Dealing with the troublesome trend in the growth of Earth-circling orbital debris is a major element to ensure the sustainability of space. Moreover, human and environmental security can be maximized by global cooperative use of space systems to benefit all of humanity.

These were among the topics highlighted by Secure World Foundation (SWF) during the Fifty-third session of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), held June 9-18 in Vienna, Austria.

"In all of our work, we actively promote the development of sound policies to support the long term sustainability of outer space activities and the peaceful use of space activities for the benefit of Earth and its peoples," explained Dr. Ray Williamson, SWF's Executive Director.

Secure World Foundation attended the Committee meeting as a permanent observer. Joining Williamson at the COPUOS session was Agnieszka Lukaszczyk, a space policy consultant for Secure World Foundation.

In Williamson's "Exchange of Views Statement" to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space on June 11, he detailed SWF's multi-pronged interests in key areas:

+ Space Sustainability, ensuring that all humanity can continue to use outer space for peaceful purposes and socioeconomic benefit.

+ Space Policy and Space Law Development through assisting emerging space States develop effective space policies.

+ Support of Human and Environmental Security through maximizing the international cooperative use of space systems for the benefit of humanity.

+ Planetary Defense by promoting a unified international policy approach to protection of our planet from the threat of near Earth objects (NEOs).

World community has a unique opportunity
Secure World Foundation is dedicated to maintaining the secure and sustainable use of space for the benefit of Earth and all its peoples. It acts as a research body, convener and facilitator to advocate for key space sustainability and other space related topics, Williamson said, as well as examining their influence on governance and international development.

"The Foundation believes that the challenge of sustaining the space environment into the future must be dealt with in a truly international manner," Williamson added, with SWF strongly supporting the work of COPUOS.

"As the benefits of space activities expand and improve, keeping outer space available for peaceful activities will become ever more important," Williamson stated. "As we move into the last half of the first hundred years of the space age, the world community has a unique opportunity to safeguard the secure and sustainable use of the space environment."