SPACE/V/2
19 July 1999

A spokesman for developing countries called today for the demilitarization of outer space and expressed concern that military related expenditure accounted for substantial amounts of all space resources.

Beginning this afternoon its general exchange of views, the Third United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space heard India=s Ambassador Y.M. Tiwari, speaking on behalf of the AGroup of 77" developing countries and China, urge that space projects should contribute to developing countries= potential and resources. He also called for increased focus on the problem of potential collisions of nuclear-powered space objects with space debris and called for a comprehensive review of the management of emergencies that could be created when nuclear power sources employed in space systems accidentally re-enter the Earth=s atmosphere and impact on its surface. Developing countries were also concerned about the high cost of remote sensing, which had valuable applications such as weather forecasting and assessment of water resources, he added.

International space activity was changing, Finland=s Minister of Trade and Industry,

Erkki Tuomioja, said, on behalf of the European Union and associated States. Space projects were now moving to more practical applications for commercial markets. The new setting was oriented on space as an instrument for solving the problems of modern societies in the fields of information, knowledge, mobility, the environment and the management of natural resources. The Union attached great importance to space-related education and training, as developing countries, in particular, could not make full use of space technology without enhancing their national capabilities and expertise.

The two-week Vienna Conference, which is to conclude on 30 July, is bringing together representatives of governments, the space industry and civil society to focus on ASpace Benefits for Humanity in the Twenty-First Century@, and to adopt a AVienna Declaration and Action Plan@, a practical framework for the global society to maximize the benefits of space technology through international cooperation in space activities.

Also this afternoon, the Conference heard a statement by the Chairman of its Technical Forum. The Forum is designed to foster discussion of a variety of issues through seminars, workshops and panels. It is to concentrate on the status of the scientific knowledge of earth and its environment; the status and applications of space science and technology; the benefits of basic space science and capacity building; information needs and the global approach; economic and societal benefits; and the promotion of international cooperation.

Forum Chairman Peter Jankowitsch (Austria) said in his opening statement that the challenge of UNISPACE III is to transcend political boundaries and work together to apply space science and technology for the benefit of all Earth=s inhabitants. The previous UNISPACE conferences took place during the Cold War, but UNISPACE III was not shadowed by those tensions.

The Technical Forum is to consist of 38 activities, continuing through Tuesday, 27 July, and covering most of the Conference=s agenda items.

Also addressing the Conference this afternoon were Carlos Gonzalez-Bueno, Vice-Minister of Industry and Energy of Spain; Ludwig Baumgarten, Assistant Secretary of State, Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany; Valentino Martelli, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy; Kun-Ho Cho, Vice-Minister of Science and Technology of the Republic of Korea; Jeno Manniniger, President of the Hungarian Space Board and Political State Secretary; En-Jei Luan, Administrator of the China National Space Administration; Benita Ferrero-Waldner, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Austria; David Leadbeater, British National Space Centre; K. Kasturirangan, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization; and Vassilis Cassapoglou, Executive Director of the Greek Centre for Space Science and Technology. The representatives of Japan and France also spoke.

The Conference will meet again at 9 a.m. tomorrow, 20 July, to continue its general exchange of views.

The Third United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE III) met this afternoon to hear an opening statement by the Chairman of the Technical Forum, and to begin its general exchange of views.

The Technical Forum acts as a platform for discussing various space-related issues. It is to feature some 40 seminars, workshops and panels, attended by representatives of space industry and government, as well as international experts. During the Forum, six subjects areas will be examined: the status of the scientific knowledge of earth and its environment; the status and applications of space science and technology; the benefits of basic space science and capacity building; information needs and the global approach; economic and societal benefits; and the promotion of international cooperation.

PETER JANKOWITSCH, Chairman of the Technical Forum of UNISPACE III: The UNISPACE Conferences -- the current one and those of 1968 and 1982 -- have focused on the importance of international cooperation in space research and applications, and on how the benefits of space technology should be applied to developing countries. UNISPACE is Athe periodic spark that ignites the fuel of human aspirations and endeavors in the space arena.@ This Conference is the first to be attended by space industry representatives, and is the first to include a Space Generation Forum as the official youth forum of UNISPACE III. It is also unique in that it will operate through two intergovernmental Committees in addition to the Technical Forum. Since Sputnik I was launched in 1957, space has been an arena not only for discovery but for confrontation as well. The earlier UNISPACE conferences were held during the Cold War, but UNISPACE III is not overshadowed by those tensions.

UNISPACE III provides a unique venue for 38 activities that will together comprise the Technical Forum. The first, a symposium on preserving the astronomical sky, was held last week. The remaining activities -- two sessions, two seminars, three roundtables, four panels, three symposia, two forums, and 21 workshops -- begin this afternoon and continue through next Tuesday. Together, they will cover in depth most of the Conference=s agenda items. Every activity of the Technical Forum is to issue a final summary of its conclusions and proposals to be considered by the appropriate intergovernmental meetings. The final report from UNISPACE III is expected to contain the combined wisdom of all delegates and participants in a single conference document, which, in due course, will be complemented by full reports on all activities prepared by their rapporteurs and by separate proceedings of the Conference.

When viewed from space, the Earth shows only the natural boundaries of land and water. This Conference challenges us to transcend political boundaries and work together to apply space science and technology for the benefit of all Earth=s inhabitants.

Y. M. TIWARI of India, speaking on behalf of the AGroup of 77@ developing countries and China: The Group is concerned about the continuing use of outer space for military or military-related activities. Even now, military related expenditure in space accounts for a substantial proportion of the total. There is urgent need for the demilitarization of outer space and a reduction in military-related activities. The Group is also concerned with the increased use of radio-isotopes for power generation in space objects, and reaffirms the need for a comprehensive overview of the management of incidents or emergencies that may be created when nuclear power sources employed in space systems accidentally re-enter the Earth=s atmosphere and impact on its surface. Further, increased attention should be given to the problem of potential collisions of nuclear powered space objects with space debris. The Group urges the international community to elaborate adequate strategies and long-term planning to deal with this phenomenon, which may endanger the sustainable development of space activities.

In promoting international cooperation on space activities, priority should be given to projects that effectively contribute to develop the country=s potential on human, technological and economic resources. Efforts should be devoted to facilitate the timely use of information resulting from space technologies in the decision-making processes, both in the public and private sector. Among the objectives of UNISPACE III to which the Group attaches the highest importance is to provide developing countries with opportunities to define their needs for space applications for development purposes, with particular emphasis on the needs of the least developed countries in the field of appropriate training and human resource development.

Of special concern to the group is the question of remote sensing data, including those of high resolution. Remote sensing has valuable applications of particular relevance for developing countries, including weather forecasting and assessment of water resources. The cost of remote sensing data in general is of concern. More efforts are needed to further bring down the costs of such data. There should also be a unified approach to developing a standard format for the acquisition, processing and handling of remote sensing data to make it easily available to all countries.

Another area of interest for the Group is the question of utilizing the communications network opened up through space technologies. It emphasizes the need to provide assistance to

developing countries in assessing how space technology can help to meet their information and communication needs. It is also necessary to study the feasibility of international and regional

cooperative systems for satellite based broadcasting and communications for developing countries, especially taking into account their particular needs in the area of education and training. The United Nations should establish, as a matter of priority, a special fund within the Office for Outer Space Affairs, to assist in the implementation of the recommendations of UNISPACE III.

ERKKI TUOMIOJA, Minister of Trade and Industry of Finland, speaking on behalf of the European Union, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Malta: The European Union considers space technology as a highly important and promising instrument, which has the potential to contribute to solutions for a number of global problems the international community is facing today. Europe has been involved for many years in space activities, particularly in the framework of the European Space Agency (ESA). Today the Union spends a considerable amount of money on technological development and the optimum use of space applications. In this context, it is interested in the development of space applications to efficiently conduct its sectoral policies in agriculture, transport or environment and to reinforce the coherence of the European Space Approach.

International space activity is in the process of change. It has moved more and more to practical applications for commercial markets, though scientific research still plays a major role. As many countries have sought the economy of scale, the need for international cooperation in the field has grown. Europe participates in all space-related fields, with the aim of being able to cooperate actively with its main partners in space activities. The example of Europe shows that space has long surpassed the status of being regarded as only a technology-driven field of research. The new setting is characterized by a strong orientation on space as an instrument contributing to the solution of problems of modern societies in the fields of information, knowledge, mobility, the environment and the management of natural resources.

The European Union also attaches great importance to space-related education and training. Developing countries, in particular, cannot not make full use of space technology without developing their national capabilities and expertise. We note the support of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space for the creation of regional Centres for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Africa. This is an important way to offer different countries an opportunity to build a firm foundation of human resources and professional capabilities, not only to solve local problems but also to participate in international programmes.

CARLOS GONZALEZ-BUENO, Vice-Minister of Industry and Energy of Spain:

STS-95 was launched from Cape Canaveral on 29 October 1998 with the first Spanish astronaut on board. The Spanish public followed the mission with great attention and enthusiasm. The use and exploration of outer space requires cooperative action on the international level, since the high costs involved preclude many nations from pursuing them on their own. Space is the shared heritage of all, and therefore it should be subject of cooperation and international agreement.

Spain=s Aspace trail@ began in the 1960s, and Spain was a founding member of the European Space Agency (ESA) in the 1970s. The country=s industrial sector participates in

various space programme and has reached a technological level which is competitive on the world scale. Administrative, academic and scientific institutions have developed greatly in this area as well. Spain=s involvement in space activities includes its directing the launching of the MERCURE satellite communications system, proposing ESA earth observations, including the FUEGO project for preventing forest fires. Spain has on registry with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) a telecommunications system involving two HISPASAT satellites in the geostationary orbit.

In the general area of space activities, the support of governments is an indispensable factor in successful projects, which also involve strategic participation from the economic sector. The main reasons for this gathering must be remembered: it is through the use of space that we can find the keys for social development, ensuring the quality of life for humanity in the future.

LUDWIG BAUMGARTEN, Assistant Secretary of State, Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany: Germany has been active in space research and applications since 1962. Space research occupies a high rank in federal policy, and has as its main goals excellence in scientific research and the promotion of commercial applications with a market perspective. Germany has a developed space infrastructure which contributes considerably to the global development of space technology. From the start, international cooperation has been a central element of Germany=s space policy. Spending about 70 per cent of its space budget on European programmes, Germany regards the exploration and utilization of outer space as a joint effort.

The international arena has changed dramatically during the last decade and, mainly through commercial applications, the utilization of outer space has become an integral element of everyday life. Space capabilities are no longer solely the realm of highly industrialized countries, nor is space technology solely a governmental issue. Space applications which are of relevance for economic and social development can only be fostered by public-private partnership and

through the increased responsibility of the space industry. This Conference should provide guidance on how space applications can contribute to the achievement of the goals of the United Nations system.

One of the primary achievements of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space has been the elaboration of multilateral treaties which form the basis of international space law. However, changes in the international space arena over the last few years, especially the growing importance of the private sector, pose new challenges to international space law. The international community must adapt to those changes. Therefore Germany is pleased that initiatives regarding the concept of the Alaunching State@, as well as on reform of the structures of the Outer Space Committee=s two subcommittees have been adopted by that body. This will contribute to revitalizing the work of those bodies.

VALENTINO MARTELLI, Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Italy: Only through the enhancement of international cooperation in space science and technology can we attain the goal of addressing regional and global problems. Countries that have already reached levels of excellence in space science should cooperate with developing nations to strengthen the capabilities of the latter, to use the results of space research for their economic and cultural development. Italy has participated in the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), a programme developed by the ESA, of which Italy is a member. Italy considers the European Navigation Initiative as one of its highest priorities. This field will be extremely important as a test for the so-called Apublic-private partnership@. Private industry has to be more involved in the global space industry, given the high level of investment required and its considerable contribution in terms of experience and know-how. Space pollution is also becoming a problem due to the growing number of space activities and the production of man-made debris associated with it. Italy has been admitted in July 1998 to the Inter-agency Space Debris Coordination Committee and is in favour of the adoption of methods for monitoring the space debris environment and assessing the risks caused by space objects.

Cooperation in the field of technology education and transfer will bear the most fruitful results. The International Space Station Project will give an opportunity to developing countries for scientific cooperation in the field of microgravity research. Italy also considers the training and education of space specialists and experts an activity of the greatest importance. Training opportunities are provided, in the framework of intergovernmental bilateral agreements or technical agreements in the space sector, by the Italian Space Agency. Continued progress in the scientific fields related to space activities has to be accompanied by a growing public awareness, which is essential to gather political and financial support, which in turn is a pre-condition for an increase in public expenditure for space programmes.

YUJI IKEDA of Japan: The expansion of space activities to include the private sector and the use of space activities to address global issues paves the way for a world in which each country can enjoy the benefits of outer space, regardless of its development capacity. Japan promotes space development within a framework of peaceful purposes based on seven points. It will promote Earth science, and the material and life sciences with a long-term vision; make efforts to apply the results of space development to wider areas in society; make special efforts towards gaining wide public support of space activities; and pursue an active role in international space cooperation. With respect to the promotion of space development, Japan will continue to emphasize unmanned systems and seek to enhance their reliability and level of sophistication. It is important to ensure the development of Japan=s space related industry to implement space development smoothly and effectively and disseminate its spin-offs within society at large. Due consideration must be given to preserving space environment by avoiding the generation of space debris by future space activities.

It is Japan=s understanding that in the field of space development, it is expected to develop indigenous technology; to contribute to the enhancement of worldwide technological levels; to utilize and offer internationally the results of its space activities for the promotion of space development; and to take the initiative in promoting international cooperation. Among the various measures it has implemented to this end is to encourage further international cooperation in the fields of information exchange, personnel exchange and joint projects. Also, concerted efforts have been made to set up discussion and consultation fora on the creation of joint projects, to allow participating countries to acquire a common understanding of the project at the planning stage. To enjoy ASpace Benefits for Mankind in the Twenty-first Century@, it is essential that each country make efforts to acquire the capacity to apply space technology, and utilize actively research results obtained through space development to solve important regional and global issues, such as the preservation of the global environment.

KUN-HO CHO, Vice Minister of Science and Technology of the Republic of Korea: Since the beginning of humankind, we have dreamed of exploring outer space. During the last 40 years, this dream has become a reality. Remarkable advances in space science and technology have contributed greatly to improving the quality of human life. Space development is no longer controlled by a few countries; the benefits of space technology are now spreading rapidly across the globe. Every country is preparing for a new space age with sustainable development.

This Conference should take into account regional needs in space application. Like other regions, the Asia/Pacific region has unique characteristics and needs to benefit from space technology for its sustainable development. In particular, special attention should be given to potential regionally cooperative activities in space science and technology, such as Earth observation, communications and navigating systems, micro-satellites, education and training.

The Republic of Korea=s space programme was initiated in 1990. Two years later, its first micro-satellite was successfully launched into orbit. Broadcasting and communication satellites KOREASAT I and 2 were launched into geostationary orbit in 1995 and 1996 and are now operating commercially. Three satellite launches are to take place this year. The national Mid-Long Term Space Development Plan envisions launching 19 satellites by the year 2015: five communication satellites, seven multi-purpose satellites and seven scientific satellites. The plan, with an estimated budget of $4.8 billion, aims to establish independent domestic satellite technological capacity by the year 2015, and includes the development of technology and human resources.

JENO MANNINIGER, Political State Secretary and President of the Space Board of Hungary: Recently, the United Nations created a network of space science and technology education and research institutions for central eastern and south-eastern Europe to strengthen regional cooperation, which will be of great importance for the countries of the region. The network should define its goals and working methods as soon as possible, so the collaborative work can begin. Additional financing by the United Nations for the network would strongly promote its activities for the benefit of all nations.

Since the second UNISPACE conference, profound political changes have taken place in several countries, including Hungary. As a result, there have been radical changes in international relations in the field of space activity. Hungary is aware of the importance of international cooperation in space activities which, for small countries lacking launches or satellites, is the only way to participate actively in humankind=s great venture. The Cold War and the former space race have been replaced by peaceful cooperation for the benefit of all nations.

Hungary=s space activities accord highest priority to practical applications, such as remote sensing, meteorology, telecommunications and navigation. United Nations activities in those areas should be continued and expanded, with firm financial backing. Another priority for Hungary is producing hardware and software for international missions. Hungary is proud to have the chance to take part in the greatest space venture of humankind over the coming years -- the International Space Station mission. That mission will demonstrate nations= capacity for peaceful cooperation. The resulting information and spin-offs should be shared among developing and developed countries.

EN-JEI LUAN, Administrator of the China National Space Administration: As population increases, the Earth=s non-renewable resources are dividing and habitat deteriorating, leading to global warming, frequent natural disasters and a worsening of the living environment. In addition, the gap between rich and poor, North and South is widening. There is an urgent need for humanity to enlarge its living space, develop and use new sources of energy and achieve sustainable development. Space technology has an irreplaceable role in this regard. The use of space technology is a shortcut for developing countries to approach the technological levels of the developed countries and develop their own economies. Space science and technology has played an important role in China=s modernization process. Its experience shows that developing countries also have the ability to occupy a place in the global high-technology area.

China believes that the ultimate objective of the exploration and use of outer space is to create a better living and development space for humanity. All countries have an equal right to freely explore and use outer space. Activities conducted by States in outer space should contribute to friendly cooperation and social progress by people, to maintaining international peace and security, and to human survival and development. China has always been supportive of various efforts at peaceful uses of outer space and opposed to its monopolization and militarization. China has been an active supporter of and participant in the United Nations Programme on Space Applications. Since UNISPACE >82, it has provided fellowships every year to developing countries for training in space applications. In 1994, the Chinese Government, in cooperation with the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), organized in Beijing the first Ministerial Conference of the Asia-Pacific region on space applications in promoting sustainable development.

BENITA FERRERO-WALDNER, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Austria: Austria is not one of the major players in outer space affairs, but it has sought to play a constructive and politically meaningful part in the space activities of the United Nations. As its resources for space research and technology are limited, Austria must make conscious choices and select focal areas of activity. It can pursue a space science and industry policy only by multilateral sharing of costs and risks. This is reflected by its membership in ESA. Today, the space sector is undergoing a transition period. Gradually it has become a major scientific and industrial sector. Basic technologies and the competence to use them exist within industry, and market forces increasingly determine the developments. This implies that private investment is becoming to a large extent the primary method for financing space activities.

To better adapt to this emerging new environment, Austria has undertaken an evaluation of the possibilities and the constraints for the Austrian space sector. The results were that the

Austrian space-related industry needs a more specific and commercially driven direction to strengthen its competitive edge, and that the Austrian scientific space cluster needs sustainable long-term commitments in international cooperative programmes. Based on this assessment, Austria seeks to develop a national space programme to complement its ESA participation and fill the gap between its existing national expertise and the expected technological and scientific needs. With regard to the scientific objectives, Austria aims at creating a framework of conditions to enable its universities and other research institutions to take part in major international projects. ESA programme participation constitutes the backbone of Austrian space activities. Austria=s accession to the Agency in 1987 was motivated by political as well as by industrial and technology policy reasons. Through participation in ESA programmes, smaller member States can bridge the technological gap to the larger countries and build a basis for advanced technological research in universities and industry.

DAVID LEADBEATER, Deputy Director-General, British National Space Center, United Kingdom: By the end of this Conference, the United Kingdom will have completed its space policy plan to guide it to the year 2000 and beyond. The Conference abstract of the United Kingdom=s national paper provides information on the partnership of Government bodies that make up the British National Space Centre. The Centre works closely with industry and the academic community to provide a coordinated range of space research and applications activity supporting the broader aims of Government. The national paper concentrates on legislation enacted to formalize the United Kingdom=s obligations arising from its signature and ratification of the space treaties of 1967, 1972 and 1976. [These are the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies; the Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects; and the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space.]

Industry in the United Kingdom continues to play an active role in the development of new and innovative space applications. Of particular interest to this Conference are those activities related to the areas of Earth observation, small satellites, satellite communications and global navigation systems. At the exhibition and workshops of the Technical Forum, members of the country=s industry and academia will be attending. The United Kingdom looks forward to joining with other countries to explain its capability and seek ways to work together with developing and developed countries, and their industry, in helping achieve the goals of this Conference.

K. KASTURIRANGAN, Chairman of the Space Research Organisation of India: Since the last United Nations conference on space, in 1982, there have been tremendous developments in space technology and applications, as well as increased numbers of countries participating in

space endeavors. These advances, however, have coincided with increasing gaps between rich and poor, the educated and the deprived, and pose the risk of isolating large segments of society. Another major problem is the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources and consumption patterns which, if not reversed, can irreversibly damage the planet. A paradigm shift of global values is needed, towards preserving the planet=s integrity. Global welfare goals, assuring a certain basic minimum quality of life for all, should be the fundamental part of the vision for the next century.

Space should become an instrument for meeting the great challenge of the next millennium: finding sustainable paths to development. No other technological realm has such intense awareness of global interdependence. Humankind can face the challenge ahead only through the spread of education, for which space technology serves as a powerful tool. The engine of economy can be accelerated through commercialization, but it must be guided by bridging inequalities and ensuring basic living conditions to the deprived social sectors.

As an essential part of the information infrastructure, as a medium for energy transfer, as an arena for future habitation, space is going to significantly influence the destiny of humanity. This Conference is a unique opportunity for the global community to enhance the role of space for global development and welfare. A cooperative approach to building capacity through education in developing countries and a policy environment that balances commercialism with societal priorities are some important issues which affect large sections of humanity. The widespread development of peaceful uses of outer space by all countries will be possible only with unhindered access to technology and knowledge on a global basis.

LAURENT AUBLIN of France: The holding of UNISPACE III is a major event in the development of space activities in light of the explosion in space techniques and its consequences in various areas -- economic, social, cultural and legal. It also sends a signal that the United Nations is taking on the responsibility and an indispensable role in space affairs. The space adventure will be looked back on by historians as a major event in the latter part of the twentieth century. The work carried out in the last two years by the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space is reflected in the draft report, which presents a balanced vision of the Committee=s priorities. Priorities for France include the preservation of the Earth and the outer space environment, which must be part of the fundamental policies of governments. Space techniques are essential tools for studying global phenomenon common to all, such as decertification and pollution.

France, through its National Centre for Space Studies, supports all cooperation for the maximum use of international data in this context. The space environment is more and more a subject of concern, due to the continued generation of space debris. France has placed a proposal

before the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, aimed at launching a review of the regulatory aspects of the issue. It is our collective duty to adopt measures with a view to limiting space debris. Also, the Vienna Declaration stresses the commercial application of space techniques. Space is a place where crucial scientific research has to take place for the benefit of humankind. All of the objectives being pursued at the Conference can be summed up as encouraging international cooperation for the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space. Cooperation is underway between France and countries, including India, Brazil and China. It is also cooperating with the United States concerning the exploration of Mars. France decided to pool with ESA its remote sensing capabilities to address, among other things, natural disasters. In the multilateral fora, France contributes to the International Committee on Earth Observation Satellites and the Inter-Agency Debris Coordination Committee.

Space technology makes great contributions to economic and cultural development. Education and training are important core components in France=s programme for space science. An important mission of the United Nations is to determine legal framework for space exploration. The United Nations is the appropriate framework for discussing the issue and responding to the new challenges of the fast development of space technology. Space law has to be a mutlitateral law.

VASSILIS CASSAPOGLOU, Executive Director of the Centre for Space Science and Technology (Greece): Unfortunately, outer space may be used for harmful purposes, which may cause catastrophic damage for humanity. The extremes of good and evil can be found in this activity. The international community has placed space activities under the aegis of the United Nations to enable it to monitor and regulate it in the context of the peaceful uses of outer space. Outer space has been proclaimed to be the heritage of mankind, and its exploration, use and exploitation are reserved exclusively for peaceful purposes. Also, astronauts are considered envoys of humanity. The evolution of space technology has achieved dazzling successes. Among them have been the epic journeys, manned flights and the moon walk. They offered a possibility of getting a global glimpse of the Earth and its celestial environment.

Nevertheless, the race for the conquest of space has recently taken on assymetrical proportions. We are facing a Aplanetary neo-colonialism@. We are witnessing a massive systematic alteration of the cosmos by States and public entities, which are selfish and irresponsible concerning global effects brought on by their nefarious space activities faced by this situation, Greece appeals to the great Powers to protect and preserve outer space from pollution, alteration and destruction. It is time for all peoples, aware of the imminent dangers, to respond urgently by imposing on their governments the duty to undertake the necessary measures to avert any possibility of disaster. The cosmos does not belong to any one person or State but to everyone, just as we belong to it. It is necessary to consolidate the international nature of space activities.