62ND SESSION OF UNOOSA SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL SUBCOMMITTEE

The 62nd Session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) took place in Vienna, Austria, from 3 to 14 February 2025. The annual meeting brought together more than 100 country delegations and more than two dozen observers to discuss and contribute their perspectives on issues related to the civil and peaceful uses of outer space, including orbital debris, long-term sustainability, and use of space for global health and sustainable socio-economic development.

IAF once again participated in its role as a permanent observer to the Committee. IAF Vice President on Relations with International Organizations Anil Kumar made a statement under the Exchange of Views agenda item that provided an update on IAF activities and upcoming events, including the IAF Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX 2025) in New Delhi, India and the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025) in Sydney, Australia.

One of the highlights of the 62nd Session of STSC was the IAF Symposium, a biennial event organized by the IAF on 11 February 2025. The Federation extended its gratitude and respect to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and to its Director – Aarti Holla-Maini for her leadership and outstanding cooperation with the IAF. The 2025 edition of the IAF Symposium explored the theme: "Space – Indispensable on the Agenda of Policymakers, Public, and Nations".

The IAF Symposium consisted of three panels:

Panel A: “How to Engage Political Decision-Makers in the Space Debate?”
Panel B: “How to Secure General Public Support for Space?”
Panel C: “How to Embrace Emerging Countries in the Global Space Endeavour?”

More information and the detailed summary of the IAF Symposium can be found here.