The COPUOS Working Group on Long Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities

Paper number

IAC-11,E3,4,2,x11666

Author

Dr. Peter Martinez, National Research Foundation (NRF), South Africa

Year

2011

Abstract

In June 2009, the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) decided to form a Working Group on the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities under the aegis of its Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC). 
This Working Group was established formally by the STSC in February 2010 under the Chairmanship of the author.

The Working Group will study the various dimensions of space activities that impact on the long-term sustainability of those activities and will produce a report and a set of best practices guidelines to promote the safe and sustainable utilisation of the Earth's space environment.

Although States bear international responsibility for space activities,non-governmental actors are playing an increasingly important role in the development of the space arena. This talk will describe the progress that has been made under this agenda item in COPUOS and will propose ways in which non-governmental entities, such as the IAF, can contribute to the progress of such discussions.

Abstract document

IAC-11,E3,4,2,x11666.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

(absent)