The United States, represented by Katie King, has presented its views on the utilization of the geostationary orbit at the 64th session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space Legal Subcommittee (COPUOS LSC) in Vienna, Austria. The U.S. statement emphasized a commitment to "the rational, efficient, and economic use of the geostationary orbit," consistent with both international treaties and agreements.
The geostationary orbit (GSO), which is governed by the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and International Telecommunication Union’s treaties, is considered part of outer space. Article I of the Outer Space Treaty states that outer space shall be free for exploration and use by all states without discrimination. Article II further clarifies that outer space cannot be subject to national appropriation through claims of sovereignty or other means.
To support these principles, the United States has undertaken several initiatives. These include providing free access to its Global Positioning System (GPS) and various Earth observation data from meteorological satellites operated by NOAA in polar and geostationary orbits. These satellites offer critical information on environmental phenomena such as hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, droughts, and flooding.
Moreover, the U.S. participates in COSPAS-SARSAT, an international satellite-aided search and rescue program designed to assist ships and aircraft in distress by signaling their need for help.
The United States expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share its perspectives on this agenda item during COPUOS LSC's session.