Topic Summary
From the discoveries of Galileo, landing of Sputnik, and now the endeavors of SpaceX, outer space has been a playground of exploration for man. However, during the midst of the Cold War and the infamous Space Race, the United Nations created the Committee for the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space as a means of maintaining tranquility in the Great Unknown. UNCOPUOS is particularly focused on ensuring the sovereignty of space, protecting astronauts of all nationalities when in need, indicating celestial bodies may only be used for peaceful purposes, maintaining a registry of space objects, and ensuring responsible parties take action for damage caused in space. As animosity among what, and who, is allowed to leave Earth’s orbit increases, delegates are tasked with maintaining the statutes of COPUOS while creating policy that will allow for space to be used to the benefit of man. The committee will operate in general assembly form, with delegates expected to present resolutions at the conclusion of COPUOS’s session. However, delegates will also have to think on their feet and respond to live changes- anywhere from public outcry to industry catastrophes. With several moving parts and a limited timeframe to accomplish it all, this committee will certainly test delegates’ abilities to balance international and intergalactic concerns while keeping the future of exploration and technology in mind.
