International Law and Outer Space Activities

Space exploration is a development which began with the launching of the first artificial satellite in 1957. Since then an incredible progress has been made, leading to the landing of man on the moon. A quick look at the number of launchings which have been registered with the United Nations will show the influence of space science and technology on human endeavours. For example, satellites can be used for com­ munication, weather forecasting, education, and remote sensing of the resources of the Earth. The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space is the focal point of international co-operation in space activities. The Committee regulates these activities through its Legal Sub-Committee. The setting up of the Committee was preceded by an Ad Hoc Committee which was established on 31 December 1958. The initial difficulty which confronted the Ad Hoc Committee was the issue of its member­ ship. The USSR, Czechoslovakia and Poland decided not to participate in its work because they were dissatisfied with the composition of the Ad Hoc Committee. Later, both the UAR and India also decided not to participate in its work. Although the Ad Hoc Committee succeeded in producing a report in 1959 (UN document A/4141), the progress of work of the Main Committee was in limbo for a while. It was not until 1961 that the disagreements were resolved. The Committee conducts its business without voting -the Chairman simply states the consensus of views which have been expressed.