UN COPUOS Side Events: A Glimpse into the Future of Space

The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) convened in Vienna, Austria, in June 2024, hosting a series of side events dedicated to the advancement and responsible use of outer space. These events, organized by various countries, international organizations, and partnerships, shed light on the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in the realm of space exploration, technology, and its impact on sustainable development.

Thursday, 20 June 2024

The first day of side events featured a diverse range of topics, showcasing the global interest in harnessing the potential of space.

• "Saudi Towards Space: Igniting the Space Sector" presented Saudi Arabia's ambitious plans and strategies to foster growth in its space sector.
• "Latest developments in space debris mitigation and remediation" highlighted the urgent need to address the growing problem of space debris, which poses a significant threat to the safety and sustainability of space activities. This joint side event, organized by Japan and the Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA), provided insights into cutting-edge technologies and international collaborations aimed at mitigating and remediating space debris.
• "Sustainable Lunar Environment: Challenges and Opportunities" explored the scientific, technical, and legal challenges and opportunities associated with the exploration and utilization of the Moon. This joint side event, organized by the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), the International Astronomical Union (IAU), For All Moonkind, and the Moon Village Association (MVA), provided a platform for discussions on responsible lunar exploration and the development of sustainable lunar settlements.
• "The Italian Spaceway: Towards the International Astronautical Congress 2024, Milan" presented Italy's contributions to the global space community and highlighted its role in hosting the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2024 in Milan. The side event featured a musical program, showcasing the cultural and artistic aspects of space exploration.
• "The European Union Space Programme and the Implementation of the SDGs: Key Highlights of Copernicus Regional Centers in Chile, Panama, and the Philippines" focused on the European Union's space program and its contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through Copernicus Regional Centers in Chile, Panama, and the Philippines.
• "Panel discussion: preserving Dark and Quiet Skies - Responsible Behaviour for Science and Development" addressed the growing concern of light pollution and its impact on astronomical observations and the night sky's natural beauty. This joint side event, organized by the Permanent Missions of Chile and Spain, brought together experts from various institutions to discuss solutions for preserving dark and quiet skies for scientific research and the enjoyment of future generations.

Friday, 21 June 2024

The second day of side events continued to explore the multifaceted aspects of space exploration and its impact on society.

• "Empowering Africa: Leveraging Space Technologies for Development" focused on the potential of space technologies to drive economic growth and social progress in Africa. This side event, organized by South Africa, highlighted the role of space technologies in addressing challenges such as poverty, food security, and climate change.
• "Space Situational Awareness Activities and Global Coordination" emphasized the importance of global cooperation in monitoring and managing space objects to ensure the safety and security of space activities. The side event, organized by the United States, addressed the need for a comprehensive space situational awareness system to track and predict the movements of space objects, including space debris, and prevent collisions.
• "Sustainability of space activities: a perspective from the French space industry" provided insights into the French space industry's commitment to sustainable space exploration and its contributions to international efforts to ensure the long-term viability of space activities. This side event highlighted the importance of responsible space practices and the need for a global framework for sustainable space governance.

Saturday, 22 June 2024

The weekend saw a focus on interregional collaboration and funding opportunities in the space sector.

• "4th Inter-Regional Space Policy Dialogue Between Asia-Pacific and Europe Exploring New Funding Pathways for the Global Space Economy" brought together representatives from the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) and the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) to discuss new funding mechanisms for the global space economy. This joint side event explored innovative approaches to financing space activities and fostering collaboration among different regions.

Monday, 24 June 2024

The week resumed with a focus on space debris remediation and the empowerment of women in space.

• "TCTB: Process and Principles for Cooperative Remediation of Massive Derelicts" presented the Three Country-Trusted Broker (TCTB) initiative, which aims to develop a framework for international cooperation in removing large space debris objects. The side event highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to address the growing threat posed by space debris.
• "Space4Women - Where we are & the way forward" celebrated the contributions of women to the space sector and explored strategies for increasing women's participation and leadership in space exploration, science, and technology. This joint side event, organized by the Republic of Korea and the Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA), highlighted the need for greater diversity and inclusion in the space community.

Tuesday, 25 June 2024

The focus shifted towards utilizing space technologies for Earth observation and sustainable lunar activities.

• "Pale Blue Dot Challenge: Winning Teams Present Their Earth Observation Visualizations" showcased innovative applications of Earth observation data to address global challenges. This side event, organized by the United States, featured presentations by winning teams from the "Pale Blue Dot Challenge," which encouraged the development of creative visualizations using Earth observation data.
• "Reflections on the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Lunar Activities: Priorities and Capacity Building" discussed the outcomes of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Lunar Activities and highlighted the need for capacity building and international cooperation to ensure the sustainable exploration and utilization of the Moon. This joint side event, organized by the Secure World Foundation (SWF) and the Lunar Policy Platform (LPP), provided a platform for discussing the priorities and challenges of sustainable lunar activities.

Wednesday, 26 June 2024

The final day of side events focused on international cooperation and the role of space in addressing global challenges.

• "Outer Space in the Pact for the Future: Concluding the Dialogue" explored the role of outer space in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the potential of space technologies to address global challenges. This joint side event, organized by the German UN Mission Vienna and the Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA), provided a platform for concluding the dialogue on the Pact for the Future and its implications for the use of outer space for peaceful purposes and sustainable development.

Thursday, 27 June 2024

The final side event of the week showcased the role of space technologies in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlighted the contributions of various space agencies and organizations.

• "Space Solutions Supporting SDGs - Space Solutions Compendium" presented a comprehensive overview of space solutions that contribute to achieving the SDGs. This joint side event, organized by Austria, Canada, NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA), featured presentations from participating organizations on their respective space solutions and their impact on sustainable development. The event also included a compendium of space solutions, showcasing the diverse range of applications of space technologies for addressing global challenges.

A Shared Future in Space

The COPUOS side events in Vienna, June 2024, demonstrated the growing global interest in space exploration and the recognition of its potential to address critical challenges facing humanity. From space debris mitigation to sustainable lunar activities, the events highlighted the need for international cooperation, responsible space practices, and the development of innovative space technologies to ensure a safe, secure, and sustainable future for all.