UNIS/OS/393
9 February 2010
Outer Space Scientific and Technical Subcommittee
to Hold 47th Session in Vienna
VIENNA, 9 February (UN Information Service) - Possible dangers from asteroids, space debris mitigation, and space weather investigation will be key agenda items at the 47th session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), which takes place in Vienna, Austria, from 8 to 19 February. Other topics of discussion include space-system-based disaster management support, recent developments in global navigation satellite systems, the use of the geostationary orbit and long-term sustainability of outer space activities.
Near-Earth Objects (asteroids)
The Subcommittee will consider potential dangers from Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) and review progress on international cooperation and collaboration on NEO observations. On 15 and 16 February, the Action Team on NEOs will review draft recommendations for international response to the NEO impact threat and will submit the draft for the consideration of the Working Group on NEOs of the Subcommittee.
Space debris
Following the endorsement of the Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines of the Committee by the General Assembly in its resolution 62/217, the Subcommittee will review the implementation by Member States of space debris mitigation measures on a voluntary basis through national mechanisms.
Space-System-Based Disaster Management Support
The Subcommittee will consider the progress made in 2009 in implementing the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER), including the support provided by this programme to response efforts to major disasters, most recently in Haiti.
On 10 February, the Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) will sign cooperation agreements with Pakistan and Ukraine to establish Regional Support Offices that will serve as centres of expertise for implementing the UN-SPIDER.
* *** *
For further information, please contact:
Jamshid
Gaziyev
Associate Programme Officer, UNOOSA
Telephone: (+43-1) 26060-4958
Email:
jamshid.gaziyev@unoosa.org
