Background: The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) was established by the UN General Assembly in 1959 to govern the exploration and use of space for the benefit of all humanity: for peace, security and development. The Committee was tasked with reviewing international cooperation in peaceful uses of outer space, studying space-related activities that could be undertaken by the United Nations, encouraging space research programs, and studying legal issues arising from the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.
The 65th session of COPUOS will serve as a multilateral forum for 100 UN member states to discuss pressing issues concerning outer space. During its 65th session, COPUOS will review and endorse recommendations made by its two subcommittees, the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) and Legal Subcommittee (LSC). The United States sends a delegation of representatives from multiple federal agencies and led by the U.S. Department of State to participate in the discussions and represent U.S. interests. Items on the COPUOS agenda – as noted in UN document A/76/20 – include:
- Ways and means of maintaining outer space for peaceful purposes
- Space and sustainable development
- Space and climate change
- Space exploration and innovation
- Space and water
Request: In alignment with the Department of State’s notice on “Private Sector Participation in Domestic and International Events on Spaceflight Safety, Sustainability, and Emerging Markets in Outer Space” of January 19, 3033 (87 FR 2978), the U.S. Department of State is seeking qualified individuals to participate as private sector advisors on the U.S. delegation to the 65th session of COPUOS. Interested individuals should:
- Have experience working in the space sector;
- Currently work for a U.S. company, non-governmental organization, or academic institution that focuses on space issues; and
- Have expertise and relevant experience in at least one of the topics listed above.
If selected, an individual will participate on the U.S. delegation throughout the COPUOS session. Private sector advisors may be invited to attend delegation meetings, to provide informed viewpoints to the delegation on relevant topics, and to attend relevant sessions or other informal meetings of COPUOS.
Logistics:
- The 65th session of COPUOS is scheduled to meet from June 1 to June 10, 2022 in Vienna, Austria.
- Due to precautions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. participation will be hybrid, with both in-person and virtual participation.
- There will be two sessions of the plenary each weekday, from 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM EDT and from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT. Attendance of the plenary sessions is at the participant’s discretion.
- Participants will not receive compensation for their time or travel expenses, if applicable.
- Consistent with current policy, participants may not be registered lobbyists, as defined by USC § 1601 et. seq.
- Participation is subject to the regulations in Public Notice 665: Participation of Private Sector Representatives on U.S. Delegations (44 FR 17846).
To express interest in participating as a private sector advisor on the U.S. delegation, please submit the following material by May 9, 2022:
- A brief description of your organization (max 300 words);
- An explanation of why you would like to participate on the delegation to the 65th session of COPUOS and how your experience and expertise are relevant to the work of COPUOS (max 500 words); and
- A curriculum vitae.
Please e-mail the above materials FRN-11630-Inbox@state.gov.
The expressions of interest will be reviewed and individuals will be informed if they are invited to participate on the delegation by May 16, 2022.
Additional Opportunity: Deliver a Technical Presentation During the COPUOS plenary:
Request: The U.S. delegation is also seeking expressions of interest to deliver a technical presentation on the role of the private sector in (a) space exploration and innovation and (b) enhancing the transparency of outer space activities. Topics could include:
- In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM)
- Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Spaceflight Safety
If selected, the presentation will be:
- Limited to 12 minutes in length;
- Delivered during the “Technical Presentations” slot of the plenary, which meets from 3:45 AM to 4:45 AM EDT and 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM EDT every day of the meeting. Preference can be given to the afternoon sessions; and
- Approved by the head of the U.S. delegation in advance of the presentation.
If you wish to be considered for a technical presentation, please e-mail the following information – in addition to the material listed above for private sector advisors – to FRN-11630-Inbox@state.gov with the words “Technical Presentation” in the subject line of your e-mail:
- A brief description of the focus of your proposed presentation and how it addresses topics under discussion at the 65th session of COPUOS (max 300 words);