Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS)

HISTORY AND PRESENT STATUS

The UN General Assembly established COPUOS in 1959. The purpose of COPUOS is to facilitate international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space under the auspices of the United Nations. Such peaceful uses include communication, remote sensing and global positioning satellites and astronomy. South Africa became a member in August 1994.

South Africa has regularly attended meetings of the COPUOS and its two subcommittees; Scientific and Technical Subcommittee and Legal Subcommittee and papers have been delivered by South African Space scientists on a variety of topics.

OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND COOPERATING ORGANISATIONS

South African Council for Space Affairs
Department of Trade and Industry
Department of Communications
Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology
CSIR
University of Stellenbosch

RELEVANT TREATIES/PROTOCOLS ETC

Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (The "Outer Space Treaty") of 1967. South Africa has ratified the treaty.

Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space (The "Rescue Agreement") of 1968. South Africa has ratified the treaty.

Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (The "Liability Convention") of 1971. South Africa has signed but not ratified the Convention.

Convention on the Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space (The "Registration Convention") of 1974.

Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (The "Moon Agreement") of 1979.