Peaceful Purposes Research Articles

Excess Energy Released Due To Proton-Proton Collisions in Condensed Matter Could Be Due To Laboratory-Made Micro Black Holes

While sodium metal dissolution in concentrated (2M) Epsom solution is very peaceful under stirring conditions in about 5 to 10s, its dissolution in a dilute (0.85) Epsom solution has turned very violent. Nearly 30s after the addition of Na, the solution exploded accompanied by the vaporization of the glass beaker. Only sodium aerosol and tiny molten needles of glass were seen around indicating a very high temperature (>1000 0C) has indeed been reached. The timing of the explosion has indicated that hydrogen released during sodium dissolution has got trapped in the salt solution and subsequent energy build-up has caused the excess energy release. A viable trapping mechanism involving the exchange of 2 hydrogen ions (H22+) with an Mg2+ ion in cavitation-induced nanocrystals of Epsom has been proposed in this regard. The two hydrogen ions are stabilized at the cation vacancy (cavity) by dative bonds with the two hydrogen ions in the water molecule trapped at a neighboring sulphate vacancy. Spring-like action between the two protons trapped at the cation vacancy due to oscillations caused by two opposing forces – one by cavitation and the other by coulombic repulsion eventually appear to have led to the collision of hydrogen ions at relativistic speeds in condensed matter. To start with, the two protons in the H22+ species are confined in a small space (72 pm cavity) at a single crystal cation lattice site in Na2SO4 nanocrystal which increases their head-on collision probability at high energies. There is no upper limit to the energies achieved through p-p collisions in this species as the Cavitation-Coulombic Repulsion Oscillations (CCRO) can continue until the endpoint is reached. Regeneration of a nanocrystal over a sufficiently small time scale and regeneration effect prior to cavitation collapse are all important so laws of thermodynamics are not violated. Extra dimensions of gravity at short distances, if present, could also assist in the high energies required for the production of mini black holes in condensed matter. Such black holes lose mass very quickly through the emission of Hawking radiation observed in the form of explosion with mass-energy equivalence of E = mc2. The possibility of tapping such explosive energy for peaceful purposes is discussed. As such it constitutes the third kind of atomic energy humans have entertained, the first two being fission and fusion.

Развитие космической отрасли: опыт США, Китая и России

In recent decades, space has begun to be viewed as an important economic resource, an engine of global competition and technological development, capable of having a multiplier effect on the development of the entire economic system of a country. It is a necessary factor in global communication and information. Each state can use space for peaceful purposes, since it is a common resource for all countries. That is why the space industry is the object of the careful study by many researchers and a special sphere of government regulation. The top three leaders in the space industry are the USA, China and Russia. The purpose of this article is to conduct a comparative analysis of the development of the space industry in the USA, China and Russia, as well as to develop recommendations for improving the regulation of the Russian space industry based on foreign experience. The author selected the following characteristics as the main parameters of comparison: 1. Significant space achievements, 2. Industry financing, 3. Structure of the space industry, 4. The scale of private space sector development, 5. Motives for international cooperation in the field of space exploration. Based on the analysis, the features of space industry development in each country were identifi ed. Special attention in the study is paid to the Russian space industry. In particular, it was found that the main structural feature of the Russian space industry, in contrast to the USA and China, is the significant predominance of state-owned companies over private enterprises. This is associated with the lack of the necessary regulatory framework in our country and, as a consequence, the underdevelopment of the market for space products and services. At the same time, Russia can be considered a leader in terms of funding for the space industry (as a percentage of GDP), but in absolute financial indicators (in millions of dollars) Russia lags significantly behind the United States and China. In addition, Russia adheres to the practice of participating in international cooperation in the space sector, based primarily on political factors rather than economic motives, which fundamentally distinguishes its approach from the approach used by the United States. The article proposes a number of practical recommendations, the implementation of which, according to the author’s opinion, will contribute to increasing the efficiency of space activities in Russia.

Radioactive glassy inclusions in the soil sampled at the “Taiga” peaceful underground nuclear explosions site (the Perm region, Russia)

Activities of gamma-emitting radionuclides were measured in glassy inclusions (particles) found in soil samples from the “Taiga” peaceful nuclear explosions site (the Perm region, Russia). The measurements were performed using a stationary semiconductor gamma spectrometer. Activity concentrations were determined for the following technogenic radionuclides: 60Co, 94Nb, 137Cs, 152Eu, 154Eu, 155Eu, and 241Am. The activity concentrations of 241Am in the glassy inclusions were one to two orders of magnitude higher compared to the level of minimum significant activity concentration (1 Bq/g for 241Am) established by the Russian Radiation Safety Standards “NRB-99/2009”. Earlier, exceeding this level for the 241Am activity concentration in the native (unfractionated) soil samples from the “Taiga” site was reported by other researchers. In accordance with current Russian legislative and regulatory provisions regarding use of nuclear charges for peaceful purposes, the soil and radioactive glassy inclusions found in the soil correspond to the category of special radioactive waste. Considering the long half-life of 241Am (432 years), radiologically significant contamination by this radionuclide will persist at the “Taiga” site for the foreseeable future.

The impact of Iran's nuclear program on relations between Western countries and the Islamic Republic of Iran after 2015

This paper aims to research the turning point of Iranian nuclear program. Subsequently, it also deals with the relations of the deal with political changes in Iran. The significance of the subject is that it is one of the most controversial topics of contemporary international relations. A political analysis method has been conducted and the research’s data have been dealt with by the method of variables. The main argument of the essay is as follows: while the Islamic Republic of Iran claims, she is entitled to atomic activities for peaceful purposes, the international community distrusts their rhetoric. The international community is proving, with evidence, that the Islamic Republic aims to acquire atomic weapons, hidden behind the program. Iran cannot convince the international community that she does not have militaristic goals behind the program, given several revelations on her unlawful activities by IAEA. Meanwhile, the international community has been unable to find a diplomatic solution, even with the varieties of sanctions, to deter Iranians from following the atomic ambitions. As a result, the JCPoA seems to be dissolved, raising the probabilities of political and even military tensions.

Lunar distress communications: Interoperability, frequencies, and harmful interference, which normative model for the artemis accords?

A new space era begins with the Artemis Accords. These will allow the return of humans to the Moon. The starting point of this historic period was marked by the signing of this international agreement on October 13, 2020. Eight States are at the origin of these accords: the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Since then, thirteen other governments – including France – have joined this international space program led by NASA. Artemis will require the implementation of a new communication architecture called “LunaNet”, encompassing the search and rescue service known as “LunaSAR”. Therefore, like on Earth, on the Moon, search and rescue of people in distress will require the interoperability of international communications. From a legal point of view, the Artemis Accords are based on existing space law, particularly the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. According to this, Lunar missions shall be conducted for peaceful purposes. Transparency in the implementation of international partnerships is another key principle of this space program. From this, at the operational level, interoperability of the systems based on existing or future standards naturally follows. Beyond the technical or commercial aspects, what takes precedence over all other considerations is the safety of the astronauts working for the completion of the Artemis program. Thus, generally, the possible assistance brought to the astronauts in distress is foreseen in the United Nations treaties and principles on outer space. Regarding the implementation of the Artemis program, personnel will operate on board a spacecraft, a space station, or from the surface of the Moon. This is why NASA plans to implement the Astronaut's Lunar Lifeline, known as Lunar Search and Rescue or LunaSAR. Integrated with the LunaNet system, this system will assist workers in distress. In this study, therefore, we will focus on standards for communications interoperability, in the context of search and rescue of persons in distress. To do so, we will examine the Artemis program through the lens of satellite-assisted Earth search and rescue principles and techniques. In particular, we will focus on the COSPAS-SARSAT alerting service and the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual. In this context, issues such as, for example, the implementation of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies of 1967, the Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space of 1968 and the Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies of 1979 as well as the protection of SAR frequencies and potential harmful interference will be addressed.

Spielen für den Frieden: ein Scoping-Review über Sportprogramme als Botschafter des Friedensvermittler

AbstractThe quest for peace and stability in contemporary society, particularly in conflict-affected regions, is of vital importance. In the 21st century, sport has evolved beyond its traditional role of entertainment and competition to become a powerful force for change. Its ability to bring people together, overcome cultural barriers and promote universal values makes it an effective vehicle for promoting peace and coexistence. Despite the undeniable potential of sport as a social bridge between divided communities, previous studies have not specifically addressed the concept of peace. In addition, researchers may need information on existing programs for study, replication or improvement. This study aims to provide an overview of programs that use sport to promote peace. Following the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA, databases such as Scopus, PubMed, SciELO and EBSCO were searched. Two reviewers independently performed a thorough selection, including 17 manuscripts. The predominant methodology in these studies was qualitative. Within this context, most of the experiences recovered took place in Colombia, with soccer being the most used sport modality in such programs. These programs are presented as a tool to promote peace in diverse contexts of conflict, violence and community division, and their capacity to be instrumentalized for peaceful purposes is remarkable, even surpassing the capacity of States to regulate and resolve conflicts.

Lessons from the Chemical Weapons Convention Negotiations and Implementation for the Diplomatic Challenges of Negotiating ‘Irreversibility’

ABSTRACT Negotiating an international disarmament treaty that has as one of its core requirements the concept of “irreversibility” will be a major task, especially so if the aim is to ensure that nuclear weapons and the means of their production and maintenance are irreversibly destroyed. The task exists on several levels: the practical and technical – how to design and implement an effective verification regime, the legal – how to frame necessary treaty definitions, prohibitions and controls; and diplomatic – negotiating and agreeing on the treaty provisions and the temporal factors. The Chemical Weapons Convention’s main objective is the destruction of chemical weapons and their production facilities, but an equally important objective is prevention of their re-emergence. At the heart of the matter is the concept of dual-use where materials and facilities have both legitimate peaceful purposes and actual or potential for hostile purposes, and the basic starting materials required exist in nature. The same applies in the nuclear context. So what can we learn from the CWC? A treaty with nuclear irreversibility as its goal will face multiple challenges. Setting and agreeing treaty language that is clear on scope and enables trouble-free implementation over many decades will not be easily achieved given the record of existing and previous arms control and disarmament treaties. However, there is likely to be one crucial difference: a treaty with nuclear irreversibility as its sole purpose will not be negotiated and implemented in the sort of conflicted world that we saw during the Cold War.

A materialist reconsideration of international peace practice and its human and non-human constituents

Abstract The international community's sobering track record of sustainably reducing the number of armed conflicts worldwide, as well as the increasing involvement of non-human complexities in times of climate crisis suggest that current approaches to foster peace are too narrow and inflexible. So far, demands and calls for more flexible and adaptive peace practice made by policy-makers and researchers have not led to a related paradigm shift. In order to contribute to such a change of practice, this article advances a speculative analytical attempt that seeks to conceptually uncover new modes of engaging with the world for the purpose of peace. It builds on Baruch Spinoza's materialism and describes peace as intimately interrelated with the issue of political community. Following Spinoza, the article reconsiders the imaginary of political community as something that is constantly being rearticulated by a contingent complexity of human and non-human actors, and thus transcends the geographic scope of its formal borders as well as its epistemic scope across power hierarchies. Finally, the article introduces the human-non-human multitude as political subject that is able to detect and interpret the constituents of a political community, and therefore to maintain and sustain peace.

Doctrinal Aspects of the US, NATO and EU Policies in Military Space

Exploration of an outer-space initially and currently is closely related to militarization. All spacecraft, in one way or another, have a dual purpose and can be used for both peaceful and military purposes – from the use of launchers for orbital and suborbital flights to telecommunication systems. In the doctrinal documents of the USA, NATO and the European Union space is considered, among other functions, as a source of “space threats” and as an environment for potential military operations. Military space forces and Commands are structurally separated into a special category within the Armed Forces of Western countries. Comparative analysis of NATO and EU space strategies shows significant differences. NATO places an emphasis on the use of already existing space resources of its member states to implement its traditional goals and objectives, without concentrating on the formation of collective structures advancing space technologies. EU, in contrast, actively integrates technological inputs of its member states with powerful economic potential, initiates and develops collective inter-state projects and structures for space exploration. EU in recent times pays special attention to attempts to ensure European strategic autonomy from the USA and third countries in the space sector. The increasingly intensive entry of private enterprises into the outer space sector has been a characteristic feature at the beginning of the 21st century, their role is expanding, and cooperation of businesses with the state is strengthening on a commercial basis in the form of public-private partnerships.

Evolution of Legislation Regarding the Use of Nuclear Energy for Peaceful Purposes

The development and use of atomic energy represent one of the greatest achievements of the 20th century, opening new possibilities for global evolution. The United Nations (UN) has formulated the «Millennium Development Goals» and the «Sustainable Development Goals by 2030» to address comprehensive solutions to the social, economic, and environmental challenges facing the planet. In this context, nuclear energy offers unparalleled advantages, but it is essential to consider the risks and challenges associated with its future use and development. Nuclear law serves as a valuable tool for regulating the development of nuclear energy and overcoming these risks and challenges. All countries must strictly fulfill their international obligations, responsibly implement international legal instructions at the national level, and collectively support the international regime and legal framework organized around the United Nations. This, in turn, contributes to the achievement of the shared goal of «atoms for peace and development».
 The international legal framework on nuclear issues emerged alongside the development of nuclear energy worldwide. It evolves as social, economic, scientific, and technical challenges associated with this development are addressed, thereby contributing to the safe, secure, and sustainable development of peaceful nuclear energy use.
 The IAEA and the international community have established an almost universal regime of safeguards aimed at detecting and preventing the diversion of nuclear materials from peaceful nuclear activities to the production of nuclear weapons.
 Based on the results of the conducted research, it has been established that each country not only has the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes but also bears the responsibility and obligation to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and to support nuclear safety and security. All countries should conscientiously fulfill their obligations in accordance with the international legal framework on nuclear safety, fully implement relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, strengthen and expand the existing international legal framework on nuclear safety, and provide institutional guarantees, adhering to universally defined guiding principles for managing international nuclear safety.

INTENTIONALITY AND FUNCTIONAL POTENTIAL OF ENGINEERING THINKING IN THE CONDITIONS OF MODERN MILITARY CHALLENGES

Actual scientific researches and issues analysis. The works of S. Winchester, E. Meyers, K. Mitch, K. Smythe, A. Ustundag, E. Chevikkan, E. Schatzberg, and others are devoted to the study of the role of technology and engineering in the human life space. Axiological and cultural-anthropological aspects of engineering thinking are considered in the works of Ukrainian researchers. First of all, this is the research of V. Voronkova, I. Goliad, I. Markus, and O. Shulga. Discussions about the responsible use of technology in the context of military operations and the creation and development of more peaceful innovations are of particular importance. The statement of basic materials. Philosophy of technology is an important area of study because it examines the impact of technology on human existence, society, and the future of humanity. Technologies have a significant impact on human life and international relations, creating new challenges and fundamental questions about the ethics of their use, the responsibility of developers and users, as well as possible consequences for the future world. Issues related to establishing a balance between technological capabilities and general values of society require special attention. The question of the genesis of the definition of engineering success requires special attention, which can conditionally occur depending on the context where the project is carried out. In peacetime, the success of this project is evaluated according to the criteria of efficiency, economy and innovation, since the task is to improve technologies, optimize processes and ensure sustainable development. Engineering thinking in the conditions of a globalized world and longterm geopolitical claims must be ready for such challenges. First of all, it is about responsibility in ensuring the ethical and safe use of their developments. It is about supporting international efforts to control and regulate the export of military equipment, developing principles and standards for the ethical development and use of technologies for military purposes. In addition, engineers can play an active role in the development of technologies aimed at peaceful purposes and limiting the possibility of using technology in military conflicts. The functional potential of engineering thinking in the creation of state-of-the-art technologies in the conditions of war is specified through the ability to develop, implement and adapt technical solutions capable of responding to complex military challenges. This covers the following aspects: innovativeness, adaptability, cooperation.

A-Bomb for the People? When Leaders Cue the Public in Nuclear Decision-Making

Abstract In building indigenous nuclear weapon programs, leaders have incentives to keep their plans secret, and several have. Domestic populations may limit the flexibility of the program, and international scrutiny could lead to sanctions or even military strikes. And yet, many leaders have cued the public to their nuclear ambitions. Why do leaders cue these audiences to their nuclear intentions when doing so could lead to both internal and external constraints from public awareness and foreign pressure? Using qualitative evidence from past cases of elite cueing, this article offers a theoretical examination of why some leaders choose to involve the public despite—or sometimes because of—the constraints that attention can impose. We describe six types of cueing logics based on the level of development of the nuclear program and the intended audience. Understanding the rationales behind such cues is not just of historical significance; these cues remain relevant as several states continue to pursue nuclear technologies—capabilities that can be used for peaceful purposes or repurposed for nuclear weapons. In other words, nuclear cueing is an important and overlooked aspect of research on nuclear proliferation.

Современные космические технологии для войны и мира: тенденции, угрозы, перспективы

The article examines the issue of applying space technologies for both military and peaceful purposes. The subject of the study includes specialized technical means designed for the exploration and utilization of the universe: spacecraft, satellites, orbital stations, launch vehicles, deep space communication, space engines, extraterrestrial and terrestrial auxiliary infrastructure objects, as well as procedures and special events. It has been proven that space technologies, including the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of satellite constellations, are currently crucial indicators of a nation’s capabilities, status, and global influence. The study analyzes the conceptual framework, the process of spreading space technologies, and the current trends in their development at the present stage. Drawing on data from Russian and foreign scientists and specialists, the author conducted a systematic analysis of modern types of space weapons – those located in space or deployed into Earth orbit and designed for combat in or from space – as well as an analysis of weapons designed to destroy or damage infrastructure in space. The author demonstrates that the increasing threats associated with the development and deployment of new military space technologies pose risks to global peace. In the context of a crisis in the relations between nuclear powers, the likelihood of a rapid escalation of a nuclear conflict increases due to the disruption of the Early Warning System satellites, which consequently raises the risk of accidental ballistic missile launches. Following this logic, it can be argued that the level of strategic stability is already declining today, with extremely negative consequences for all countries worldwide. This underscores the relevance of the research. Proposals have been formulated to prevent an arms race in space by discussing and adopting special binding norms of international law, which Russia has been advocating for many years in cooperation with other interested countries.

Topical issues of countering modern autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles and FPV drones

The high level of development of unmanned aviation has predetermined the possibility of its use to solve a wide range of tasks. At the same time, it should be noted that achievements in this area are not always used for peaceful purposes. The results of the analysis of the practice of using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in modern military conflicts and information about terrorist acts with their use allow us to conclude that the most difficult targets resistant to various methods of influence are modern autonomous UAVs and FPV drones with explosive devices. Therefore, the search for effective ways to counteract them seems to be an urgent area of research. The aim of the work is to develop the means for effective counteraction to modern autonomous UAVs and FPV drones by electromagnetic, laser and mechanical ways. The methods of system analysis are used in the work. The article notes the increasing level of threats associated with the mass use of autonomous UAVs and FPV drones, presents the results of the "revision" and critical analysis of the main methods of countering modern UAVs, reflecting their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Based on the results obtained, a comparative analysis of methods of countering autonomous UAVs and FPV drones was carried out. It is concluded that the most effective of them are the methods of electromagnetic, laser and mechanical action. The required parameters for the effective application of these types of impacts on modern autonomous UAVs and FPV drones are presented. The results of the research can be used as initial data for the creation of new and improvement of existing means of countering UAVs as part of physical protection systems (SFZ). The scientific novelty of the work consists in the development of a scientific and methodological apparatus for substantiating the SFZ of objects in terms of taking into account the functioning features and vulnerabilities of modern autonomous UAVs and FPV drones, as well as determining ways to improve systems to counter them based on the use of electromagnetic, laser and mechanical means.

Голубь Курчатова: фигурации (пост)советского ядерного миролюбия

The article discusses the rhetorical, political and ethical entanglements of the atomic age, embodied into a new understanding of the world, as well as into new fragilities and responsibilities. The author notes the episte-mological challenges of exploring the discursive production of the peace in the USSR, which is identified as one of the most indoctrinated practices of late socialism. Through the lens of a single slogan, the author analyzes the indirect transitions between ethics and propaganda. The statement “Let the atom be a worker, not a soldier”, which appeared on the banners of demonstrators in the late 1950s and early 1960s and was attributed to the atomic supervisor Igor Kurchatov, became a Soviet atomic imperative and a key figure in the discourse of (post)Soviet atomic peacefulness. The author describes the figuration of the slogan in the context of the confron-tation between two systems, nuclear diplomacy and the establishment of a global agenda for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The USSR participated in this struggle by promoting the significance of the peace-ful atom and defending its moral priority in the propaganda of this brand. The author focuses on the authorship of the statement and reveals its entanglement with the genealogy of morality and the development of an ethical position for a Soviet nuclear scientist between nuclear war and the peaceful atom. The article pays attention to the contribution of the science journalist Vladimir Gubarev to the retrospective restoration of the authorship of the Soviet atomic imperative. By creating this discursive fiction, one of the main chroniclers of the Sredmash project simultaneously engaged in both propaganda and ethical work.

Estimation of the protected zone sizes for peaceful nuclear explosions based on quantitative patterns of the Earth’s interior deformation

The designation of peaceful nuclear explosions as special radioactive waste imposes serious requirements to the territory of the explosion, its boundaries, and stakeholders informing about the prohibition of economic activities within these boundaries. The acting Sanitary Norms and Rules SanPiN 2.6.1.2819–10 “Ensuring radiation safety of the population living in areas where nuclear explosions were conducted (1965–1988) for peaceful purposes” do not define the size of the boundaries of protected zones. The aim of this paper is to analyze the scientific literature on the structure of deformation changes in the Earth’s interior due to peaceful nuclear explosions and to justify quantitative ratios on the basis of which the size of protected zones can be estimated. The quantitative ratios were selected on the basis of a comparative analysis of the literature data. Using the ratios values made it possible to calculate the radii of deformation changes (cavities, crushing zones, fracturing zones, and zones of residual deformations) in various rocks. It is shown that the maximum values of fracturing radii for peaceful nuclear explosions carried out on the territory of the Russian Federation in hard rocks and in plastic rocks do not exceed 200 m and 250 m, respectively.

Cyberspace as a Common Heritage of Mankind: Governing Normative Limitations of the Internet by Virtue of International Law

Cyberspace, which consists of a global web of linked networks and computers, transcends the traditional concept of sovereignty, inviting a multi-disciplinary approach and an inklusive policy-making strategy. The international architecture of cyberspace connects with the real world with geographical servers and governments, as well as the material effects of the development of international law. As a result, the nature of cyberspace governance has become international. This article will reflect on the phenomena of common space areas under international law and employ a retrospective and normative approach to analyse the applicability of the common heritage of mankind (CHM) principle to cyberspace. The doctrinal approach taken in this research is within the conceptual framework of de lege ferenda. Cyberspace possesses a similar philosophical foundation to the seabed, Antarctica, and outer space. As a legal consequence, cyberspace must exclusively be used for peaceful purposes, demilitarized, and all activities must be carried out for the benefit of all humankind. Conclusively, as the Internet changes at a revolutionary pace – expanding the size of cyberspace – the law must also respond adequately. This research proposes an answer for such adequacy, fundamentally built on the conceptions and virtue of international law, featuring the CHM principle for cyberspace governance.

International Cooperation in the Research and Use of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes (on the 55th Anniversary of the Intercosmos Program)

International Cooperation in the Research and Use of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes (on the 55th Anniversary of the Intercosmos Program)

Development of cooperation in the space industry: from 1959 to 1962

The article reveals the main aspects of the or­ganization of cooperation in space activities at the initial stage of its development when the fiercest space race between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the United States of America was taking place. The main goals of the international community concerning joint research and develop­ment of outer space and celestial bodies, as well as the circumstances that influenced the formation of such cooperation at this stage, are explained and analyzed.
 In addition, the article is also concerned with the issue of the international bodies establishment related to the organization and control of joint space activity, the issue of the organization of in­terstate cooperation in outer space in the direction of creating communication accessible to the pop­ulation of the entire planet with the help of satel­lites, the issue of legal regulation of joint activity in outer space and on celestial bodies, as well as the issue of creating an international network of space­ports for launching sounding rockets by all interest­ed participants in space activities (in particular, to make it possible for non-state organizations to take part in space activities).
 Considering the modern competition among states in the struggle for dominance in outer space and on celestial bodies and the dangers that such a competition brings, the study returns to the origins of space activity to identify and analyze the factors that influenced the formation of international cooperation in space (both negatively and positively).
 The main focus is on international documents adopted by the United Nations General Assembly between 1959 and 1962.
 Specifically, the results of the study of the three main Resolutions adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in this period regarding international cooperation in the use of outer space for peaceful purposes are presented.

Russia — Africa: old friends and perspective partners (on the example of Angola and Mozambique)

The article analyzes diplomatic, trade and economic relations, as well as military-technical cooperation between Russia and Angola, Russia and Mozambique caused by the growing role of African countries in world politics and economy. These African states traditionally hold a special place in the Russian, and previously Soviet, foreign policy. In the 21st century Africa is one of the most dynamically developing and promising regions in the world, which is reflected in the Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation. This is evidenced by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recent activity. In the first months of 2023, he has already toured Africa twice: from January 23 to 27 and from February 6 to 9. Russian-Angolan and Mozambican bilateral relations have been always seen as “reliable and timetested”. It was 1975 when the USSR established diplomatic relations with Angola and Mozambique after they gained independence from Portugal. During the Soviet Union ties between our countries were actively developing. After the collapse of the USSR bilateral cooperation signifi cantly decreased, while military-political collaboration continued, including the settlement of the armed conflict in Angola. At the present stage, our relations are developing in many directions. These are, in addition to military assistance, Russia’s participation in the development of Angolan diamond deposits, cooperation in the field of education, merchant shipping, as well as exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes. A new impetus to the development of relations is given by high-level visits “on the sidelines” of BRICS and the Russia-Africa Summits.