United Nations Committee On The Peaceful Uses Of Outer Space Research Articles

SPACE RESOURCES: A NEW BALANCE OF INTERESTS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Purpose: the Art. II of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty (OST), which prohibits national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, use or occupation, is a jus cogens norm and has become a guarantee of peace in space, as well as the basis of international space law. In opposition, the creation of national legislations that allow the appropriation of space resources to their citizens, the advance of the private sector in space activities all over the world, the initiative to create the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), and The Artemis Accords, put the interpretation of this fundamental principle under debate. In the 21st century, the proliferation of new space missions of public-private nature has created feasible commercial opportunities, such as space mining. All of this has deepened the debate within the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) on the need (or not) for elaborate new legal definitions and a legal regime for space resources. For this, it’s necessary to generate a unified interpretation by the States based on the "balance of interests" principle. Research methods: study of specialized bibliography and national and international legislations, observation methods and analysis of information related to space activities. Results: in this article it will be evaluated whether it’s possible to establish a new global legal interpretation of Art. II of the OST of 1967 to allow the harmonization of private and public interests. Discussion: the Artemis Accords, the ILRS and the national legislations of States that currently allow their citizens to appropriate space resources are, in fact and in practice, the spearhead of NewSpace and their main characteristic is that they are initiatives carried out outside UNCOPUOS. What would happen if soon, in a hypothetical case, The Artemis Accords and the ILRS project were to have more than a hundred signatory States in total?

Efforts in ensuring safety and transparency in space activities in the Asia-Pacific

This paper introduces the efforts to ensure the safety and transparency of space activities in the Asia-Pacific region, mainly based on the study results of the National Space Legislation Initiative (NSLI). NSLI is an initiative under the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) for exchanging information and enhancing the capacity of space policy and law. NSLI's main activity is the joint study of national space legislation for the submission of a report to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS). NSLI's study includes topics relating to safety and transparency in space activities, such as space debris mitigation measures and registration of space objects. This paper introduces the status of such efforts by nine NSLI countries, mainly based on the information in the first phase NSLI report submitted in 2021 and discusses the way forward.

Space traffic management and its dual use: Space security strategies and cooperation in Europe

Space Trafic Management (STM) has gained relevance in regional and global strategies when there is more significant congestion in space. Ongoing discussions in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) and other fora are reflecting the essence of STM in Europe, in the United States and others. In the US, the 2018 Space Policy Directive-3 on National Space Traffic Management Policy has become a focal eleemnt. More recently, STM was underlined in the European Union – European Space Agency Space Council Orientations of November 2020 as part of the European ambitions to achieve strategic autonomy. In February 2021, the European Commission launched STM as a flagship project under its' Action Plan on Synergies' between the civil, defence, and space industries, aiming to reinforce the European industry's competitiveness. In February 2022, a joint communication on a European Union approach on STM was published. In this regard, STM entails several technological, socio-economic, and regulatory dimensions with significant security implications as reflected in national and regional strategies. This paper focuses on a critical element: the cooperation between the civilian and the military and how organizations effectively address the dual-use aspect concerning STM development under the current legal and regulatory framework. Moreover, it examines how the dual-use element of STM influences space security of space technologies. Successful strategies with tangible outcomes require effective cooperation between the civilian and military actors. Hence, this paper seeks to identify potential legal and regulatory barriers and proposes solutions to accommodate divergent strategic interests and needs in STM future strategies.

The Role of The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space

Based on the provisions of Article 1 Paragraphs 1 and 4 of the United Nations Charter, it is stated that the purpose of the United Nations is to maintain international peace and security, in this case to take effective collective action for the prevention and elimination of threats to peace, to suppress acts of aggression. or other violations, to bring it about by peaceful means and in accordance with the principles of justice and international law, adjustments or adjustments to the international situation that may lead to peace and the United Nations, as well as centers to harmonize the actions of nations in peace with common goals. So to realize these things, the United Nations establishes international bodies that regulate the regulations that apply when problems occur between countries in the world, furthermore for the regulation of the peaceful use of outer space in this case the United Nations, formed The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS) and the Division of Outer Space Affairs, as an important committee in overseeing the peaceful use of outer space. The United Nations General Assembly in Resolution 1348 (XIII) established an ad hoc Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space. As well as the 1967 Treaty on the principles governing the activities of countries in the exploration and use of outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies.

Anticipatory Science Diplomacy as a Governance And Cooperation Mechanism for the Search for Extraterrestrial Life

The scientific search for extraterrestrial life mainly consists of looking for evidence of current and past microbial life and intelligent, technology-capable life. The space industry appears to have entered an era of “NewSpace” activities that are no longer conducted exclusively by the traditional state space powers. Instead, emerging space actors, both public and private, have commenced searches for extraterrestrial life. The likelihood of successfully discovering extraterrestrial life only increases when considering an unintentional discovery resulting from the various other space-related activities pursued by NewSpace actors. Unfortunately, the relevant policy landscape is plagued with significant gaps. Anticipatory diplomacy, that is, a model for diplomacy that seeks to act today to address the challenges of the future, might be appropriate for governing those science-related global activities and for encouraging cooperation among varying actors. This policy memo offers the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) suggestions on how to practically implement anticipatory diplomacy in the scientific endeavor of the search for extraterrestrial life by means of four proactive policies: harmonization of pre-discovery measures in national space laws, encouragement of international R&D partnerships among public and private actors, a public registry of activities with the potential to detect extraterrestrial life, and an appropriate interdisciplinary UNCOPUOS Working Group. The overall recommendation is to start with establishing the proposed UNCOPUOS Working Group and then to task it with evaluating if and how to implement the other three proactive policies.

Post-mission de-orbiting of Cartosat-2

India has been voluntarily following the guidelines on space debris mitigation recommended by UN-COPUOS (United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space) and IADC (Inter-Agency Space Debris coordination Committee) to the maximum possible extent towards safe and sustainable operations in outer space. As a part of the ongoing efforts for better compliance with these guidelines, post-mission disposal of Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) objects has been carried out in the recent past. Cartosat-2, which was operational at 630 km altitude, is the first satellite to be de-orbited at its end-of-life through a series of perigee reduction orbit maneuvers to minimize its presence in the LEO region. Consequently, the post-mission orbital lifetime was reduced from more than 30 years to less than 5 years in compliance with the 25-year rule recommended in IADC space debris mitigation guidelines. The de-orbiting exercise utilizing left-over propellant also achieved the objective of minimising any accidental break-up risk. This paper outlines the relevant analyses and planning aspects of post-mission de-orbiting for Cartosat-2. The lessons learnt and recommendations on post-mission disposal for future LEO missions are also presented.

Common but Differentiated Responsibilities for Space Debris Removal

ABSTRACT Expanding the concept of sustainability from Earth to outer space is a recent, yet inevitable development, which originates in the comprehension that the Earth’s orbital space is a finite resource. The growing number of actors and operations in outer space have led to the proliferation of space debris, posing numerous risks to the long-term sustainability of space activities. Against this background, the Guidelines for the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities adopted by the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) in 2019 call for enhanced international cooperation, effectively addressing such challenges. UNCOPUOS Member States agreed on the fact that international cooperation is required, however, what has not been agreed upon is the nature of such cooperation. The following paper elaborates on the concept of responsibility for space debris removal, looking for analogies in climate change law, namely the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR). Reviewing the literature on space debris regulations, this paper proposes a system based on the correlation between space activities of states and the responsibility for space debris removal. Acknowledging the principles of international space law and the Guidelines for the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities, key obstacles regarding space debris removal and recommendations strengthening international cooperation are discussed.

CONTRIBUTIONS OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY TO GLOBAL HEALTH IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19

Background: Space technologies have been used in each aspect of mankind’s life, including health. The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) has instigated several programs to address how space technologies can contribute to global health.Aims: This article deepened the understanding of how space technology contributes to global health and identified how it may be used in the context of COVID-19.Results: This research identified four different domains of space technology that can or may contribute to global health, which are remote sensing, global navigation satellite system, satellite communication, and human space flight. Generally, these four domains can track disease outbreaks and help mitigate its spread such as by minimizing patient contact with medical personnel. They also keep daily activities such as communication and work afloat. Future developments in space technologies may prove to have an even bigger role to minimize spread.Conclusion: Space technologies are invaluable in helping healthcare personnel and governments track the disease’s sources and spread. Also, they can identify locations with the most damage, and thus immediate actions can be taken. Keywords: geographic information system, infectious disease, outbreak, remote sensing, space technology.

Legal and Policy Perspectives on Civil–Military Cooperation for the Establishment of Space Traffic Management

Space Traffic Management (STM) is already acknowledged as a concept for the regulation of space activities by the Legal Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS). The current United Nations assumption is comprehensive for all space activities and facilitates this conceptualisation. However, very little is known about how the respective requirements are met in practice. STM policies and strategies have been developed at the governmental, intergovernmental and international level demonstrating the wide acceptance of its relevance for the growing challenges in the space sector. This paper, in particular, addresses elements of civil and military cooperation as an emerging dynamic with implications for the development of STM. Hence, it examines this issue by looking into comparable traffic regimes: air traffic, maritime traffic and radio frequency spectrum. Drawing on the fundamental principle of international cooperation and the peaceful uses of outer space, this paper aims to contribute to the further refinement of a STM regime.

Overview of Space Debris Mitigation Activities in ISRO

For several decades orbital debris has been identified as a serious concern by all space-faring agencies and nations as it potentially threatens the current and future space endeavors. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is well aware of the current space debris scenario and is committed to achieving the goal of preserving outer-space for humanity. ISRO works on different aspects to effectively manage the threats due to space debris. This paper provides an overview of past activities carried out in ISRO towards the implementation of space debris mitigation guidelines. One of the significant step taken is the end of life passivation of the cryogenic upper stage of ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). Another one is the successful design and development of propellant venting system for the upper stage of ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). ISRO’s constellation of communication satellites orbiting in GSO’s is designed with adequate propellant so that it can re-orbit to the higher graveyard orbit at the end of their operational lifetime. A typical successful re-orbiting and decommissioning operation of INSAT-3E is described in detail here. ISRO has successfully designed and developed the models and software to predict the atmospheric re-entry of satellites and launch vehicle upper stages, also to compute the collision risk between the debris and the operational satellites. ISRO has also developed models to study the evolution of the space debris environment in LEO and GEO. ISRO actively support the efforts of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) and Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) to develop and adopt the space debris mitigation guidelines.

The IAU and hazardous Near Earth Objects – a clear and present danger

AbstractThe Minor Planet Center, established in 1947 by the IAU, is the international repository and clearinghouse for the world’s minor planet observations. Since 1989, CCD surveys of Near Earth Objects at ground-based astronomical observatories are operational, mainly in the USA. As of 23 August, 2018, a total of 18,545 Near Earth Asteroids (NEAs) and 107 Near Earth Comets (NECs) have been registered and daily updates are made publicly available on the internet by the MPC, NASA-JPL-CNEOS and ESA-SSA-NEOCC.Concern about the possibility of NEO impacts has been picked up by the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS), where the IAU has observer status, and formally expressed since 1999. This led in 2014 to the formation of two international coordinating bodies for NEO detection and NEO impact mitigation: the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) and the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG).In support of these developments, the IAU 28th General Assembly, Session II, held in Beijing on 30 August 2012, adopted a Resolution (3B) recommending the establishment of an International NEO EarlyWarning System, as proposed by the IAU Division III (now Division F) Working Group on Near-Earth Objects. The GA recommended “… that the IAU National Members work with the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) and the International Council for Science (ICSU), to coordinate and collaborate on the establishment of an International NEO Early Warning System, relying on the scientific and technical advice of the relevant astronomical community, whose main purpose is the reliable identification of potential NEO collisions with the Earth, and the communication of the relevant parameters to suitable decision makers of the nation(s) involved. ….”The NEO hazard issue received world-wide attention on 13 February 2013 when a NEA with an estimated size of 17 to 20 meters and an estimated mass of 11,000 tons exploded over Chelyabinsk (Russia), releasing 440 kT TNT of energy at an altitude of ∼23 km.Subsequently, on 5 December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a Resolution (69/85, 9–10), noting “… the importance of information-sharing in discovering, monitoring and physically characterizing potentially hazardous near-Earth objects to ensure that all countries, in particular developing countries with limited capacity in predicting and mitigating a near-Earth object impact, are aware of potential threats, emphasizes the need for capacitybuilding for effective emergency response and disaster management in the event of a near-Earth object impact, .…”In spite of all dedicated NEO surveys operational to date, the present inventory and thus our assessment of the level of threat of NEOs is severely limited by their huge number and by the available observational capabilities. E.g., while the estimated number of all NEOs larger than 40 meters in diameter is ∼700, 000, only ∼2% have been detected to date. For NEOs with sizes between 40 and 140 meters, the detection percentage amounts to less than 1% of the estimated number. Only dedicated space-based surveys, preferably in the infrared, will be able to provide the much needed orders of magnitude improvement in the detection, tracking and characterizing of NEOs. One promising project is the NASA-JPL NEOCam mission, studied since 2005 but not yet approved: a dedicated infrared observatory aiming to detect, track and characterize NEO’s from the Sun-Earth Lagrange point L1.As Yeomans puts it: we better find them before they find us (Yeomans 2013). Traditionally, astronomers are looking back into the past, if only because of the limited speed of light. But we should realize that the clear and present danger posed by hazardous Near Earth Objects to mankind and all other life forms obliges us to look also forward, into the future. Provided with the proper means, we astronomers can do that, as a small service to society, including ourselves. The astronomical community at large should give high priority to NEO survey projects, in particular space-based surveys.

A gradual approach towards space traffic management: The contribution of UNISAPCE+50

The year 2017 as the year of the 50th anniversary of the Outer Space Treaty witnesses ongoing discussions about the governance of space activities. The UNISPACE+50 process directly addresses relevant topics in this context, in particular through its thematic priority 2 “The legal regime of outer space governance”. In parallel to and interconnected with the UNISPACE+50 process, the Long-term Sustainability (LTS) Working Group of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) continues to discuss different guidelines, thereby representing an ongoing effort for a normative development. Also the Legal Subcommittee of UNCOPUOS has a relevant item on its agenda: the topic of space traffic management. Such a traffic management system is composed of a coherent set of rules assuring a safe conduct of space activities free from harmful interference. The need for more adequate regulation is obvious: The safety, security and sustainability of space activities are today challenged by an accelerated proliferation of space debris and a corresponding increase in the risk of in-orbit collisions. The lack of appropriate regulation is complemented by a weak degree of institutionalization of the space law regime as a comparison with other international legal regimes illustrates. It is submitted in this paper that a further norm development would have to be accompanied by the formation of a coherent and institutionalized international legal regime, in short a space traffic management system. UNISPACE+50 offers the opportunity for a new impetus to this debate: Its substantive work on global space governance issues should be used to further promoting and strengthening the conceptual and substantive understanding of space traffic management.

The new debate on the working methods of the UNCOPUOS Legal Subcommittee

The 2014 session of the Legal Subcommittee (LSC) of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) saw a particularly extensive and thorough debate on the working methods of this forum, which has the status of the highest body in space law making. By discussing the working methods it also became apparent how delegations actually regard the LSC and what expectations they have from it. In a time of considerable changes in space activities and space diplomacy alike, it was only a matter of time that such a comprehensive discussion arose. And while it did not immediately lead to decisions, it provided numerous signals for the future of the LSC.

WORKING GROUP: NEAR-EARTH OBJECTS

Following its meeting in May, 2010, the IAU Executive Committee requested that a Working Group on NEOs within Div. III be re-activated and carry out the following activities: a) investigate and formulate requirements for an international ground- and/or space-based NEO survey, to detect, track and characterize (optical/IR, radar) 90% of all NEOs with D >40 m and to establish as such a permanent International NEO Early Warning System; to submit to the President, Vice-President and OC of Division III by March 31, 2011, a progress report and by March 31, 2012, a final report on this matter, to be forwarded to the President and General Secretary of the IAU;b) assemble a SOC in order to write and submit to the IAU Assistant General Secretary before December 1, 2010, a proposal for a GA IAU Symposium or a GA Special Session, to be held during the IAU XXVIII General Assembly, August 20-31, 2012 in Beijing, on theoretical and observational aspects of NEO research in general, and on requirements and other aspects of a permanent International NEO Early Warning System in particular;c) prepare and submit to the IAU General Secretary by January 31, 2012, a Resolution for consideration by the IAU XXVIII General Assembly in Beijing, August 2012, asking for international action and support to establish an International NEO Early Warning System; such a Resolution, if accepted by the IAU XXVIII General Assembly, to be addressed to the IAU National Members, to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS), and to the International Council for Science (ICSU).

The Moon Agreement in the 21st century

Forty years after the Promethean achievement of Apollo 11, the major space-faring nations are showing a renewed interest in missions to the Moon. While in the 1960s, in the context of the Cold War, the decision to land humans on the Moon was perceived as a strategic political instrument between the two blocs, now in the 21st century, a considerably increased number of space actors complicate the scene with multiple sectorial and national interests. Security still predominates, although economic considerations also play an increasing role. The commercialisation and privatisation of space activities leads to new challenges which raise the issue of the role of the international legal framework. In this context, the Agreement Governing the Activities of the States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies of 1979 (known as the Moon Agreement) should be able to play a relevant role. There are several political and legal questions that arise for discussion. At its forty-sixth session, the Legal Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) decided to include a discussion on the activities, which are being or to be carried out on the Moon and other celestial bodies in the forty-seventh session of the Subcommittee in 2008. A joint statement by some State Parties to the Agreement addresses questions raised during these discussions.

Status of the IAA study group on traffic management rules for space operations

The investigation of space traffic and its management has only recently become a point of wider discussion. In particular, the series of workshops organized by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and other international organizations on international cooperation highlighted the issue. It was discussed thoroughly at the workshops, which took place in 1999 and 2001, respectively. It was at the 2001 workshop, when the suggestion was made that an International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) Study on the subject of space traffic management should be prepared. This suggestion was taken up and a proposal was presented to the Board of Trustees of IAA, which, in late 2001, accepted this proposal. Following this, an interdisciplinary study group of around 20 persons was composed. One early milestone in the process of work was the conduct of an International Institute of Space Law (IISL)/European Center of Space Law (ECSL) Symposium alongside the 2002 session of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) Legal Subcommittee. This symposium consisted of presentations of members of the IAA study group. Also, close coordination with other study projects of IAA, in particular with the one on space debris, is sought. This paper presents the status of work of the study group, in particular, the approach and the scope of the study as well as its preliminary findings. The study group intends to finalize its work in early 2004, in order to be able to put the study before IAA and launch its review process before the 2004 International Astronautical Congress. Following this review, the study will be published and may be expected to make an impact in fora like the UNCOPUOS. The authors of this paper act as the coordinators/the rapporteur to this study. The paper will be presented in the IAA—as well as the IISL—session dealing with space traffic, by that bridging the two areas and seeking input from various sources.

Report on the Twelfth United Nations/European Space Agency Workshop on Basic Space Science (Beijing, P.R. China, 24–28 May 2004)

Pursuant to recommendations of the United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE III) and deliberations of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS), annual UN/European Space Agency workshops on basic space science have been held around the world since 1991. These workshops contributed to the development of astrophysics and space science, particularly in developing nations. Following a process of prioritization, the workshops identified the following elements as particularly important for international cooperation in the field: (i) operation of astronomical telescope facilities implementing TRIPOD, (ii) virtual observatories, (iii) astrophysical data systems, (iv) concurrent design capabilities for the development of international space missions, and (v) theoretical astrophysics such as applications of nonextensive statistical mechanics. Beginning in 2005, the workshops focus on preparations for the International Heliophysical Year 2007 (IHY2007). The workshops continue to facilitate the establishment of astronomical telescope facilities as pursued by Japan and the development of low-cost, ground-based, world-wide instrument arrays as lead by the IHY secretariat.

Space debris mitigation measures in India

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) recognizes the importance of the current space debris scenario, and the impact it has on the effective utilization of space technology for the improvement in the quality of life on the Earth. ISRO is committed to effective management of the threats due to space debris. Towards this commitment ISRO works on different aspects of space debris, including the debris mitigation measures. This paper highlights the activities and achievements in the implementation of the mitigation measures. ISRO successfully designed and developed a propellant venting system for implementation in the existing upper stage of India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which uses Earth-storable liquid propellants. GSLV also employs passivation of the Cryogenic Upper Stage at the end of its useful mission. ISRO's communication satellites in GSO are designed with adequate propellant margins for re-orbiting at the end of their useful life to a higher graveyard orbit. A typical successful operation in connection with INSAT-2C is described. ISRO developed its debris environmental models and software to predict the close approach of any of the debris to the functional satellites. The software are regularly used for the debris risk management of the orbiting spacecraft and launch vehicles. ISRO recognizes the role of international cooperation in the debris mitigation measures and actively contributes to the efforts of the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) and United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS).

A European view on UNISPACE III follow-up

Preparations for the third UN Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE III) were intense. The conference itself was a success. But what forms will the follow-up take? Just reading the 150-page report is an effort in itself. Having played a central part in the preparations and organization, Europe fully appreciates the need to build on the spirit of cooperation which emerged from UNISPACE III. In November 1999, the European States gathered to analyze the results of the conference and to set a course for their future participation in the United Nations Programme on Space Applications (UNPSA), which is mainly done through ESA, and for their participation in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS), which is done through coordination among ESA Member States. This article presents the authors’ personal accounts of the results of the European efforts around UNISPACE III and shows how `European foreign policy’ can work in international space policy. It also seeks to illustrate Europe's commitment to putting space technology to work for the benefit of development throughout the world.

Overview on space debris activities in France

As shown by recent examples, the presence of space debris represents an increasing risk for space missions. Fully aware of this problem, CNES has implemented a policy in this field aiming at a better knowledge of the environment to assess the risk and at the preparation of the necessary mitigation measures. These objectives will be reached thanks to technical activities and to an increased cooperation with our international partners. First, at national level, technical activities are in progress with the support of industry and research organizations. These activities deal for instance with observation of space debris using ground or on-board equipments. The design of future satellites and launchers is also an important subject to reduce the production of debris and to limit the consequences in case of collision. In the mean time new operational practices are experimented and already implemented. In addition a safety requirements document, which will be applied by all the future projects is under preparation. Secondly, as the future mitigation measures will result of international agreements the cooperation with the other spacefaring nations is developped. This is done at European level through the participation to working groups with ESA and the other European space agencies. This is also done at a more global level through an active participation to IADC (Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee) and to the Scientific and Technical Sub-Committee of the UN-COPUOS (United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space).