EUTELSAT IGO participated in the 67th session of United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) chaired by Mr Sherif Mohamed Sedky (Egypt). COPUOS is the main international multilateral forum for the discussions of space affairs, including the moon and other celestial bodies. Consensus being the only method of decision-making of the Committee, the two reports of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee and the Legal Subcommittee were formally adopted during this session.
EUTELSAT IGO followed matters of interest to the Organisation regarding inter alia “Ways and means of maintaining outer space for peaceful purposes”, “Use of space technology in the UN system”, “Space and sustainable development”, “Space 2030” agenda and “Future Role and Method of Work of the Committee”.
In addition to plenary sessions, the 67th session of COPUOS showcased side events, with a strong focus on sustainable space activities, and technical presentations from actors of the space community. Under the aegis of France, the Eutelsat group presented its perspective on space sustainability and its practice of Space Debris Mitigation under the French Space Law. The Company recognised that international initiatives, which bring together key space actors with the UN community and COPUOS’ members States, foster a multidisciplinary approach and contribute to resolve the matter of space sustainability in the long-term.
Under the agenda item “General exchange of views”, the Executive Secretary delivered his statement on the activities of EUTELSAT since June 2023. He presented the Organisation’s relationships with other international entities in the space and telecommunications sector and outlined the role and mission of the Organisation vis a vis the satellite operator it oversees.
In addition to recognising the important momentum derived from the acquisition of OneWeb by Eutelsat in the Fall 2023, establishing the Eutelsat Group as the only global wholly owned LEO-GEO satellite fleet operator, the Executive Secretary recognised that the latest developments and consolidation trends in the space sector will contribute significantly to eliminating the connectivity gap affecting the population worldwide.
Another important issue of concern was made considering the recent increases in cases of deliberate interferences in satellite transmissions impacting several administrations of EUTELSAT IGO Member States. These interferences are not only prohibited by the International Telecommunication Union Radio Regulations but also infringe on basic human rights of freedom of expression. Coordinated actions are needed to stop these harmful practices so that all the involved actors comply with the law.
In all, the support of EUTELSAT IGO for the role played by COPUOS and its subcommittees in maintaining and enhancing peaceful cooperation in outer space was reaffirmed.
