Who is responsible for writing space rules? Who promotes cooperation among States in space?

The primary arena for State engagement regarding the regulation of space is the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). The Committee was established in 1959 within the United Nations with the objective of bringing together all countries to discuss the scientific and legal aspects of space exploration.

COPUOS is composed of two main bodies: the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) and the Legal Subcommittee (LSC). The Scientific and Technical Subcommittee meets annually for two weeks to discuss issues related to the scientific and technical aspects of space activities. Among the most relevant topics are the use of space technologies for socio-economic development, the prevention and monitoring of natural disasters, and the sustainability of space exploration.

The Legal Subcommittee, which also meets annually for two weeks, addresses the legal aspects of space activities. Topics covered include the application of the five outer space treaties, the definition and delimitation of outer space, national space legislation, issues related to space debris, international cooperation, and the development of global space law. In recent years, membership in COPUOS has grown significantly: to date, it counts 104 members. This reflects the determination of the international community, particularly space-faring countries, to cooperate in ensuring that space remains open exclusively for peaceful exploration.

The other fundamental United Nations body dealing with space is the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). UNOOSA supports States in developing their capabilities in the space sector and in understanding their role within it. The office provides training through workshops, conferences, and knowledge portals, and offers concrete opportunities such as fellowships, particularly for developing countries, under the Access to Space for All initiative.

Furthermore, UNOOSA assists countries in interpreting and applying international space law and encourages the drafting of national policies consistent with international regulatory frameworks. The office also maintains the Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space, as mandated by the 1975 Registration Convention. According to the Convention, States must provide the UN Secretariat with the following information: launching State, date of launch, territory or facility of launch, designation of the space object, orbital parameters, and general function of the object. In this way, UNOOSA ensures transparency in space activities, and the tracking of objects in orbit strengthens international cooperation for the safe and sustainable management of space.

Space governance, therefore, originates and is applied through two pillars of the international community: COPUOS and UNOOSA. The former defines the rules of space exploration, coordinates the application of treaties, and aims to strengthen political dialogue among member States. The latter promotes access to space for all and implements the rules established by the Committee. The existence of both bodies helps guarantee the peaceful nature of space exploration and creates forums for dialogue, where the international community gathers to agree upon common strategies.