THE GROWING ROLE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN INTERNATIONAL SPACE COLLABORATION - By the end of the decade, the global space economy is set to reach $1 trillion. The massive growth in the space economy has not only come from legacy spacefaring governments, but a rise in successful commercial ventures and the inclusion of dozens of new national space programs. Space capabilities have enabled, and continue to lead to, transformative societal changes on Earth, but they must also be managed responsibly to ensure operations remain sustainable and equitable.

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) has been the primary custodian of the peaceful use of outer space since the adoption of the Outer Space Treaty in 1967. In the past decade, the organization’s mandate has become even more profound with the growing opportunities for collaboration within the space enterprise. This will require innovative solutions to effectively integrate and adopt responsible practices, from local action to broader international space governance.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 04/05/2024