COPUOS Simulation Workshop Results from the 2018 ISU Space Studies Program

Paper number

IAC-18,D3,1,3,x45020

Author

Mr. Pascal H. Kringe, Germany, International Space University (ISU)

Coauthor

Mr. Julian Fischer, Germany, International Space University (ISU)

Coauthor

Ms. Hashmita Koka, United States, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Coauthor

Mr. Tuva Atasever, Turkey

Coauthor

Prof. Christopher Johnson, United States, Secure World Foundation

Coauthor

Prof. Andrea Harrington, United States, Air University

Coauthor

Mr. Dillon O'Reilly, Ireland

Year

2018

Abstract

In light of the expanding robotic and the impending crewed exploration and settlement of the Moon, participants at the International Space University's (ISU) 2018 Space Studies Program (SSP) held in Delft, Netherlands, will act as governmental delegations at the United Nations to create a draft text representing a new international treaty for a Moon Village. This is the sixth year the ISU SSP has conducted this Treatymaking COPUOS Workshop, done in conjunction with the SSP's Space Policy, Economics, and Law (PEL) and Humanities (HUM) departments. Participants historically have been able to more fully understand the tensions in international space policy when they must adopt them as their own. 

Set in 2029, this workshop features some nations with ambitious plans for lunar colonization, while others intend to commercially mine the moon’s rich mineral resources. The majority of delegations to the UN, however, hold fast the provisions of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, whose Article II mandates that {\it “outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means."} Can these tensions be resolved in a single treaty for Mars? 

This paper will present the findings of the ISU SSP participants, including their impressions and lessons learned from the simulation of an international intergovernmental negotiation and related workshop experiences. Lessons learned will be incorporated with the ongoing work of the Moon Village Association (MVA) Cooperation and Coordination Working Group.

Abstract document

IAC-18,D3,1,3,x45020.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-18,D3,1,3,x45020.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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