UN space director: Space basis for global agreement

'While we may disagree on Earth, what we can achieve together in space is inspiring. Space unites us towards common goals. This is what we call 'space diplomacy''. Simonetta Di Pippo said, according to a recent press release by the United Nations Information Center in Tehran.

The Outer Space Treaty entered into force fifty years ago, on October 10, 1967. Twenty-four countries ratified this treaty at that time, which is officially called 'the Treaty of Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies'. The Treaty now has 105 members.

The treaty explicitly says that the exploration and use of outer space is for all humankind, it states in the treaty, and no country can lay claim to the Moon or any other celestial body. It is also the basis of international space law making countries liable for damage they cause by their space activities in the space.

According to the Treaty:

• the exploration and use of outer space shall be carried out for the benefit and in the interests of all countries and shall be the province of all mankind;
• outer space shall be free for exploration and use by all States;
• outer space is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means;
• States shall not place nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in orbit or on celestial bodies or station them in outer space in any other manner;
• the Moon and other celestial bodies shall be used exclusively for peaceful purposes;
• astronauts shall be regarded as the envoys of mankind;
• States shall be responsible for national space activities whether carried out by governmental or non-governmental entities;
• States shall be liable for damage caused by their space objects; and
• States shall avoid harmful contamination of space and celestial bodies

About 50 years after the Outer Space Treaty was signed, the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) continues to uphold the principles of the treaty. UNOOSA facilitate the ongoing international cooperation on space matters.

'With the treaty in place, the exploration of space began to serve another purpose: international cooperation in space matters. Nations that had political differences worked together for scientific progress and to better understand the universe around us,' Di Pippo wrote in her message.

UNOOSA also works to ensure that all humankind benefits from space activities, particularly developing countries and non-space-faring nations, by helping them 'to access and use space technology for sustainable development, such as monitoring and adapting to climate change, mapping the spread of diseases, or monitoring crops to ensure food security,' she said.

Global usage of satellites for navigation, checking the weather or staying in touch with friends and family via the internet are among the outcomes of the treaty.

'The Treaty is a commitment from the international community to preserve space peacefully, for all of us, and the generations to come,' said the Director of United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.

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