Reporters: William Hsu
At the latest COPUOS conference, discussions took an unexpected and concerning turn as the committee was forced to address the deliberate destruction of two key satellites—INSAT-3D and U.S. EchoStar-17. This aggression has created an immediate crisis surrounding space debris and orbital security that demands swift intervention.
In response, a draft directive has been introduced with several critical components:
Multinational Cleanup Task Force
The directive proposes establishing a joint task force led by Russian Federation, the United States, and India to coordinate a comprehensive debris cleanup effort. Responsibilities will include tracking and monitoring debris, developing an Active Debris Removal Vehicle (ADRV), and implementing mandatory global protocols for debris mitigation.
Security Council Moratorium on Launches
To mitigate the threat posed by proliferating debris, the draft calls on the UN Security Council to impose a temporary moratorium on all launches unrelated to cleanup operations until the situation has been addressed.
Stricter ASAT Weapon Regulations
Recognizing the potential for further escalation, the directive also seeks to establish stricter regulations governing anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons. It emphasizes the critical importance of multilateral collaboration, transparency, and confidence-building measures to prevent future acts of aggression in space.
These proposals reflect the urgent need to align space governance frameworks with the evolving security landscape. By mobilizing a coordinated multinational response, the directive aims not only to address the immediate crisis but also to lay the groundwork for more robust and effective space security protocols moving forward.
As COPUOS continues its deliberations, delegates will need to navigate the complex political dynamics while prioritizing the shared goal of ensuring the sustainable and peaceful use of outer space for all nations.
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