For information only - not an official document

UNIS/OS/402
21 February 2011

Space Solutions Can Improve the Lives of People Worldwide

VIENNA, 21 February (UN Information Service) - The role of space science and space applications in improving the daily lives of people worldwide was the focus of the 48th session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). Issues of environmental monitoring, management of natural resources, early warning systems to help mitigate potential disasters, satellite navigation and communications as well as sustainable future use of outer space, including how to minimize the impact of space debris on future space missions to preserve the outer space environment for future generations were discussed.

Stressing the importance of sustainable space utilization in the service of all humanity, the Director of the Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), Mazlan Othman, invited delegations to join UNOOSA in activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of human space flight and the 50th anniversary of COPUOS, that UNOOSA will organize throughout the year, in particular from 1 to 10 June 2011, alongside the 54th session of COPUOS.

Other highlights of the 48th session of the Subcommittee include:

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For further information, please contact:

Romana Kofler
Associate Programme Officer, UNOOSA
Telephone: (+43-1) 26060-4962
Email: romana.kofler@unoosa.org