FOURTH COMMITTEE TAKES UP QUESTION OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN PEACEFUL USES OF OUTER SPACE

Press Release
GA/SPD/72

FOURTH COMMITTEE TAKES UP QUESTION OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN PEACEFUL USES OF OUTER SPACE

The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space could contribute substantially to ensure space technology was used to improve the human condition, its Chairman told the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) today as it began consideration of international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.

Outer Space Committee Chairman Peter Hohenfellner, Austria, went on to say in introducing his Committee's report that space technology was being used in an increasing number of countries in such areas as communication, weather monitoring, natural resource management, navigation and disaster relief. However, what was being done was only a modest indication of how space technology could improve people's lives.

International cooperation in space technology could contribute substantially to economic and social development, and could also be a key to the future prosperity of developing countries, he said. Such cooperation was essential for solving certain world problems, such as protection of the earth's environment.

The representative of Spain, speaking on behalf of the European Union, Malta and Romania, said the Outer Space Committee should undertake important reforms in its working methods and in the duration of its sessions. "It is not enough to state time and again that we have moved away from the cold war and into the era of space cooperation; we must clearly show the benefits to all derived from the peaceful exploration of outer space." The Committee must introduce changes that reflected the new realities by streamlining its work.

The representative of Burkina Faso said space activities should benefit all States. Resources should be mobilized to implement the recommendations of the 1982 United Nations Conference on the Explanation and Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE 82), especially to establish regional space centres. Developing countries needed remote-sensing data at a reasonable cost and access to affordable telecommunications technology.

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The representative of India said an agreement for the establishment of an Asia-Pacific Centre for Space Science and Technology Education had just been signed in New Delhi which would grow into a network to fully utilize the region's resources and potential in space technology. He called for speedy progress on the identification of the objectives, agenda and funding of a third UNISPACE conference. [The first United Nations Conference on the subject was held in 1968, followed by UNISPACE 82.]

The representative of Romania said the Committee should strengthen the international basis for the peaceful uses of outer space, including the preparation of international agreements governing practical applications of space science and technology.

Prior to beginning its considerations of the peaceful uses of outer space, the Fourth Committee observed a moment of silence in memory of the late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. The Committee's acting Chairman, expressing condolences to the people and Government of Israel, and the family of Mr. Rabin, said the world had lost an outstanding leader and peace-maker. He hoped Mr. Rabin's sacrifice had not been in vain and that the peace effort in the Middle East would continue.

The acting Chairman expressed condolences to the people of the Philippines for the loss of life and property as a result of the recent typhoons. The representative of the Philippines thanked the acting Chairman and said he would relay the message to his Government.

The Fourth Committee will meet again at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 7 November, to continue consideration of the peaceful uses of outer space.

Fourth Committee Work Programme

The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) met this afternoon to begin its consideration of international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.

It had before it the report of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space on the work of its June 1995 session, and a report by the Secretary-General on implementation of the recommendations of the Second United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE 82).

The report of the Outer Space Committee (document A/50/20) describes the outcome of its consideration of ways to maintain outer space for peaceful purposes, and reviews the reports of its Scientific and Technical Subcommittee and Legal Subcommittee. It also addresses such questions as spin-off benefits of space technology, and the possibility of a third UNISPACE conference.

The report states the Committee has an important role to play in strengthening the international basis for the peaceful exploration and use of space, taking into account the needs of developing countries. That responsibility could include the preparation of international agreements governing various practical, peaceful applications of space science and technology. Strengthening international cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space also implies the need for the Committee itself to improve, whenever necessary, the methods and forms of its work.

In reviewing the report of its Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, the Committee addressed such questions as the implementation of UNISPACE 82 proposed measures, remote sensing and its application for developing countries, the use of nuclear power sources in outer space, space debris and space transportation systems. It also considered use of the geostationary orbit, and matters relating to life sciences, including space medicine and progress in national and international space activities relating to the Earth's environment, planetary exploration and astronomy.

In considering the implementation of UNISPACE 82 recommendations, the Committee in the report continued to express its concern over the still limited financial resources available for carrying out the United Nations Programme on Space Applications and appealed to Member States to support the Programme through voluntary contributions. It expressed appreciation for a number of United Nations workshops, training courses and seminars held during the year under the United Nations Programme on Space Applications, and recommended that the Assembly approve similar plans for 1996. Those include training courses in remote-sensing instruction for educators, spin-off benefits of space technology, microwave remote sensing, the development and design of experimental payloads on small satellites, and radar remote-sensing

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applications. One regional conference will be held on space technology for sustainable development in Africa, and a symposium will consider space technology in developing countries. The Committee also took note of financial contributions and offers by Member States to host various activities, and expressed satisfaction that the process of establishing regional centres for space science and technology education was nearing fruition.

On the international space information service, the Outer Space Committee's report noted the publication of: the sixth volume of "Seminars of the United Nations Programme on Space Applications: selected papers on remote sensing, satellite communications and space science" (document A/AC.105/584), containing papers from the seminars, workshops and training courses of the 1994 activities of the Programme on Space Applications; and "Highlights in space: progress in space science, technology and applications, international cooperation and space law" (document A/AC.105/583). The Committee also noted the steps taken to augment the International Space Information Service through the development of a limited database capability and the creation of a "home page" on the Internet through which a wide range of information regarding the space-related activities of the United Nations could be accessed.

On the question of remote sensing of the Earth by satellites, the Outer Space Committee recognized the importance of ensuring the continuity, compatibility and complementarity of remote-sensing systems, and the promotion of cooperation through regular meetings between satellite operators, ground-station operators and users. Some member had called for a reduction in cost of remote-sensing data products and access fees for data reception.

Concerning the use of nuclear power sources in outer space, the Outer Space Committee endorsed the recommendation of its Scientific and Technical Subcommittee that, at the present time, revision of the Principles Relevant to the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space, adopted in Assembly resolution 47/68, was not warranted. It also agreed that regular discussions on this issue should continue at future sessions and that Member States should continue to be invited to report regularly to the Secretary-General on related national and international research.

On the question of space debris, the report states the Committee agreed that international cooperation was needed to expand appropriate and affordable strategies to minimize the potential impact of debris on future space missions. It also agreed that further research should be carried out to develop improved technology for monitoring space debris and for compiling and disseminating data on the matter, and that Member States should continue their research on the matter and make the results available to all interested parties.

In view of the need for future action on the matter, the report states, the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee should focus on understanding such

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aspects as debris measurement techniques; mathematical modelling of the debris environment; characterization of the space debris environment; and measures to mitigate the risks of space debris, including spacecraft design measures to protect against it. The Committee agreed with the Subcommittee that it could be desirable to compile information on various steps taken by space agencies and international organizations such as Intelsat for reducing the growth or damage potential of space debris and to encourage common acceptance by the international community, on a voluntary basis. It endorsed the multi-year work plan on space debris adopted by the Subcommittee.

On the question of space transportation systems, the report states, the Committee noted developments in low-cost micro-satellite technology and applications that could allow more countries to take an active part in space activities. It stressed the importance of international cooperation in space transportation in order to provide all countries with access to the benefits of space science and technology.

Also, the Committee endorsed the recommendation of the Subcommittee that the new theme fixed for special attention at the thirty-third session of the Subcommittee, in 1996, should be "Utilization of micro- and small satellites for the expansion of low-cost space activities, taking into account the special needs of developing countries".

In reviewing the report of its Legal Subcommittee, the Outer Space Committee addressed such questions as the early review and possible revision of the principles for the use of nuclear power sources in outer space; the definition and delimitation of space, as well as ways to ensure the rational and equitable use of the geostationary orbit; and legal aspects of the principle that space should be used for the benefit of all States, taking particular account of the needs of developing countries.

Regarding nuclear power sources, the Committee agreed that the Principles adopted in resolution 47/68 should remain valid until such time as they were amended. The Scientific and Technical Subcommittee should consider the need for revision in light of changing technology, before any actual revision was made. The Committee endorsed the recommendation of its Legal Subcommittee that consideration of the Principles by the Working Group should again be suspended for one year, pending the results of the work in the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee.

The Committee noted that a variety of views had been expressed on the question of the definition and delimitation of outer space. Some members had reiterated the view that a conventionally defined boundary between airspace and outer space was needed, and that the Legal Subcommittee should continue to consider the question, with a view to establishing such a boundary. Others reiterated their view that the need for such a definition or delimitation had not yet been established and that attempts to establish prematurely a boundary

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between airspace and outer space might complicate and impede progress in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space.

The Committee noted that at the last session of the Legal Subcommittee, the text of a questionnaire on possible legal issues with regard to aerospace objects had been finalized. The Committee agreed that the replies to the questionnaire could provide a basis for the Legal Subcommittee to decide how it might continue its consideration of the issue. The Committee further agreed that its members should be invited to give their opinions on those matters.

Some members stressed that the geostationary orbit was part of outer space and that its legal status was subject to all provisions of the 1967 Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, and to the appropriate rules of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), which had the status of a treaty. Further, the view was expressed that since outer space had not so far been delimited, it could not be affirmed that the geostationary orbit was a part of outer space.

Some reiterated the view that the geostationary orbit, because of its particular characteristics, required a special, sui generis, legal regime to regulate access and use by all States, taking into account the needs of developing countries. In addition, the view was also expressed that such a legal regime should also take into consideration the particular situation of the equatorial countries.

The Committee recommended that its Legal Subcommittee continue its consideration of the use of the geostationary orbit, and of the legal aspects relating to the principle that the exploration and use of space should be carried out for the benefit of all countries. It also recognized that space debris was a cause of concern in the geostationary orbit, as well as in lower orbits, and that the Subcommittee should continue considering the item.

Also during its June session, the Committee agreed that spin-off benefits of space technology were yielding substantial benefits in many fields. Such benefits involved new techniques for industrial measurement and control, image and data processing, the medical field, computer systems, robotics, power generation, special materials and chemicals, water treatment, public safety, consumer goods, manufacturing and refrigeration. It also noted the importance of international cooperation in developing spin-off benefits of space technology and in ensuring that all countries, in particular developing countries, had access to those benefits. The Committee agreed that a process of dialogue and exchange of common experiences could assist all countries in applying space technologies for the solution of common problems.

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The Committee noted that the conversion of military industries to productive civilian uses would facilitate the transfer and use of space technologies and their spin-off benefits. It agreed that micro-satellite technologies were particularly important because they could provide substantial benefits to countries at a lower cost than other satellite technologies. It repeated its recommendation that the Space Applications Programme should consider devoting at least one of its training courses, seminars or expert meetings each year to the promotion of spin-off benefits.

On other matters, the Outer Space Committee recommended that the Secretariat should invite Member States to submit annual reports on their space activities. It agreed that a third UNISPACE conference could be held before the turn of the century, and that its Scientific and Technical Subcommittee should try to complete the development and refinement of a conference framework at its 1996 session. The Committee agreed that it should consider all issues regarding the possible holding of a third UNISPACE conference at its June 1996 session, including its technical and political objectives, a detailed and sharply focused agenda, funding, timing and organizational aspects. The Committee noted that the interaction between space applications and the various uses of the "information superhighway" could be reflected, as appropriate, in the agenda items of a third UNISPACE conference.

Addressing its own working methods and membership, the Committee agreed with a number of recommendations of its newly established working group, which met between 14 and 19 June. It agreed that: the work of the Committee and its subsidiary bodies should be conducted with maximum flexibility, with a view to concluding sessions as early as practicable; the practice of allocating specific agenda items to particular meetings at a session should be ended; agenda items should be taken up consecutively and be considered closed after the list of speakers on any item had been exhausted; statements made during the general exchange of views should not include information on national space activities and, where appropriate and feasible, should not deal with items that are covered elsewhere on the agenda; and that information on national activities should be circulated in written form and members wishing additional information on the national activities of other Member States should request such information during the agenda item "Other matters".

The Committee also agreed that: it should develop a long-term work plan that would balance the needs to rationalize the use of resources and to maximize the output of the Committee and its subsidiary bodies; technical presentations should be given only after debate on substantive agenda items was completed or at the end of each meeting; every effort should be made to ensure that sessions of the Committee and its subsidiary bodies were not held when meetings of other intergovernmental bodies were being held at the Vienna International Centre; and that agenda items should be periodically reviewed to

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determine continued consideration. The Committee recommended that the working group should meet again in 1996 to continue its discussions of working methods.

On other matters, the Outer Space Committee agreed that, beginning in 1996, it would be provided with unedited transcripts of its sessions in lieu of verbatim records. It further decided to request the Legal Subcommittee to review in 1996 its requirement for summary records with a view to determining whether it might be possible to use unedited transcripts at its subsequent sessions; and to consider under what circumstances there might be a need to revert to summary records should a decision be taken to use unedited transcripts.

The Committee decided to grant permanent observer status to the International Academy of Astronauts and the International Astronomical Union, on the understanding that the two organizations would apply for consultative status with the Economic and Social Council.

As to its future work, the Outer Space Committee endorsed the recommendations of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee on the agenda for its next session. It recommended that its Legal Subcommittee should continue considering a review of the nuclear power source Principles; the definition and delimitation of outer space and use of the geostationary orbit; and legal aspects of the principle that space should be used for the benefit of all States. It endorsed that body's recommendation that its working group on nuclear power sources should be suspended for one year, pending the results of work in the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee.

The report of the Secretary-General on implementation of the UNISPACE 82 recommendations (document A/50/384) reviews inter-agency cooperation within the United Nations system, as well as studies that have been prepared or are planned. It reviews the activities of the United Nations Space Applications Programme, as well as publications that have been issued by the International Space Information Service. It also addressed voluntary contributions, in money or in kind, aimed at carrying out the UNISPACE 82 recommendations, and reports on the possibility of convening a third UNISPACE conference.

Statememts

NIEL HOLOHAN (Ireland), acting Chairman of the Fourth Committee, said there had been a significant expansion of international cooperation in space activities during the last year. Space technology was a perfect example of how technology could be a powerful engine for growth. And remote-sensing technology provided essential data not only for the protection of the environment but also for disaster warning and prevention, especially in regions where economic activities were hampered by frequent national disasters.

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PETER HOHENFELLNER (Austria), Chairman of the Outer Space Committee, introduced its report. He said that while spacefaring nations often considered international cooperation as the solution to reducing costs and gaining political support at home for their space activities, such cooperation also opened the door to space for nations without space capability. As space technology could contribute substantially to economic and social development, international cooperation in space could also be a key for the future prosperity of developing countries. Also, while remote-sensing technology provided crucial data on the global environment, no nation had the resources to gather complete data on the entire Earth and find the solutions to protect the global environment.

He said the report outlined the Committee's work in such areas as how to maintain outer space for peaceful purposes and the spin-off benefits of space technology. It also covered the work of its Scientific and Technical Subcommittee including implementation of the recommendations of UNISPACE 82. The Committee had further considered the report of its Legal Subcommittee, and discussed the convening of a third United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

In considering the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee report, he said the Committee had dealt with such matters as: the United Nations Programme on Space Applications; coordination of space activities in the United Nations system; remote sensing of Earth by satellites and the use of nuclear power sources in outer space. The subject of space debris had been considered a priority agenda item by the Scientific and Technical Committee for the first time.

In its report the Outer Space Committee recognized the importance of ongoing international efforts to ensure the continuity, compatibility and complementarity of remote-sensing systems, he continued. The promotion of cooperation through regular meetings between satellite operators, ground station operators and users was equally important. The Committee had also stressed the need for the international community to use remote-sensing data in an effort to fully implement recommendations in Agenda 21. Before any amendment of the "Principles Relevant to the Use of Nuclear Sources in Outer Space", adopted by the General Assembly in 1992, proper consideration should be given to their aims and objectives.

Space technology was being used in the daily lives of an increasing number of countries in such areas as communication and broadcasting, weather monitoring and forecasting, natural resources and management, navigation and disaster relief. What was being done was only a modest indication of how space technology could improve the human condition. Space technology had much potential in implementing various recommendations contained in the Secretary- General's An Agenda for Peace and An Agenda for Development. The focus of the

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Committee's work was increasingly becoming the promotion of the implementation of the principles set out in those documents as well as the recommendations of recent United Nations conferences.

JAVIER PEREZ-GRIFFO (Spain), speaking on behalf of the European Union, Malta and Romania, said new opportunities for international cooperation in the application of new space technologies in telecommunications and environmental monitoring should be seized.

He welcomed the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee's decision to address the issues of space debris and micro-satellites during its next session. Regarding a possible third UNISPACE Conference, a detailed analysis of its programme, location and financial implications should be undertaken before it was convened. It was time for the Committee's Legal Subcommittee to focus on areas where consensus might be possible, such as space benefits, and for it to set aside fruitless discussions on space delimitation and on the physical nature and technical attributes of the geostationary orbit. If those items were kept on the agenda, debate should take place only biannually.

To adapt to technological development and world changes, he said the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space should undertake important reforms in its working methods and in the duration of its sessions. "It is not enough to state time and again that we have moved away from the cold war and into the era of space cooperation; we must clearly show to all the benefits derived from the peaceful exploration of outer space." For the Committee to remain a focal point, he concluded, "it must introduce changes that reflect the new realities, something that it will only achieve by streamlining its work".

SIMPLICE GUIBILA (Burkina Faso) said space activities should be conducted for the benefit of all States. International cooperation for the peaceful uses of outer space was needed. The programme of activities resulting from UNISPACE 82 was far from ideal. Seminars, workshops and training could not replace the establishment of regional centres for space research and education, for which industry and others should contribute through some kind of taxation system.

Remote-sensing data should be made available to all countries at a reasonable cost and in a timely manner, he continued. Such technology was very helpful in environmental monitoring yet many developing countries could not afford it. Advanced telecommunications could be used to promote development yet it was a luxury for many States. Micro-satellites should be promoted for developing countries, which should be fully involved in space activities. Everyone must work together for a better future for all mankind.

E. AHAMED (India) said that during the current year, India was preparing to launch two state-of-the-art satellites, one for telecommunications and the

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other for remote-sensing for environmental management. Another satellite would be put into orbit early next year to monitor vegetation. India continued to be involved in promoting international cooperation in the peaceful uses of space and to provide opportunities for training personnel from other developing countries.

He said India attached great importance to speedy progress on the identification of the objectives, agenda and funding of a third UNISPACE Conference. Several steps had been taken to establish the Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in the Asia and the Pacific region. An agreement for establishment of the Centre [at Dehra Dun, India] was signed on 1 November 1995 at New Delhi, and was open to all Member States of the region to join as parties and become members of the Governing Board. The agreement envisioned the growth of the Centre into a network of nodes to fully utilize the resources and potential of the region. India supported the Centre, and endorsed the multi-year work plan on the issue of space debris.

DUMITRU MAZILU (Romania) said the Committee should strengthen the international basis for the peaceful uses of space, including the preparation of international agreements governing practical applications of space science and technology. It should strengthen the scientific and technical content of its work by promoting broader international cooperation for disaster warning and mitigation, as well as global search-and-rescue activities. An international legal regime should be drawn up dealing with non-discriminatory access to the information obtained from the dual use of military satellites.

Romania was committed to the establishment of a regional centre for space matters and discussions were under way. The Committee's subsidiary bodies should continue to focus on the application of new space technologies and the legal aspects relating to the application of the principle that the exploration and use of outer space should benefit all States. The issue of space debris should be a priority item. Existing inequalities between the technologically advanced spacefaring countries and the developing countries should be addressed. Efforts should also focus on the spin-off benefits of space technology. There should be consensus on the agenda, venue and funding of a third UNISPACE conference before it was convened.

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