Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Algeria
Delegate Name: Andrew Lu
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Algeria position papers GLIMUN 2016 committees
Since the first artificial satellite released in space on October 4, 1957 by the Soviet Union, the want to enter space has spread internationally with over 70 countries containing space programs. As more countries join the space travel since the initial launch of the satellite in 1957, the UN must pass regulations monitoring the rules of space. The United Nations committee on the peaceful uses of outer space (COPUOS) was founded "to review the scope of international cooperation in peaceful uses of outer space, to devise programmes in this field to be undertaken under United Nations auspices, to encourage continued research and the dissemination of information on outer space matters, and to study legal problems arising from the exploration of outer space". They also regulate the implementation of the five UN treaties and agreements regarding outer space. The innovations in technology in the recent years has started to allow not only government agencies into outer space, but also private companies and personnel. Laws and treaties regarding the introduction of private sectors to outer space must be discussed and created to address this increased interest in space. Algeria supports private sector access to outer space and believes in peace and cooperation regarding the access to space between all parties.
Algeria’s space program was established in 16 January 2002 with a goal to launch 10 satellites by 2017. As of now, they have five satellites in space. Launched into orbit by the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL). Algeria has signed three bilateral cooperations with France, Ukraine, Russia, China, United Kingdom, Germany, India, Syria, Argentina, and South Africa. Algeria has signed the agreement relating to the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO) regarding the international cooperation on using INTELSAT a group of satellites used for international broadcasting. Also we have signed the Agreement of the Arab Corporation for Space Communications (ARABSAT) devoted to “Assisting Arab countries financially or technically in designing and constructing ground stations. Undertaking research and special studies concerning space science and technology. Encouraging the establishment of industries necessary to supply installations to the space sector and ground stations in the Arab states.” We continue to support international cooperation regarding outer space and will be willing open space to all users that wish to enter.
Algeria believes that outer space should be opened to anyone who wishes to access it. Treaties and agreements must be created that addresses specifically non-government agencies rules in space. The United Nations should provide assistance to our country to improve our space program. Currently in Algeria, no private sectors wish to access space quite yet, however with the growth of our space program it will be an issue that will rise soon. This issue will also start in many other countries who currently have space programs. With technology growing at a rapid rate, we must decide on a course of action regarding private companies and personnel entering space. Allowing non-government agencies into space bring forth issues regarding safety and security for all who enter space. There must be a balance between the growth of technological and economic development while keeping safety and security prevalent. The future of space travel is starting, and it is up to the actions of this committee to determine which direction space cooperation will go.
