most important, I call on all international stakeholders— governments, corporations, and cultural institutions alike— to prioritize sustainability in all future space policies. To develop collaborative projects that integrate art, culture, and commerce, that champion a new era of responsibility in space exploration. We stand at the threshold of history. Let us ensure that the legacy we leave on Earth and beyond is one of wisdom, responsibility, and hope. Thank you.


STSC · Chair [2:36:22]:

I thank the distinguished observer from the National Space Society for the presentation. Distinguished delegates, I will shortly adjourn this meeting. Before doing so, I would like to inform delegates of our schedule of work for this afternoon. We will meet promptly at 3 PM. We will then suspend the plenary meeting so that the Working Group on the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space and the Working Group of the Whole can meet with a view to adopting their respective reports. After the meeting of the working groups, we will convene the plenary. There will be 4 technical presentations this afternoon. Delegates are reminded that the full schedule of technical presentations presentations is available on the sessions webpage. I'd like to inform delegates that the informal consultations on the Working Group on the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities will have an additional informal conference in Conference Room M3 from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM. I'd like to inform you that there will be a side event starting at 1:00 PM in Room M2 entitled Space Solutions for Disaster Management, co-organized by Austria, Germany, and the Office for Outer Space Affairs. All delegations are invited. The schedule of side events is available on the webpage of the session. Are there any questions or comments on this proposed schedule? Italy.


Italy [2:37:55]:

Thank you very much, Madam Chair, and no questions on— or comments on this schedule, but just a question for for tomorrow and the day after to understand when we will be ready to start the adoption of the report of the subcommittee.

If you could please indicate to us how we will proceed.

Thank you.


STSC · Chair [2:38:17]:

Thank you for the question. According to the agenda, the adoption of the report should start in the afternoon session. However, my intention is if we finish our work to actually start the adoption of the report in the morning. We will see how it goes. Are there any other questions or comments? I see none. Distinguished delegates, this meeting is adjourned until 3 PM today.