The United Nations has several entities and programs that are related to outer space activities and by extension to the space economy. These entities and programs work in different capacities, from governance and coordination to research and capacity-building. The most directly relevant organizations and their roles in relation to the space economy are as follows:
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
UNOOSA is the primary UN office responsible for promoting international cooperation in the peaceful use and exploration of space. It also assists countries in using space technology for development, helps maintain the Outer Space Treaty and other space-related treaties, and supports capacity-building in space law and policy.
United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS)
COPUOS oversees the exploration and use of space for the benefit of all humanity. It is a forum for the development of laws and principles that govern space activities. COPUOS has two subcommittees – the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee and the Legal Subcommittee – which deal with specific aspects of space exploration and utilization.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
UNESCO occasionally engages with the space sector, particularly in areas such as remote sensing for education, cultural heritage protection, and science and technology education. It also works on the ethical dimensions of outer space and promotes international cooperation in space science.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
The ITU is responsible for the regulation and allocation of global radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits. These are essential for communications, including satellite communications, navigation systems, and broadcasting. The ITU’s role is crucial in ensuring that space-based infrastructure supports global telecommunications services, which is a significant component of the space economy.
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
The WMO uses space-based data for weather monitoring and forecasting, climate research, and water resource management. It coordinates the global system of meteorological satellites, ensuring that data from space is effectively used for weather services around the world.
United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER)
A program of UNOOSA, UN-SPIDER, ensures that all countries have access to and can develop the capability to use all types of space-based information to support disaster management and emergency response.
United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)
UNIDIR conducts research and provides recommendations on disarmament and security, including the prevention of an arms race in outer space. While not directly involved in the space economy, its work can affect the security and sustainability of outer space, which has implications for space activities.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
UNCTAD engages with the space economy through its work on technology and innovation. It addresses the implications of space commerce and the digital economy, including issues related to e-commerce and the digital divide, which are relevant for the utilization of space-based communication services.
International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (ICG)
While not a UN entity itself, the ICG works under the umbrella of UNOOSA and promotes voluntary cooperation on matters of mutual interest related to civil satellite-based positioning, navigation, timing, and value-added services, which are key components of the space economy.
Summary
These entities collectively contribute to shaping the global space economy by providing regulatory frameworks, encouraging international cooperation, facilitating capacity building, and fostering the sustainable and peaceful use of outer-space resources. The coordination among these entities is fundamental to ensuring that the benefits of space are realized across different sectors of the economy and for all nations.
