The United States delivered a statement at the 68th session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) in Vienna, Austria, on June 26, 2025. Chargé d’Affaires Howard Solomon presented the statement under Agenda Item 4, focusing on general views about space activities.
Solomon highlighted several milestones for the United States in 2025. In March, Blue Ghost's lunar lander successfully completed a commercial mission to the Moon, delivering ten scientific and technology experiments. This achievement was part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. The U.S. submitted an Article XI filing to the UN regarding this mission and others to emphasize transparency and support for the Artemis Accords. Norway became the newest signatory of these accords on May 15.
The Axiom 4 mission launched astronauts from Hungary, India, Poland, and the United States to the International Space Station (ISS), marking another advancement in human spaceflight capabilities. Scientists from thirty-one countries collaborated on sixty scientific studies related to this mission. Additionally, it included a first-of-its-kind crewed spacecraft entering a polar retrograde orbit.
Solomon noted that these advancements reflect significant innovation and economic growth driven by civil and commercial space sectors globally. He emphasized that addressing challenges such as orbital debris and space traffic coordination is crucial for utilizing benefits provided by satellites and other space assets.
The U.S. delegation expressed support for ongoing efforts within COPUOS related to space resource activities, lunar consultations through ATLAC, and long-term sustainability discussions in outer space. Solomon urged progress in areas like space situational awareness while cautioning against overextending resources beyond UNCOPUOS' mandate.
In conclusion, Solomon acknowledged potential obstacles but expressed confidence in COPUOS' ability to adapt its procedures to address rapid changes in peaceful uses of outer space effectively.
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