Private Sector Access to Outer Space

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Afghanistan
Delegate Name: Ethan Bonnell
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

As time has progressed, opportunities to travel and work in space have increased in number, but these have mostly been controlled by various governments. Private sector space companies wish to work on new technologies, but this can be held up by governmental space programs. Economically, private sector space programs could stimulate great growth.

In Afghanistan, we do not have a governmental space agency like NASA or the ESA, so we have little need for the new technology that could be created. However, Afghanistan suffers from a lack of easy internet access. Only about 10 percent of our citizens have internet access, and that access is very expensive. With more companies potentially being able to create new access, we hope that allowing more private sector access to outer space would solve this problem.

This is not to say that we favor no regulation of access to outer space. Afghanistan believes that the UN should create a list of guidelines that all member nations must impose upon all who plan to explore space technology, including a ban on using space technology for military purposes. We also believe that each country to place their own restrictions in order to fulfill article VI of the Outer Space Treaty.

Overall, Afghanistan has the position that the UN and its member nations should agree to create easier access to space for private companies for the purpose of economic growth and for advancing the development of countries like Afghanistan. We hope that other countries will agree with us for the benefit of us all.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Algeria
Delegate Name: Andrew Lu
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

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.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Angola
Delegate Name: Jim Shepich
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

At the current point in our development, an expensive aerospace program is too ambitious for the Angolan government. However, we recognize the importance of aerospace programs for space exploration and satellite communication among other reasons. The Russian-based company S. P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia constructed a satellite, Angosat 1, with funds from Russian government commission Rosoboronexport. Angosat 1 is a telecommunications satellite given to Angola as part of an agreement between Angola and Russia. Angosat 1 is planned to launch at some point in 2017. Because much of our communication infrastructure is based in Luanda, rural areas have much poorer access to Internet and cellular service. Angosat 1 will revolutionize our country's means of communication.

Angola fully advocates private sector aerospace companies. Aerospace programs are quite expensive, and governments must have priorities on spending. For this reason, it is unlikely that Angola will have a highly-advanced space program in the near future, as we are rapidly developing and must apportion our funds among all aspects of our country. However, if a private aerospace company were to arise in Angola, our space-based communication and space exploration could develop much faster. A lucrative Angolan aerospace program would also be greatly beneficial to our economy. We support international aerospace companies, such as RSC Energia (whose positive impact we have witnessed), as well. We believe that competition between aerospace companies would refine technology and lower prices, but we will not support exploitation of workers or shirking of adequate safety protocols as a result of this competition. We do not believe that there is any cause for a private company to develop space-based weaponry, but regardless, we will work with the United Nations to ensure that treaties are enacted to prevent the development of such weapons.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Anders Palarz
School: Mattawan High School

Argentina has pursued a policy of participation in and promotion of space technology and science to improve the quality of life of its people. In accordance with this policy, it has joined the non-proliferation regime, as well as agreements on the control of the export of sensitive technologies. In 1991, Argentina created the National Commission for Space Activities, which carries out the national space plan. It is based on five aspects: terrestrial infrastructure; satellite systems; information systems; access to space; institutional development; and fundamental tasks. The Commission's activities have led to the design, construction and placement in orbit of Argentina's own satellites. In December 1999, the launching by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration of the United States (NASA) of the first Argentinean observation satellite was scheduled.

Argentina is interested in the promotion of international scientific cooperation and has signed a broad range of cooperation agreements with countries, including Brazil, the United States, Germany, France and the Russian Federation. The basic principle for international cooperation in this field is the application of criteria within the framework of interrelationships of mutual advantage. Within the process of regional integration in MERCOSUR, Argentina places importance on cooperation with Brazil in space. An example of that cooperation was the launching of a probe by Brazil with an Argentinean payload. Also, together with NASA, Argentina is carrying out a broad range of cooperation projects and developing scientific research projects. In light of constant technological advances, there is wide recognition of the role of space science and technology in development. Programmes of public information are required in order to bring about broad participation of society. Argentina welcomes all mechanisms and opportunities to transform declarations into action. It hopes that the results of the Conference will contribute to improving the quality of life of humankind by using the benefits of space.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Australia
Delegate Name: Alex Vankuiken
School: Grand Rapids City High School

Australia is yet to launch any satellites of its own, much less rockets, but we have participated in space projects and have always held interest in space. Much of what we do is through NASA and other countries' programs, and we have always been planning to create space infrastructure and yet have never done so ourselves. We do have some small programs, such as the Cooperative Research Center, which launched the FedSat-1 through a Japanese rocket. Space has never been very profitable for our country, so we have instead focused on other areas with greater benefits. This has left us behind in the space industry, and somewhat unwilling to step in somewhere that we cannot compete. We have a private sector with interest in going to space that have already launched many satellites, but they have waited for our action to take the first step.

Australia would definitely like to further open up Private Sector Access to Outer Space given that we have fallen behind ourselves, Private Sector Access to Outer Space being allowing non-government corporations and firms to enter space. It would be costly for our government to try and invest in space technology, and would likely end up being very slow going. What we would like to do is take a step back and let the market be the sole driving force of our space programs. This would give us many benefits, mainly by opening up a new industry for Australian firms, but also to have better communications on our own land to help increase our security. Australia is also positioned in a great place for space travel, being near the equator with mostly flat land. We understand that there could be safety hazards and questions of international security, but proper government regulation can and will prevent this. We certainly would like to invest in space, and opening up our private industries would benefit us greatly.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Austria
Delegate Name: Caroline Munson
School: Williamston High School

Since aviation technology in the early 20th century was mainly for the benefit of militaries, advanced flight technology has been under the control of governments in countries with apt resources. However, in the 21st century, governments have not had stimuli such as the Cold War in the 20th century to drive advancements in space technology. The access to and development of space technology has been shifting from the government to the private sector. This, in theory, could lower costs of space research and technology because rich entrepreneurs would start competitions with other businesses, lowering the cost, and, consequently space exploration would be widely available to more people. The real question is, should it be? If the amount of objects launched into space dramatically increases, there could be an issue of the technologies colliding and falling back to earth.

Austria, however, does not play a major part in any outer space affairs. However, they do aim to provide a political and constructive part in space activity. Because the resources for space research and technology is limited, the only way for Austria to become an active participant in outer space affairs is if they provide help to other nations, potentially on the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). This committee helped come up with the five principles of outer space affairs, the most important being the Outer Space Treaty which provides a legal basis for outer space laws. This treaty includes principles such as outer space will be free for exploration of all nations, exploration of space shall be for the benefit of all countries and mankind, countries can not place nuclear weapons in orbit, nations shall be liable for any damage caused by space objects and countries will avoid harmful contamination of space. Austria would be willing to provide aid or collaborate with other nations that will abide by these principles.

To spur the advancements in space technology and to shift risk and expense from governments and taxpayers to private entities, investment and access should be transferred from the government to the private sector. In theory, this would provide distinct advantages such as ensuring the safety of space travelers, and making its benefits . If this transition were to occur too quickly, however, it could cause issues concerning safety and congestion of objects in space. Austria feels that the UN should provide strict safety regulations concerning outer space affairs for countries to be mindful of when creating their own laws. The ensuring of safety, security, and agreement of existing treaties must strike a balance with the desired economic, technological and educational development. If private sectors gain control, it could allow more people to be involved with space affairs. Austria would expect other COPUOS countries to agree with Austria’s beliefs on this topic.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Bangladesh
Delegate Name: Olivia Carpenter
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

For the past four decades, the countries race to the moon and to outer space was quite the trend. Bangladesh never participated in the race. When the United States first landed on the moon in 1969, China and the U.S.S.R. raced to get there. In today’s money, the Apollo mission would have costed 150 billion dollars. Being able to go to outer space alone is a huge privilege for a country, and a risky one. Without reserve, countries that do not have access to outer space such as Bangladesh should receive funding or access to outer space.

Bangladesh has never had adequate funds for outer space travel. As a matter of fact, Bangladesh supports the prevention of an arms race in outer space. Bangladeshi’s are of the opinion that outer space is the common heritage of mankind and is sacred, therefore there is no use of an arm’s race in outer space. Bangladesh doesn’t have NASA, an astronomy sanctuary to aspire to be a part of or role models like Neil Armstrong to look up to. Strangely enough, Bangladesh may soon be able to have access to the cosmic, celestial and interstellar realm soon enough.

Ironically enough, Bangladesh will be launching its first ever geostationary communications satellite, named the Banghabundu-1. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is operating the satellite, which is scheduled within 2017. In addition, China is developing a new space station, called Tiangong 3. China is willing to provide training for foreign astronauts, as well as “promote international cooperation on space activities, and create opportunities for United Nations member states, particularly developing countries, to take part in, and benefit from, the utilization of China's space station," CMSA Deputy Director General Wu Ping stated this past summer. China’s generosity is another step forward necessary for Bangladesh to end up in space.

Bangladesh believes that with the Banghabundu-1, they will gain mounds of knowledge of outer space and augmented access to outer space. Along with China’s new space station, Bangladesh believes they will use it as an outlet for new knowledge and discoveries, Bangladeshi’s will grasp onto the realities and wonders of human space travel.

Works Used:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangabandhu-1

http://unrcpd.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/GD10_8-Oct_Bangladesh.pdf

http://phys.org/news/2016-07-china-countries-access-space.html

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Belgium
Delegate Name: John Vander Vliet
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

For most of the time space flight has existed, it has been the exclusive property of national governments. Numerous expeditions have been launched in history with the purpose of advancing the government's objectives. Recently, with private companies having the ability and means to create their own space-related technology, the issue of private sector access has come into light. One leader in the field is Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX. NASA itself is increasingly willing to work with non-government entities, being quoted as saying, “But at every stage that we’re involved, there’s room for commercial partnerships,”. Allowing access to private citizens and the groups associated along with them will benefit economies with the sale and purchases of equipment of space launching materials, schools with the new knowledge learned from deeper space exploration, and the technological field of space science with the advances that will be made. However, something to consider is that something so new would lack proper regulations and safety. With space technology a component in Belgium’s economy, private sector access will allow a strengthening of the economy.

Belgium encourages more private entities to explore space. As an active member of the European Space Agency, Belgium is for private access as well as space research with the creation of Arianespace back in March of 1980. Acting as a launch service provider, Arianespace shows the support Belgium has for private access with their position as a commercial provider. With space exploration increasingly more available and profitable for both society and companies, Belgium recognizes that commercialization of space products is available to negotiation between the government and the private sector. Additionally, spreading information globally via satellites and communication showcases the potential of opening up space to private citizens. With some 40 Belgian companies, including SABCA and Thales Alenia Space, Belgium is active in the space travel industry by providing goods and services. Thus, space access is a hot topic.

In the years to come, Belgium hopes that private sector access to space will become the standard. The only demand Belgium makes is of laws to be made that set clear regulations and safety standards upon private companies when dealing with space technology. An example would be a five year limit on the private sector to be more aware of the technology before undergoing actions. With that in mind, Belgium is pro-privatization and hopes that these companies can exist peacefully side by side along with the government program, ie the European Space Agency. Rich prospects of benefiting economies and spreading of access to all citizens are too much to ignore.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Botswana
Delegate Name: Robert Janes
School: East Grand Rapids High School

Currently Botswana has no space program, but is not against the idea of private companies going to space. While Botswana would like to get a space program of its own one day, they have not expressed any negative feelings towards private companies developing the technology for space travel. Botswana currently lacks the resources to fund and create a space program of their own.

While Botswana currently lacks a space program and an infrastructure to build one, they have not expressed feelings against space travel from private companies. Although Botswana can not create a space program of their own, they feel that space travel could benefit the entire world. Botswana supports the idea of space travel, as long as it done for beneficial purposes and the bettering of the world.

Botswana would like space travel to be done safely, and would like to be able to closely monitor space travel to make sure it is done safely and in a beneficial way. As long as the private companies are not creating issues such as space pollution, or harm to the Earth, Botswana supports the idea of private sector space travel. Botswana suggests that the countries where the private space travel companies are based in have some control over what space travel is taking place to prevent any harm being done. Botswana would also suggest that the UN provides aid to countries that lack the fund and resources for a space program, but would like to create one.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Brazil
Delegate Name: Patricia Krause
School: Forest Hills Central High School

As Brazil has become more developed and advanced throughout recent history, their presence in space has increased similarly. As technology has advanced, many nations have taken to outer space for industry/development, as well as for commercial reasons. As some more prosperous countries become more comfortable with activity in space, the issue of allowance of private sector or companies to outer space arises as it could have beneficial economic effects, along with the possible inevitability of it as space becomes easier and easier to reach.

While Brazil encourages technological growth and using the help and resources of private sectors to allow it, Brazil would rather focus the access in outer space to the development of nations (the current strategy of Brazil’s own AEB and PNAE, the Brazilian Space Agency and National Program of Space Activities) rather than to the pure commercial and economic goals of some private individual sectors. Brazil believes the coalescing of resources allowed by topics in committees such as these should be focused more on the development and gains in knowledge that could be achieved rather than creating a new branch of private commercial enterprise.

In the future, after satellites to monitor potential emergencies and defined borders/environmental factors on nation’s land have been confidently determined and set into place, Brazil would be open to negotiating the allowance of private sectors into outer space as long as there were proper fair regulation. Brazil’s focus on outer space at the moment is focused on national goals, but once those are secured there is no strong issue with boosting economies and societies over the world by opening outer space to private sectors and potential common-human use. Brazil recognizes that space cannot forever be closed off to private sectors but urges that resolutions favoring primary use of space for national development and security come first.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Burkina Faso
Delegate Name: Kayla Fleishans
School: Royal Oak High School

Burkina Faso, like many nations, does not currently have any plans or has had any plans of venturing into space. To even think about having the ability to go into space as a country, we would need to be a much more wealthy country that is very financially stable. Even if private citizens were able to go to space because of it costing much less than it currently does, the citizens of Burkina Faso, and other third world nations, would most likely still not be able to afford it.

While we currently cannot venture into space, there are still concerns for Burkina Faso considering space travel. We will need to determine a way to regulate traffic in space once it becomes popular to visit. There are traffic lights on Earth, so we need to figure out what will be the traffic light of space. As the United Nations, we also need to determine if anyone with a rocket can fly into space whenever they please, or if we will try to regulate who is allowed to enter and who is not, whether it be through the UN, or have it up to each nation to decide what they feel is best. One of the main regulations should be aimed toward the private sector because if private companies are able to send people into space, it is their determination on how much training is needed, rather than a government trying to make sure that the people piloting are trained well enough and do not pose a danger to others that they may encounter.

Burkina Faso would still like to see a resolution that includes regulations for safety and traffic, even if most of our citizens do not have the resources to have the option of accessing space for themselves in the future. We would like to see a resolution that will eventually have laws put in place that will regulate the flow of aircrafts into and through space. A good resolution will also include procedures that can be put into place in the future that will regulate traffic, especially when it comes to the time that space traffic will need to be regulated. For safety, there should be a regulation aimed toward the private sector because if private companies are able to send people into space, it is their determination on how much training is needed, rather than a government trying to make sure that the people piloting are trained well enough and do not pose a danger to others that they may encounter.

The delegation of Burkina Faso looks forward to further speaking on how the United Nations can address the concerns and difficulties that come along with allowing private sectors into an area where they have not yet been able to go. The resolutions that will come out of the debate will affect the world as a whole and hopefully bring us closer together. We think that the resolutions will be created through a lot of promising debate on an issue that hasn’t had to be discussed ever, except only for recent decades.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Burundi
Delegate Name: Anish Premkumar
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Since the first artificial satellite released in space on October 4, 1957 by the want to enter space has spread internationally. As more countries join the space travel, the UN, more specifically, the SciTech committee is pressured to 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 programes 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. Burundi supports private sector access to outer space and believes in peace and cooperation regarding the access to space between all parties.

Burundi is one of the world's poorest countries, with one of the least developed space programs in the world. Not only does it not have an agency, but also no infrastructure in which one would arise. Its has no scientific university and the government has no ministry devoted to science of this type. Burundi’s space program was established in 23 March 2012 with a goal to launch 10 satellites by 2017. As of now, they have five satellites in space.Burundi has signed three bilateral cooperations with France, Ukraine, Russia, China, United Kingdom, Germany, India, Syria, Argentina, and South Africa. Burundi has signed the agreement relating to the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO), the Agreement of the Arab Corporation for Space Communications (ARABSAT), and other treatises devoted to protecting and regulating the use of space for communications and commerce. With the introduction of the private sector to space, we bring forth the issue of making sure the new laws work in unity with these prior treaties.

Burundi 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. 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.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: Cameron Grogan
School: East Grand Rapids High School

The great country of Canada believes firmly that only few countries should have access to the private sector to outer space. Canada can simply just not trust some foreign countries to go into space for they are not politically or economically stable enough. We believe it would be best for only 10 countries with a guarantee of the a country from six out of the seven continents.

Canada has a strong economically sound and prosperous space program named the Canadian Space Agency, the CSA. We have a prominent annual budget of $300 million dollars a year and believe strongly that we are a key player in deciding the private sector access to outer space.We believe that allowing private corporations and companies should have access to outer space, however, we do think only economically sound countries with strong precautions should allow and take part in the private sector access to outer space, we do also believe our countries should work together to ensure that people within other countries would still receive equal opportunity to reach space if their country is not deemed fit. Canada believes for the continent of North America Canada should be the respected country to launch persons into space. The Continent of South America to launch shall be Brazil. The people of Africa shall look to Egypt for space launches. Asia should rely on Russia and also China. The Middle East will have no programs and need to look to Egypt. Europe should look toward Germany and Britain. This still leaves open three other countries to become launch countries to allow access to the private sector of outer space.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Chile
Delegate Name: Donnie Crossley
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Access to outer space technology has usually only been available to national governments of certain countries. As private companies gain wealth and knowledge to create their own space related technology, private sector access to beyond our earth has become an issue. Allowing these companies to pursue their desire of placing space technology in the atmosphere could potentially change the world. This could highly benefit the global economy and unlock regions of the earth to new services. In 2014, the representative of Chile in the United Nations stressed that access to outer space networking was crucial

This topic is a vital issue to Chile. The representative from Chile in the United Nations explained that there needs to be more technology in the air so the world can consume all of the information it is being fed. Chile has not been involved in any treaties, other than those that exist prior to the Cold War. Even though those treaties have been reiterated many times, the Chileans support the idea of a new treaty relating to intragalactic technologies. Currently, the Department of Outer Space, Telecommunications, and Aeronautics are working to provide these privileges to the people of Chile and is negotiating space cooperation agreements with other countries.

The world is ready for another revolution, but this revolution comes with many worries and cautions. Safety of the world’s civilians is priority and SCITECH needs to find a way to keep civilians safe while accomplishing global private sector access to outer space. Chile is more than ready to accept this, but not before regulations and security measures are taken to ensure the safety of this plan.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: Woojin Chung
School: Fishers High School

Colombia believes that all states should have equal access to outer space for purposes of scientific research, technological economic advancement, and global monitoring of the Earth. We believe that before approaching the topic of space tourism, we must first factor in the safety, costs, regulations, and economic benefits from private sector access to outer space.

Colombia’s main priority regarding outer space as of now is to confront humanitarian issues through scientific advancements in technology. Launching satellites into outer space for the purpose of bettering technology in detecting and aiding in environmental and humanitarian disasters (and responses to them) along with access to space resources and the development of new space technology for future use is our main purpose for supporting access to space. To do so, many limiting factors would affect the possibility of space travel.

Besides financing space travel, concerns of safety are worth discussing here. Measures involving the development of space shuttles, especially in developing countries, should be taken to ensure safe means of travel. International regulations on outer space travel should also be established to prevent miscommunication between countries and create a sustainable code of conduct for participating countries. All participating states should be held accountable for the safety of astronauts if it comes within their power. In outer space, nations should cooperate in a peaceful and open manner to not just themselves, but other countries.

Colombia insists that access to space does not lead to militarization of space as that is counter-productive and potentially dangerous. Peaceful occupation of space should be mandatory for all participating nations, again to ensure secure travel in space.

While Colombia’s space program is not as advanced in terms of technology as many other countries, with international participation of a unified space program or at least rules of conduct, we believe that the problem of cost and safety can be resolved and that scientific progress can be logged at an exponential rate through access to outer space.

Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies." U.S. Department of State. U.S. Department of State, n.d. Web.

"Outer Space Benefits Must Not Be Allowed to Widen Global Gap between Economic, Social Inequality, Fourth Committee Told, Concluding Debate on Item | Meetings Coverage and Press Releases." UN News Center. UN, n.d. Web.

"PREVENTION OF OUTER SPACE ARMS RACE, MEDITERRANEAN SECURITY AMONG ISSUES, AS DISARMAMENT COMMITTEE APPROVES SEVEN MORE TEXTS | Meetings Coverage and Press Releases." UN News Center. UN, n.d. Web.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Cuba
Delegate Name: Alec Bussott
School: Mattawan High School

For many science fiction enthusiasts out there, space exploration is a bright beacon for the future. A silvery chrome future that can travel light years in a matter of seconds. Many scientists and science fiction enthusiasts alike have dreamt about this idea for years and have believed that space exploration will continue to be a priority within the government. Politicians, however, believe that space exploration is a fevre dream of the past. A prime example of this belief comes from the United States of America, with it’s funding cut from programs such as NASA. Programs like NASA once inspired people from across the world to ask questions such as- if we can leave our atmosphere, if we can walk on the distant moon, what exactly is impossible? Space exploration programs once stood for something: a goal, an objective, an ideal. People simply don’t identify with those goals anymore. They have bigger, more down-to-earth concerns: poverty, hunger, and disease. These are all relevant and important concerns, but perhaps space exploration must be fought for. Programs like Space X have tried to revitalize public interest in space exploration, with mixed results.

Cuba stands in support for space exploration programs. Collaboration between Russia and Cuba has developed their own space exploration program. Following through with this plan will create thousands of jobs and revive a desperate Cuban economy.

By the end of the session, Cuba will see the great importance of a development of a plan supporting and sponsoring new space programs throughout the entire world.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Cyprus
Delegate Name: Madison Petersen
School: Vicksburg High School

Cyprus supports the idea of private sectors having access to space. The opportunities that space has to offer should not be limited to the few. The exploration of and access to space has brought great technological achievements in the past. For example, the use of satellites has allowed for better weather and climate predictions, a larger range of communication, and earlier warnings for natural disasters. There is much more to be discovered about the possibilities of space and the technological advancements that will come from these discoveries. The possibility to explore and benefit from space should be opened up to private sectors.

Opening up access of space to private sectors would allow for further technological advancements that would not be possible without private access to space. The more people that have access to space, the more opportunities humans will have to reap the benefits of the resources that space has to offer. The process of opening space up to private sectors is not going to be immediate but taking measures now will make the privatization of space a future possibility.

However, opening up space to private sectors does comes with risks and dangers. Regulation needs to be discussed in order to make the exploration and use of space safe for those involved. Cyprus is willing to share ideas on how to regulate access to space in a way that does not limit access but makes it safer. We are also very interested in working with other countries in order to accomplish the goal of making space both accessible and safe for private sectors.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Czech Republic
Delegate Name: Sarah Hiatt
School: Fishers High School

The Czech Republic is and has been a firm believer in the private sector having access to space for over decade, believing that private sectors having access to space will lead betterment of the economy and the competitiveness nature of Czech Republic with the Europe and other nations. Throughout our history, the Czech Republic has shown a strong connection with space, including the private sector, that continues today. Established in 2006, the Czech Space Alliance (CSA), which is made up of 14 small and medium-sized companies, wins the majority of Czech Business with the European Space Agency (ESA), has developed professional relationship with non-ESA countries, such as Brazil, with which the Minister of Transport has already signed an agreement.

Having been a member of European Space Agency (ESA) since 2008, Czech Republic's accession has been essential stimulus for change in the country's approach to space activities. An example of such is the need to develop a National Space Plan, which was formulated by the Ministry of Transport and provides a basis for future progress in the Czech space sector and the focus of its space activities and for decisions on participation in European and international projects. Because of such advancements, we are proud the headquarters European Global Navigation Satellite Systems Agency (GSA), the institution that is responsible especially for marketing, security matters and exploration of Galileo and EGNOS, has be relocated to Prague, as off 2007. These advancements could not have happened without the private sector becoming a large part of the Space Market, specifically the ESA.

To be succinct, the Czech Republic is baffled and strongly against the idea of limitation of Private Sector Access to Space. To do so would be to extremely weaken the economy and development of space technology in not only the Czech Republic, but also many other countries with a market based economy. The Czech Republic would like to see the UN in support of private sector access to space for all countries, with the understanding that such access would be for the betterment of majority to all countries in the UN.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Delegate Name: Abigail Pointer
School: Forest Hills Central High School

As technology knowledge increases, so does the desire for countries to use outer space as a resource for research and data collection, among many other uses, making space access an important issue for discussion among countries with the ability and means to go into space. Since outer space is a frontier that is less explored and far more vast than imaginable, many countries consider it a priority to have government regulated permissions to access space. However, the argument arises when private companies say that private access would make space eventually more available to anyone.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, being a developing country, does not have the means to fund a government run space program and has very little history with space exploration, nor does we have a reason to go into space at this time. Small groups have formed a Congolese space program, but in no way is it financially aided by the government. However, we support this group of scientists that are taking large, influential steps for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and commend them for determination and progress in spite of the challenges presented by a developing country. For their work, the Democratic Republic of the Congo would say that allowing private groups access to space would be important, especially for countries whose governments do not have the funds to support their own space program. This way, all countries have equal opportunity to have a presence in outer space. The Democratic Republic of the Congo would like to express interest in earth bound scientific improvements for countries such as itself to first focus on becoming fully developed before venturing into space.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Denmark
Delegate Name: Cole Dzubak
School: Mattawan High School

Space travel has been making great achievements over the years. Whether it be sending people into space, landing them on the moon, or keeping them in space for long periods of time, here have countless achievements. Space travel has been at the center of attention for a number of years. Whether people believe that their countries government should spend the money bitterer if they believe its a worthy cost, space travel will always be a top priority of countries that conduct space research. Denmark is one of about seventy countries to own a space program. Other countries include the United States and Russia.

Denmark’s space exploration first started with the DSRI, being the founding member of the ESA in 1975 and launched the satellite Oersted in 1999. This was monitored by the Danish Space Board. Denmark now is under the Danish National Space Center, this change happening in 2005. This program leads Swarm, which leads experiments on the Earth’s magnetic field’s properties.

Denmark is all about safe and secure space travel. Denmark believes that the other members of the United Nations should be at the center of the space exploration. Denmark would like to continue doing its research on the different aspects of the Earth and space. They would like to keep any peaceful treaties with countries they are aligned with, and want no conflict concerning this issue. Denmark just wants a resolution that is agreeable and will allow them to continue their research and send satellites into space and conduct further research.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: Brendan Slusser
School: Royal Oak High School

It is becoming increasing clear to Egypt that as time goes on, the space surrounding our planet is evolving from the political battleground it once was, to an economic footrace between not only states, but large corporations and private citizens as well. This, then, raises our question: to what extent should the private sector be allowed to access outer space? Egypt feels that, much like our seas now, outer space has far too many economic benefits to turn away. However, at the same time we have to realize that the private sector tends to exploit any opportunity they receive to the fullest.

This particular issue is one that will most likely cause some disagreement amongst nations. For one thing, should the private sector be regulated at all in outer space and if so, to what extent? If the private sector is to be regulated, who will be doing the regulating? Egypt feels that without at least some government regulation of the private sector, we then give them the opportunity to potentially start forming monopolies.

There are a few crucial components that the Arab Republic of Egypt must see in a resolution in order to gain our support. Firstly, this committee must keep in mind the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 (A/RES/21/2222), and not allow weapons contractors to launch or test their weapons in the orbit of any celestial body. Secondly, Egypt feels that oversight from the United Nations in regards to regulations would not be effective. Instead, we propose that regulations be the responsibility of the company’s/citizen’s origin state. This allows for the private sector to become involved in the new frontier, while still ensuring that law and order is kept in tact.

The space surrounding our planet has much to offer; too much for us on Earth to not reap the benefits. Once more, the human race is blazing a trail, this time on the final frontier. However, we must learn from the mistakes our ancestors made in regards to other frontiers, or we are bound to repeat them. The Arab Republic of Egypt looks forward to finding a carefully thought out solution to this issue, and hopes that other nations have learned from the mistakes our predecessors made in a past as well.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Estonia
Delegate Name: Ha Young Kim
School: Grand Blanc High School

Even before initial landing on the moon, countries were working towards exploring different parts of outer space. Less developed countries (LDCs) that do not have enough to fund space exploration are left with no choice but to watch other countries compete to be the first in the next space exploration mission. Just because these countries don’t have enough to fund the missions doesn’t mean that they don’t have people capable of taking part in missions. In the past, countries have united to send people from multiple countries on the same expedition to alleviate the burden of providing funding. An example of this is the team of Russian, American, and Japanese astronauts to the International Space Station on a collaboration trip. In the same way, we need to be providing ways for LDCs to contribute to space exploration.

Estonia has contributed to the European Space Agency since 2010, allowing Estonians to contribute to research projects and mission methods. As Estonia is highly developed in technology with 85 percent of its people connected to the internet and 160 mobile phone subscriptions per 100 people, 12 space development programs by Estonia have been used by the ESA. Through the collaboration with the ESA and through aid from the EU, Estonia has been able to join with the European Meteorological Satellite Network. E-Estonia (the term used to describe Estonia’s advanced technological abilities) has contributed its advanced technology for the improvement of space related machines. It is only through the collaboration with other nations through committees that Estonia has been able to contribute.

Estonia believes that there should be restrictions on who can collaborate and where the information gained on a space exploration can go because of possible corruption with governments using the information for tracking nuclear paths. Three should be agreements to use it only to benefit countries. This information doesn't have to be used to benefit all countries as long as it doesn't hurt other nations. Still, there needs to be cooperation between nations. We can encourage cooperation between countries by sharing information and supplying grants to space organizations like the ESA. By encouraging collaboration we can help alleviate the cost of space experiments allowing for development while furthering space exploration programs.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Ethiopia
Delegate Name: Griffin Glick
School: Roeper School

Human aviation has grown as a technology extremely rapidly, from the beginning of manned aircraft in 1903 to the moon landing in 1969. The access of outer space is both representative of human knowledge and technological progress and also a practical way to gain new resources and learn more about the universe around us, as shown through it’s physics-applications in researching outer space and the origin of the universe, along with the greater development of technologies spurred by needs demonstrated by early airplanes, and other applications. Although aeroplanes may have been commandeered for purely military reasons early in development, spaceflight and sub-orbital flight is now utilized for a variety of practical and everyday applications, from transportation to mapping potential humanitarian crises. Ethiopia, with its large workforce and position near the equator, is more than willing to work with and invest in spaceflight opportunities.

Ethiopia has the 14th highest population of all nations, and a large and continuously growing working population that would welcome on all levels tech-oriented job development. Ethiopia’s close proximity to the equator makes it a prime target for space-flight launching pad. Additionally, Ethiopia’s growing interest in spaceflight among young, educated people would be willing to work with foreign and private organizations in order to promote growth and development of spaceflight. At the moment, Ethiopia lacks the resources currently to focus on a space-flight program that is entirely funded and organized entirely by itself. However, we would be willing to house spaceflight technologies and materials, as long as Ethiopian national sovereignty is recognized and followed.

Ethiopia will work with all nations or organizations that are willing to respect its sovereignty and bring private sector access to Ethiopia.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Finland
Delegate Name: Malaynah Leach
School: Vicksburg High School

Space offers a vast amount of opportunities for discovery and research and has made many gains considering the short span of time space exploration has been around. As advancements have been made over the past 66 years, many issues have rose. The rapid rate at which these developments grow, bring in the issue of space becoming a place for countries to make economic gains over others. The incorporation of space travel also becomes a rising issue as humans safety could be at stake. It is vital that these controversies are addressed to ensure that space remains an equal playing ground for all countries

Finland is a country very developed in technology on many different fronts, space tech being one of the most quickly growing. Finland has created many essential instruments for the European Space Agency and have had many successful companies have created cost efficient satellites solely used for research purposes. Those are only a very, very minute amount of achievements Finland has made in space. Their space industry is rather large and employs many, but their public space sector employs many more. The cost is large, yet the benefits they take away from it are immense.

Finland supports researching in space and will continue to make gains in further exploring its depths safely. Finland wishes to work with other countries that also see the importance in research and are interested in looking for innovative ways to create safe space travel, as well has creating a controlled way to allow companies to have access to space as to not allow their business to get out of hand.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: France
Delegate Name: Isaiah Daik
School: Williamston High School

The idea of allowing private businesses and other private organizations access to outer space is a topic surrounded by much controversy. Private industries can provide internet to rural areas,and can help advance technology in regards to weather prediction systems while also advancing environmental monitoring equipment. Problems such as finding ways so that certain companies don’t have a monopoly over others and making sure space does not become another place of social and economic inequality are issues that must be addressed. As well as the issue of space debris, and it will only get worse as more and more technology is launched into the atmosphere. The United Nations must decide how atmospheric travel and traffic should be regulated, where private industry is allowed to be in space, and what private companies will be allowed to be participating in commercial human space flight.

Accordingly France has great cause to be interested in private sector access to outer space as France is the world’s second largest investor in the space sector. It invests 30 euro per year per inhabitant. France is also a member state of the European Space Association whose headquarters are in Paris. France along with 22 other member states work to develop satellite-based technologies and services, while also promoting European industries. France has also signed the Outer Space Treaty, a treaty that the United Nations proposed and was signed by 91 other countries. The treaty outlines the basis of international space law, the treaty states that countries are unable to put nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction into space among other things. France has also passed the French Space Operations Act which established a coherent national legal framework which created an authorization and monitoring system lead by the CNES, France’s government agency devoted to shaping and implementing France’s space policy.The authorization and monitoring system operate by first giving a description of the space operation to be conducted as well as systems and procedures that the applicant intends to implement. The operation and procedures are then analyzed to determine if they meet safety and technical laws, and are then granted permission. They are monitored to make sure there are no unforeseen mishaps or laws broken afterwards. Monitoring includes monthly reports to the government. France feels that this system of allowing private industry to enter space is a step in the right direction, and will continue to operate on the authorization and monitoring system.

In conclusion France would encourage nations to operate on a system that practices caution when allowing access to space. It would encourage nations to request the reason and information on the individual’s technology in order to accurately judge if it should be allowed to enter the atmosphere. After entering Outer Space a monitoring system should be put in place in order to make sure no laws or regulations are being broken by the organizations entering space. France would propose this because it believes that commercial companies should be eased into entering outer space, rather than a rapid influx of companies and organizations. France would expect other members of ESA to be in support of this such as Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Georgia
Delegate Name: Benjamin Brown
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Competition, in any of its myriad incarnations, has always driven the invention and innovation of technology. The radar, the microwave oven, and the monolithic Internet itself all developed and disseminated as derivatives of World War II’s innumerable horrors. Competition between the Western and Eastern Blocs of the Cold War led to the 20th-century Space Race, which led the world to its current network of satellites and space programs. Potent companies such as SpaceX and Boeing now exist to “revolutionize space technology, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets,” and to “take humans and technology farther than they’ve ever been,” respectively. However, as the private sector gains momentum, issues of safety arise. To allow development to spread too quickly could lead to fatal and disastrous negligence and mistakes.

The government of Georgia does not finance a space program of any kind and is uninvolved with other governments’ space programs in any way, direct or indirect. There is but a single observatory, the Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory, within Georgian borders. It is clear and unfortunate that we therefore lack the ability to participate in this exciting era of human progress without the generous aid of others.

The Georgian government asks the United Nations to encourage private sector access to outer space in order to encourage the development of technologies and of poorer countries. However, Georgia also asks that access be controlled and restricted through a new United Nations Space Exploration Organization and through a recommendation to the Security Council to establish a subcommittee regarding space exploration and the law.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: William Mester
School: Royal Oak High School

Germany has been very interested in space research and other operations. We have been active in doing so since 1962. The research we have done in the past has been very important to the global development of space technology. We have produced a lot of space products and services as well as participating in international space research projects. Though we have been very successful in our space programs, Private sectors/companies are interested in doing research as well. Germany supports these companies in carrying out research in space and we believe they could have a large contribution to our international knowledge of space itself.

Although Germany supports private sectors engaging in research in space, we do believe that there are some measures that need to be taken to ensure the safety of those who wish to research in space. We also believe that in allowing private sectors to participate in space research, they should have to donate that research to others to further expand our knowledge of space rather than keeping it private. A resolution will have to be made in order to stop these companies from doing such things. A good resolution will provide a set of rules in order to ensure the safety of the private sectors, and assures that they disclose all information gathered by their research to benefit the international knowledge of space. In GA/RES 2222 (XXI), the treaty focuses on the principles that govern the exploration of outer space. The principles expresses that the exploration of outer space shall be carried out for the benefit and in the interests of all countries. the treaty also expresses that outer space shall be free for exploration by all States and that non-governmental sectors can explore space but states are responsible for these sectors. Therefore we believe that this proposed resolution would comply to the resolution previously passed by GA.

Germany is looking forward to exploration of outer space by private sectors and is excited to see what research and new discoveries are made. Though we are still concerned with the safety of these private sectors we look forward to their contributions to our knowledge of space and its impact on multiple applications in our lives on earth. And finally we look forward to passing a resolution in the GA to insure the safety of the private sectors and the full disclosure of and research from their exploration for the benefit for the world.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Greece
Delegate Name: Catherine Huang
School: Grand Blanc High School

The debates over private sector access to outer space are regarding whether private companies should be allowed to initiate their own space missions. Previously, only huge space corporations (such as NASA from the United States) were allowed to attempt space travel. They succeeded when mankind reached the moon in 1969. Technology has evolved since then, however, so some of the general population believes they deserve the right to travel in outer space, too. If space travel were incorporated into everyday life, future generations could utilize resources from other planets. The opposite side of the argument is that too much freedom to go to space could result in dangerous expeditions. Those in favor of private sector access respond that this could be prevented by strict safety requirements.

Greece does not currently hold enough money to start our own national space program, let alone allow our citizens to do so. However, we are still strong advocates for the cause of letting the average person start their own space company in the future. Our country has been a compliant member of the European Space Agency (ESA) since 2005. We do much to raise awareness and interest in the possibility of space travel becoming more common. Greece believes that making transportation to space and other planets more affordable would greatly help the economy. Firstly, the process of developing space equipment would create jobs for workers, scientists, mathematicians, designers, and more. Then, when everyday travel to space is feasible, people could visit other planets for pleasure or to use available resources. This is why Greece supports letting general people access outer space.

We propose that the ESA allow non-federal corporations to develop space travel equipment as long as they are financially stable. Allowing private companies to do so would be beneficial to humans and the United Nations because it will make scientific progress much, much faster. More groups for a cause means more brainpower. To prevent anything dangerous from happening, there will be very strict regulations on safety. For example, all parts of all equipment will be thoroughly tested and inspected by the ESA and UN. This is to ensure that no defective machines enter space and injure people. The United Nations will form a committee with representatives from each country to write these regulations. They will check each other and keep each other in balance. Then, humanity will gain the freedom to travel into space more often for commercial and scientific purposes.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Guatemala
Delegate Name: Anton Ludwig
School: East Grand Rapids High School

As humans continue to reach past our atmosphere, and space flight is rapidly developing, it becomes necessary to ask the question of who is allowed to access space. Several companies, including SpaceX and Virgin Galactic, have begun testing rockets and other vehicles to reach space, and have completed several successful missions. These companies and others like them have their sights set on farther goals, including space tourism and missions to Mars. As the companies inch closer and closer towards their goals, humans must face the challenge of increasing access to these opportunities and keeping the journey safe.

As space travel becomes more commercialized, it is important to remember that still only a few nations have access to outer space. Most nations do not have the ability to send satellites or other technology into space, let alone humans. Also, space travel is very expensive, and commercial space flight would be limited to the ultra-rich. These are limitations that must be overcome in order for space to be available to the world. As the nations that do have access to space advance their technology and create new systems for gathering research and valuable information, it is also vital that they share their discoveries, research, and information. This will help the whole world benefit from space travel.

Guatemala supports access to space from private companies, but on the condition that the voyages remains safe. While it is important to advance technology further, Guatemala would like to see resolutions that focus more on expanding space access to more nations, reduce the cost of space travel, and encourage sharing data and information gathered from space with all countries. Space tourism could also become a viable market, and as this happens, Guatemala supports utilizing this new business to grow economies and provide new jobs to people all over the world. Guatemala wants the countries of the world to work together to make space open, available for all, and used for good.

Main Sources:

1. SpaceX

2. Virgin Galactic

3. Phys.org

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Guyana
Delegate Name: MacKenzie McCowen
School: Vicksburg High School

The Republic of Guyana is in it’s infancy of space technology, we have our own space center but it is mostly funded by seven european countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland. Our space center is partnered with France, as well fully funded by France, they’re the third country to achieve access to space. In 2014, France had planned E-core which is a planned remote sensing satellite. This satellite is changing the way meteorologist can see earth. France’s private sector’s have reached an all time high within the last three and a half years, with a total of 52 sectors. Even though many seem to find this increase in sectors scandalous, people really shouldn’t raise questions to data that was recorded in a month. This data is supposedly the most reliable in France. France has also installed satellites that observe the land, oceans, and atmosphere, as well as to observe hazards and crisis. We fully support Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales because they focus on gaining access into space, civil applications of space, sustainable development, science and technology research, and security. They plan to increase funding to spend on civil space technologies and applications in coordination with other nations. Recently, France has signed on Affiliate Member Statement with NASA’s solar system Exploration Research Virtual Institute. Meaning that they support Lunar and Planetary science research to advance human exploration of the solar system. France has also been interested in participating in SSERVI, they have proposed to even provide scientific and technological expertise in the Moon and Mercury. The proposal that covers potential collaborative research, it is believed to successfully explore the solar system with robots and humans. Guyana can only hope that our partner continues to invest in space research and to influence countries who don’t to see the good in space technology and research. This research can help the world discover the unknown.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Hungary
Delegate Name: Gabe Guimond
School: Mattawan High School

Space. Time. The Unknown. We as human beings are drawn to the vastness of Space; we are humbled and motivated by time; and we seek to conquer and venture into the unknown. Right now, we are at the brink of making Space open to not only government organizations, but to the public. This historical point in time opens endless opportunities to people all over the world. Innovation and competition will skyrocket, granting safer and more efficient and economic space technology. With the backing of private corporations, governments, and citizens, space exploration and transit will soar with success. While the advantages of opening up Space access to the public are tremendous, there are dangers in this rapid spread of transparency. The dangers in regards to space transit include: safety and poorly regulated traffic. We, as a global delegation, need to establish a coherent and fair series of laws that will make space exploration and transit innovative, educational, and economic.

Hungary is intrigued at the endless opportunities that space offers. Our country has established a humble yet effective civilian space program, simply called The Hungarian Space Office (HSO). This space program works with other European countries to explore space and create newer and more effective technology. HSO also has ties with many other powerhouse space countries such as the U.S (NASA). Furthermore, Hungary acknowledges the bounty that Space offers and looks forward to establishing well versed and thought out series laws that will make Space available and faiar for everyone.

The Delegation of Hungary believes there is no side to this topic. We all agree that legislation must take effect if mass space transit commences at a global level. With this in mind, Hungary has a sequence of laws that will need to be enforced to ensure a successful transition from government control to public control of Space exploration and transit. The UN will take charge of this delegation. No need to establish a secondary group of nations that will only dilute our goal. The Delegation of Hungary looks forward to working with countries that see the amazing opportunities that Space has to offer and want to make a level playing field for all.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Iceland
Delegate Name: Peter Cullen
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

In recent years, space technology has been made available to private companies. Previously the industry was only open to governments. Those private companies have begun developing satellites and rockets to aid in the progress of humanity. However, despite the progress, there is a question of how much nations should trust private companies with such extraordinary technology. Could providing this technology with improper security lead to the technology ending up in the wrong hands? While Iceland's space program is small, we understand the value such interactions can have for the wellbeing of the space industry, and humanity, and this ought to outweigh the concerns.

Providing outer space access to private companies stimulates the economy through the numerous manufacturing opportunities made available with those corporations’ projects. According to the Space Foundation’s Space Report, private companies now make up seventy six percent of the space economy, or 250 billion us dollars. Most of the materials for these projects involve many different countries to produce, providing a boost to each of those countries’ economies. Triple the progress made previously is possible by opening space up to private sectors in just a few short years.

Iceland was the first nation to open free trade agreements with China. The Iceland-China free trade agreement was created to spur connectivity with China and to encourage nations to work together on the larger issues by putting our differences aside. And our focus on free trade has led us to become part of the organization of EFTA, which possesses the goal of liberalizing free trade, and has the goals of globalization at a steady pace and sustainable development for each member of the organization. Similarly, Iceland thinks connectivity and putting our differences aside for the benefit of the future of humanity is in order, and investing in private space companies is one of many chances to mate a more united globe.

Iceland recognizes the positives in allowing private companies access to space, such as of a simulated economy, more global connectivity and the expansion of humanity, outweigh the risks,which are the off chance of malicious motivation of those companies, and collaboration between those companies and governments will make attaining the goal of turning humanity into a multi planetary species far more attainable, as private companies already make up triple the We would hope other countries can agree that progress ought to be the top priority, especially with the economic benefits which come along with it. Iceland recommends removing trade barriers on space sectors of different nations in order to aid in economic prosperity and increase the timeframe for space development.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: India
Delegate Name: Braden Porterfield
School: Royal Oak High School

The access private sector entities can have to space will be a powerful force. It may be able to let economies thrive, or arrest their growth for years. We will strive to guide private sectors in a non-harmful direction. We promise that the prospect of space travel as a business venture will be safe and secure for everyone.

India strongly believes in keeping space competitive for all nations. The economy is based on competition, and to compete, many different companies need space programs. We will pass resolutions that break up monopolistic threats.

It would be dangerous for one or two developed nations to have a monopoly on the market because developing nations are at risk for being taken advantage of. There are countless examples of nations whose economies are in shambles due to corporations seeking cheap labor.

India stands strong against business’ chokehold on nations that could easily stunt their economic growth. We will only pass resolutions that allow space programs to grow if they protect nations whose capital could be taken advantage of.

It is the job of SCITEC to provide the regulations that private entities must follow to block them from monopolising the industry or violating human rights, specifically the amount of interaction a business can have in developing countries. While the UN already defines labor rights, private sector access to outer space is a dense multi- layered issues so some specific measures need to be taken.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Indonesia
Delegate Name: Ella Stauffer
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Indonesia is a developing country and they need help from the UN to provide funding to go out into space. Countries like Indonesia want better access to the world's research and development for space. This is because less than eight percent of the world’s space research comes from developing countries.

Indonesia does not have a private sector to access to space because they are a developing country. Their government-run space agency is called LAPAN (National institute of aeronautics and space) It was established by former Indonesian president Sukarno in 1963. For over two centuries, JAPAN has managed satellites and sounding rockets. They are currently working on developing small orbital space launchers. LAPAN has launched satellites LAPAN A1 in 2007 and LAPAN A2 in 2015. On May 31, 1962, Indonesia commenced aeronautics exploration when the Aeronautics Committee was established by the Indonesian prime minister, Juanda, who was also the head of Indonesian Aeronautics. On September 22, 1962, the Initial Scientific and Military Rocket Project (known in Indonesia as "PRIMA") was formed as an affiliation of AURI (Indonesian Air Force) and ITB (Bandung Institute of Technology). The outcome of the project was the launching of two "Kartika"("star") series rockets and their telemetric ordnances. After two informal projects, which had no national effect, the LAPAN was established.

Indonesia has proposed to UN five things which include, all countries have access to information of the progress and development and its legal instruments, communication between countries in facilitating information about progress should be facilitated, promotion of international cooperation to allow in-country space technology and r as well as international economic and industrial development cooperation in a win-win situations, in carrying out industrialization of space technology and applications by industrial and developing countries alike as partners so they both benefit, and finally increasing number of space conventions and encouraging further international space cooperation including the interests of all countries.

Indonesia believes that all countries should work together when it comes to space exploration. LAPAN in Indonesia is a strong organization but they just does not have the money needed to create private sector access to space.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Iran
Delegate Name: Mitchell Cole
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The nation of Iran and the corporations located within have an interesting relationship to space and the topic of private sector access to outer space. To start off, a short summary as to why Iran’s space program is no longer active: Western powers have condemned Iran’s space program because of their concern over its military potential. Iran’s once ambitious plans of putting a man on the moon has been put on hold indefinitely.

Iranian leaders have made their stance on the issue clear. The Islamic Republic of Iran is resolved to strengthen its cooperation with the international community in designing, developing, and replicating satellite and launching systems for the purpose of the sustainability of peaceful actions in outer space. We are fully convinced that outer space should be explored and utilized universally, with equal access for all nations without discrimination, regardless of the level of their technical, scientific, and economic development.

Iran’s standpoint on this issue is so passionate and rational, that it is easy to use it as a basis for the majority of opinions coming into this conference. Outer space should be kept accessible to all states for peaceful purposes and to make use of the potential benefits thereof. As a co-founders of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Iran has always supported and appreciated international endeavors to promote the peaceful use of outer space and prevent an arms race. In the sense of outer space activities, the SciTech committee should avoid any kind of restriction on promoting the (peaceful) use of outer space in developing countries with newfound space capabilities.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Iraq
Delegate Name: Emma Alzner
School: Mattawan High School

The industry of space travel and exploration has dramatically grown within the last few decades. With the advancement of the ability to journey to areas outside of our atmosphere, many have encompassed the idea of finding what lies beyond Earth and have pursued the advancement of this study. This research is incredibly important, and originally was totally controlled and conducted by government programs. Yet with its growth, many programs and companies outside of the government have begun studying space exploration. Iraq recognizes that the privatization of this growing industry is an immediate issue to nations around the globe, and recognizes a resolution must be made that will take into account the economic, security, and many other factors that surround this issue.

Iraq acknowledges that at the given present, as a nation it does not have the technology nor the resources to participate in leading space travel. Iraq sees that the presence of the terrorist group ISIS has crippled the country so that it has been unsuccessful in cultivating the technology required to execute travel or exploration throughout space. Because of this, Iraq is incredibly flexible in working with all nations to foresee a compromise surrounding this issue. However, at the hand of the downfall of oil prices as well as the oppression of war, Iraq’s economy is drastically falling. Privatizing industries could benefit Iraq’s economy and help achieve more stability. While the space industry within Iraq has not been largely successful, privatizing said industry as well as other industries could give the opportunity of producing a more stable and functioning economy. The privatization of space exploration would also provide for a wider database of information and drive progress, which Iraq sees as an incredible benefit to all countries.

While Iraq is willing to communicate, negotiate, and work with all other countries represented within the United Nations SciTech committee, Iraq suggests a resolution that would privatize the space industry while a committee comprised of leading scientists and government officials to foresee the management of said industry. Iraq recognizes that this would boost economic markets worldwide by providing competition, while also keeping programs in check to ensure private space exploration companies are executing work that is safe to the world at large.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Ireland
Delegate Name: Benjamin Oostendorp
School: East Grand Rapids High School

Ireland’s relatively small and new space technology industry mainly functions to develop new technologies for the European Space Agency’s space endeavours. Technologies from Ireland have been used on nearly every ESA launch since its inception in 1975. The space infrastructure and funding are simply not developed enough to support a private sector capable of their own space launches within Ireland. Nonetheless, Ireland and our space-related companies certainly have opinions about where and how outer space’s private sector should proceed.

Although we are excited about the direction space’s private sector is going, because of the relatively short time it took develop from when government entities controlled space travel, Ireland believes there is a serious lack of regulation within the industry. More specifically, safety and environmental regulation’s need to be addressed in this rapidly advancing industry. There are great dangers that come with space travel, especially when humans are involved, and as this industry becomes more commercialized, Ireland hopes to see safety remain among the top concerns of the private sector. Also, as more and more private companies continue to start up, there needs to be regulation regarding the growing amount of pollution orbiting the Earth. The amount of debris, such as discarded rocket boosters and broken satellites will grow exponentially if the United Nations doesn’t set parameters surrounding what actually goes up into space.

Ireland suggests the creation of a centralized regulatory body within the United Nations to guide this up and coming industry in a responsible and ethical direction, to avoid the pitfalls normally associated with rapidly developing technological sectors. If the Science and Technology Committee outlines the specific regulatory goals of this body, they could continue to regulate the industry while conforming to whatever new innovations may come.

Being such a small country, we also hope to see that countries previously dominant in space technology, such as Russia and the United States, do not monopolize the industry nor the regulation of space’s private sector, because we believe every nation has an equal right to explore outer space. We must comply with all the existing treaties as we continue to build the atmosphere of unity that has surrounded international space projects, like the International Space Station. Ultimately, Ireland is excited to collaborate and form a responsible future for outer space’s private sector and continue to breed the collaboration and compromisation that makes the United Nations such an effective organization.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Israel
Delegate Name: Charlie Uchno
School: Roeper School

Israel is excited for new potential developments in space technology, especially for purposes regarding national security. Israel has had a rich history with space exploration, beginning with founding the Israeli National Committee for Space Research (NCSR) in 1960. The NCSR is aimed to use space research and exploration for the defense of life on Earth, a goal which is promoted by private sector access to outer space. In Israel, the private sector has contributed in the creation of many space technologies in cooperation with the Israeli government. These technologies include satellites and rockets, and the NCSR and Israel as a whole have progressed because of this cooperative effort.

Despite these benefits, some of the dangers of private sector access to space must be addressed as well. While private sector access would be a great way to spark this development, the great powers that could come from space technology should not belong in the hands of business solely interested in turning profits. The limits of space technology have not yet been discovered, and if the wrong organization advances faster than others, they may have an extreme advantage both economically and politically. Ultimately, however, Israel believes the pros of new methods of defense greatly outweigh the cons which could possibly come from big business. Any new discovery can be a good discovery if shared with others, and the exploration of space is and always has been an effort guided for the wellbeing of the global community. Therefore Israel promotes any and all exploration of space for the progression of the global community, whether it be from the private sector or from governmental organizations.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Matthew Russell
School: Williamston High School

With improved technology it has become easier and easier to reach outer space. Because of this some companies have begun looking into various projects such as “space tourism” as well as launching private satellites. Some companies especially ones working with broadcasting as well as Internet service and weather forecast stations have been looking into wide scale launching private satellites into orbit around Earth. This would allow for Internet, general broadcasting and whether detection to be provided to rural areas that would normally have no access to such things many believe that this would be a huge advantage especially for the advancements of less developed countries and disaster prevention with severe weather.

In the past Italy being the third country with a satellite in space and having the Italian space agency (ASI) is quite a bit of experience in the subject of space. However most Italian companies that have shown interest in space related projects have favored more of an idea of integration with government space agencies. There have been some discussions about this however no definitive action has been taken yet. The Italian government has worked with privet companies but mostly in contracting.

As far as police Italy is not entirely against the private sector in space. Italy would look favorably upon some collaboration private sector of the government although this would be to further a scientific agenda rather than an entirely economic agenda. However Italy does believe that some economic benefit can be gleaned in working with the private sector which would hopefully also allow for more advancements to be made in space exploration. Italy would expect to find support other countries with advanced space programs such as the United States and Russia as well as China.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Jasmin Cambri
School: Grand Blanc High School

The topic of having access to private sectors in outer space has been discussed ever since there has been wide advancement in technology in the 20th Century. Access into outer space has been discussed since the ideas of commercial air travel being introduced since the years of both World Wars. There have already been some advanced technology from many countries that are currently in space, such as global telecommunications and weather monitoring by the use of satellites. However, with the expanse of Earth’s area, that plans to be “out of this world,” there are some growing safety and expansion concerns that exist as well if this topic of discussion persists as more countries become equipped with the technology necessary to advance.

Japan has previously addressed concerns over the increasing involvement into outer space. Japan has involvement in numerous activities as part in the United Nations (UN). The UN General Assembly has a Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) such as UNISPACE III, the international organization and space industry. There has already been an urge to strengthen the relations between other countries, especially developed countries, or any country that has the capability to sustain such programs. In time, the benefits of having more technology integrated into outer space for all of mankind will be able to have benefits from the rest of the world.

Japan has already been in alliance with the United States and plans on continuing this alliance. Japan and the United States have already agreed with one another that our countries should be concerned about the protection and access to outer space, rather than using it for military bases or a sign to showcase which countries are most dominant. Since Japan is a developed country, Japan would like to see that there are going to have benefits and hope to see some progress that involved regulated access into outer space and hopefully all the countries can enjoy what outer space access has to offer.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Lebanon
Delegate Name: Sam Noonan
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Earth can only hold the human race for so long. The stars provide a wealth of opportunity, and the desire to reach beyond the confines of our planet has long been seated in the hearts of humanity. Lebanon believes that outer space holds a bright future for the world, and feels that it is in humanity’s best interest to focus on using space technology and space exploration for the betterment of agriculture, medicine, transportation, weather forecasting, natural disaster planning, and more. By using asteroids as a mean of harvesting materials needed to fuel space-faring vessels, long-term space travel is very possible and can be achieved, provided there is enough funding allocated.

Outer space also offers massive economic opportunity; there are many elements located in asteroids such as gold, iridium, silver, iron, cobalt, nickel, titanium, aluminium, and more. These elements, along with hydrogen, ammonia, and oxygen, elements used for rocket propellant, can allow for a way to get these valuable resources other than on our planet.

Lebanon has never had a government-sponsored space program, but from 1960-1966 the Lebanese Rocket Society, a group formed by a math and physics instructor and multiple students from the Haigazian College, built their own rockets and launched them during the “space race.” This program received limited government funding, and provided a beacon of hope and inspiration to the Lebanese people.

Through private sector cooperation with government, Lebanon hopes to make use of outer space’s potential. Lebanon is aware that asteroid mining could likely lead to space debris, but assures that measures will be taken to regulate this, and make sure that the machinery used will minimize or eliminate this excess space debris. Lebanon believes that through private sector and government cooperation, humanity can reach to the stars.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Libya
Delegate Name: Michael Lu
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The possibility of spaceflight was limited to the government in its beginnings in 1950, but a recent shift in technology has made space exploration more accessible to private companies. The U.S. Communications Satellite Act of 1962 authorized the possession and operation of non-government satellites, and lower launch prices after 2010 has brought a second space race between companies instead of government programs. Suborbital spaceplanes orbital rockets, reusable launch vehicles, and expandable test modules are the few of several successes achieved after the revolution in space access. This rapid development in space technology spurred by competition between companies is a clear benefit to humanity with space colonization and tourism becoming a reality. However, without any regulations nor a defined set of rules, private space exploration poses a risk to to the world’s safety and security. Therefore, the United Nations must define these rules and regulations to prevent companies from growing out of hand.

While the Libyan government would like to openly negotiate on private access to space, the state of the country prevents it from committing to an agreement. Space exploration and development is important to humanity, but Libya’s poverty, civil war, environmental degradation, discrimination, and lack of resources prevents any sort of action within space. The country’s second civil war between government factions and islamic militias is still in progress, the Saharan Desert continues to expand into the country, and citizens unable to flee are in constant danger. Due to these internal issues, private space travel is not a possibility in the country so the Libyan government would like to impose strict restrictions. However, if the United Nations can somehow provide assistance with this conflict, these restrictions will happily be negotiated.

The United Nations have been involved in Libya for quite a while, but their actions should be reconsidered if the country ever hopes to recover. Economic sanctions put upon the country by the United Nations in the 1990’s gave rise to poverty while limiting contact with developed countries; Russia refused to arm the Libyan government in its fight against enemy militias until the sanctions were lifted. Along with economic revision, humanitarian efforts must be reconsidered as well. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSML) has been active since its formation in September 2011, but five years later there has been little improvement. Their goals to restore public security and law, promote national reconciliation, extend state authority, protect human rights, and restore national economy has achieved little success amidst the war. Humanitarian efforts, military aid, economic stimulation, and repairing infrastructure is the key to rebuilding the nation. Should these problems be solved by the United Nations, the Libyan government will happily negotiate private access to space. Until then, space travel remains an impossibility, so the Libyan government wishes to impose strict restrictions on private exploration.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Malaysia
Delegate Name: Carter Wade
School: Roeper School

The "final frontier" of outer space is the ultimate culmination of human ingenuity. Its exploration has been entirely governmental in the past. However, recent economic, scientific, and political shifts have promoted an increased level of access to space launch technology both in the private sector and in the commercial sector. This dramatic shift in the power dynamic involving access to and control of space launch technology warrants an in depth investigation of the possible benefits and dangers of this shifting power dynamic and, should such action be found necessary, the implementation of international regulatory policies. The allowance of the private sector and commercial sector access to space launch technology would create competition in the new market and cause a general decrease in the cost of such technologies, a general increase in the safety of such systems, and a general increase in the ability to engineer faster development. Less desirable effects of reduced regulation of space launch technology include a steadily increasing risk of orbital collisions with the inevitable increase in the number of objects in outer space. This effect is known as the Kessler Effect. An example of the Kessler effect is when, on February tenth, 2009, at 16:56 U.T.C., Iridium 33 and Kosmos-2251 crashed into each other in low earth orbit. The debris from the collision more than doubled the number of objects orbiting the earth. The rapid increase in the amount of orbiting objects caused problems for other satellites. The International Space Station has been evacuated to a docked Soyez rocket on one occasion and has had to undergo evasive maneuvers on another occasion. Fortunately, international regulation of outer space has been shown to work in the past. Most notably, the United Nations Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space, and Under Water, registered on October fifteenth, 1963 and signed on August fifth, 1963, in Moscow.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Mexico
Delegate Name: Hunter Harloff
School: Mattawan High School

In the years following the dawn of space travel, Mexico has had little concern in establishing rules and regulations regarding space travel and exploration. For the past thirty years or so, Mexico has placed great priority on developing the basic infrastructure of our nation. As a result, space travel infrastructure has not been established in Mexico nearly at all. That said, Mexico is not against space travel and would love to facilitate privatized space travel within our nation.

To achieve this goal, in 2010 Mexico established the Mexican Space Agency. This agency currently does not possess any true infrastructure; however, it does actively engage in researching space exploration and tirelessly promotes education to facilitate future space travel in Mexico. Mexico believes that space travel is important to the future of our society. Even though Mexico does not have the infrastructure to participate first-hand in the exciting era of space-travel, it firmly believes that space travel is important to the future of our society. The establishment of the Mexican Space Agency upholds our beliefs and seeks to grow privatized space exploration in Mexico.

Mexico believes that a solution to this issue does not rely within the realms of heavily restricting space travel. We must facilitate space travel to its fullest in order for society to progress. Strict regulations will do nothing but discourage innovation in the field. An effective solution to this issue would allow for space agencies to launch and develop safety after ensuring brief governmental safety measures are met. Furthermore, Mexico is not afraid to advocate for, if anything, incentivising privatized space travels with governmental funding and or tax breaks. The competitive nature of privatized business has consistently shown to reduce costs and as a result the funds given to these privatized companies would be more effective utilized than if a unchallenged governmental space agency were to use them.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Morocco
Delegate Name: Stevan Popovic
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Space has always been an admiration for humans, from the moments of Galileo gazing to the sky, to the race to space between the Soviet Union and the United States; the strive to gain knowledge of space has pioneered technology throughout the entire world. And although smaller poorer countries do not have access to these technologies, they can still benefit much like Morocco has. On December 10th 2001; Morocco in collaboration with the Russian Space agency and The Technical institute of Berlin sent a satellite into space from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. These partnerships benefit both developing and advanced nations. It not only promotes technological advancements, but diplomatic ones as well.

Although Morocco's space program is very limited, we are very willing to participate in the development for space travel. And while we do not have any private/commercial space agencies, this can always be changed with the help of other nations. Agencies like Roscosmos (Russian space agency) have shown interest in Morocco's eagerness for space development, and have agreed on more collaborations through Baikonur Cosmodome. The Royal Centre for Remote Sensing (Morocco's space agency) has only sent up one satellite but is constantly researching space technology.

As Morocco has a very limited space agency and recourses, we are more than willing as a country to collaborate with other countries, much as we have with Russia and Germany. These types of advancements could help spawn in more private and commercial uses of space for not only Morocco, but for other nations as well.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Netherlands
Delegate Name: Faith Schafer
School: Williamston High School

Space is a place that has fascinated all people for thousands of years. It was charted and named, guessed about and those facts eventually proven or disproven. Then, planes were invented, taking people through the air like nothing ever had before. Only a few decades later, rockets took people to the “final frontier”. Now that there is no longer a limit on how high we can go, everyone wants a section of this uncharted territory, and there are clashing opinions on how it can be and should be used. The United States and the Soviet Union’s competition after the second World War led to a lot of concern amongst all countries, and a repeat of that over the sharing of outer space could be disastrous. Should private spaceflight be allowed, or should the regions of outer space be kept neutral, solely for research and the development of new and advanced technology? The system is growing competitive, and it is up to us to decide fairly and reach an agreement on how it can be used.

The Netherlands is very eager to work to reach an agreement that will be to the benefit of everyone. The only way that the Netherlands has been able to explore the areas in space is through the cooperation and lead of other countries working with them to let the Netherlands have the same opportunities as other parts of the world. Then, the issue of private sector access was formulated. Certainly, commercial spaceflight would provide more funding to the space program, but is that our goal? The Netherlands is open to working with other countries to reach an agreement. The Netherlands wants to build our economy, but also to keep the country secure and improve the safety of the space program, and reaching an agreement on this matter will help the Netherlands to take measures so that, whatever is decided, they can be sure that their country is in agreement. The Netherlands wants to be able to research and explore outer space and not limit the heights that other countries can reach, but also to work with other countries so that the area stays neutral.

In regard to the issues going on, the Netherlands wants to be able to enhance the space technology, but limit the spread so that it is not too rapid and harmful for the people everywhere. They also want to work to keep space neutral, so that everyone has access to research opportunities there, just like we have enjoyed for many years. The United Nations needs to be able to reach a conclusion on what they want to do for the best of all countries, and reach an agreement on the best way to share the wonders of outer space, and resolve this issue for the last time, so that this can become a worldwide agreement and we can always fall back on it when an issue arises. The Netherlands proposes a plan that will not limit, but also not favor countries with a strong space program, and at the same time, help lift up the smaller countries that need support. This will hopefully be to the benefit everyone, and will help keep the depths of outer space neutral.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: New Zealand
Delegate Name: Emerson Byrne
School: Fishers High School

The nation of New Zealand is a strong supporter of expansion in the industry of space exploration, and allowing the private sector to contribute to the exploration of outer space. Exploration of outer space should remain one of the top priorities of mankind, as it allows us to make drastic advancements in the fields of science, technology and engineering, while also allowing us to learn more about outer space.

By allowing access for private companies, it creates competition, which in turn creates more jobs in STEM fields, more international trading, more insight and information gathered about space travel and can undoubtedly create new technology that all of mankind can benefit from, provided these organizations abide by Space Law.

However, something that needs to be maintained and upheld by all nations is neutrality in outer space. No nation can be allowed to own or claim regions of outer space, and no nation can be allowed to bring weapons of mass destruction into space. If a nation were allowed to bring weapons of mass destruction into space, it would be in direct violation of Space Law. Allowing for weapons of mass destruction endangers the entirety of the world, and is an act of aggression. This must be taken into consideration when aiding certain countries. The first and foremost priority for the private sector must be for scientific purposes; any actions in outer space must abide by Space Law.

Organizations that wish to expand their development must agree to the following conditions set by Space Law; any action in space must be for the betterment of mankind; any action taken in space must abide by international law; an object that is launched into space is subject to the nation it was launched from; an object that is launched into space is the responsibility of the nation from where it was launched from; an object that is launched into space cannot interfere with any other object belonging to another country; and finally, all delegates of the United Nations must reach a unanimous decision to take further actions that are not outlined in this paper. The nation of New Zealand wishes to see the continued exploration of the cosmos, and wishes to see more cooperation between nations in order to foster trust, ingenuity and success.

Sources:

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/nz.html

Myself

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Mark Sanchez
School: Mattawan High School

Space travel has been at the forefront of science for years, requiring large sums of money and work per expedition. In the years to come, space holds the potential for technological advancements in weather prediction and global telecommunication. However, the expansion of the private sector into space brings many problems to the table. A balance must be struck between safety, security, and compliance with existing treaties on the use of outer space on the one hand, and achieving the desired increase in technological, educational, and economic development on the other.

Nigeria has had an increase in its space program in the previous years, and hopes to send an astronaut to space by 2030. Since 2003, The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) of Nigeria has launched 5 satellites into orbit, each more sophisticated than the last. In terms of concerns with safety, Nigeria is concerned with the competition that would arise from the private sector becoming involved with outer space. Competition may lower prices, making space travel more affordable, but it also increases the motivation to cut corners in order to attempt to beat competition which would in turn cause major safety issues. As for technological, educational, and economic development, Nigeria believes it would be in the best interest of all nations to collaborate. By eliminating competition, not only would the products be safer, scientists from around the globe would be able to cooperate to increase development in all areas previously listed.

To solve this issue, Nigeria suggests a global community of scientists working together. Major safety concerns would be addressed by the scientists themselves, with funding coming proportionally from each country involved

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: North Korea
Delegate Name: Anthony DePerno
School: Mattawan High School

Ever since World War 2, the industry of space travel has been at a steady growth. Recent policy shifts have paved the way to the desire of private sector access to outer space. The idea of private sector access to outer space has been widely debated in recent years. In theory, this concept will produce competition and ultimately achieve the pipedream of “Space Tourism.” However, this is neglecting the safety of the parties involved. Given currently technology, space travel is far to unsafe for the private sector.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea takes pride in the the freedom and prosperity for all of our people. However, the safety and well-being of our people come first. There are still far too many unknowns with Outer Space that we cannot account for to maintain the safety of our people. With space travel, there is no guarantee to anybody's safety. Take the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster for example- a ship and space mission designed by NASA, one of the leading space programs in the world, and with its failure and explosion, killing the 8 passengers, it is clear that space travel is extremely unsafe and far too unreliable for private sector use. Another issue to be aware of is that the world has spent thousands of years to define the borders that contain our countries. With private access to outer space, we would have to go through that all over again. Another element of unregulated space travel is the necessity of maintaining laws and ordinances is irrefutable. The idea of policing outer space would be virtually impossible.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea hopes that the SCITEC committee increases regulations regarding private access to outer space in the hopes of maintaining safety and prosperity not just for our people, but for all.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Norway
Delegate Name: Akansha Das
School: Forest Hills Central High School

As a leader in adopting space regulations, a country committed to expanding research opportunities, and a region geographically involved in space, Norway firmly believes that allowing private sectors to have access to outer space can open research opportunities and lead to technological developments that otherwise wouldn't have surmounted because the idea wasn’t from a country space program. Many of Norway’s top research telecommunications facilities which rely on satellite and rockets have been privatized with the same amount and quality of yields. This leads Norway to support the conclusion that access of private sectors to outer space will be beneficial for progress in the space development worldwide.

Norway has immense involvement in outer space. Norway was the first country to force regulations about space and did so in the Norwegian Act of 1969 which made law the idea that anyone who wishes to release anything into space must do so with the consent of the Ministry of Trade and industry (under which the Norwegian Space Centre lies today). Because Norway’s industry relies so heavily on the sea, Norway has used many of its satellites for maritime trafficking and navigation. Norway has found that satellites are close to irreplaceable with the quality and capability that they provide. With some of the most accelerated astrophysicists in the world, Norway uses satellites for research as well. Norway’s first research rockets were launched from the Andøya Rocket Range (ARR) which still remains in use today and has launched over a thousand research rockets. Norway continues to take part in research projects such as the Planck and one of its cities (Svalbard) has become dedicated to research and development for Mars and has been recognized as the biggest commercial downloading center.

Norway has adopted many regulations concerning space. Norway ratified the UN Outer Space Treaty that sets general guidelines for space exploration and what states are permitted to do. Being the first country to set guidelines and adopt a regulation for space w/in its own country Norway is very concerned about space exploration and how countries and sectors will use these new technological capabilities but is confident that allowing the private sectors to access space will lead to an increase in the quality of objects that go into space and lower prices.One of Norway's top research launching spaces -Anoyda- was privatized itself and has launched over a thousand research rockets to this day. Telenor-a privatized telecommunications company-has used numerous satellites and remains one of the top Norwegian companies in space. Norway has continued to develop quality technology for research and marine traffic and the privatization of some of its top space companies has resulted in continuous excellence.

In the final analysis Norway would like to see the UN adopt resolutions that support the access of private sectors to outer space. Norway believes that major technological advances in maritime trafficking (of which satellites are one of the few alternatives that have been found best to use) navigation and research can be furthered by the access of the private sector to outer space. Norway recognizes and supports the fact that adding more private sectors will result in lower prices, more efficiency, and higher service and product quality.

Works Cited

"Between Heaven and Earth: Norwegian Space Policy for Business and Public Benefit." Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry, n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2016. <https://www.regjeringen.no/contentassets/0307388a5ded4f50b408d3aa8c916cb1/en-gb/pdfs/stm201220130032000engpdfs.pdf+>.

Romsenter, Norsk. "A Brief Overview." / Norway in Space / Home – Norwegian Space Centre. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2016. <http://www.romsenter.no/eng/Norway-in-Space/A-Brief-Overview>.

Romsenter, Norsk. "The Norwegian Space Industry." / Industry / Focus Areas / Home – Norwegian Space Centre. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2016. <http://www.romsenter.no/eng/Focus-Areas/Industry/The-Norwegian-Space-Industry>.

"United Nations Treaties and Principles On Outer Space, Related General Assembly Resolutions and Other Documents." N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 16. <http://www.unoosa.org/pdf/misc/SpaceLaw/STSPACE-61Rev1_-_English.pdf+>.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Zaid Haque
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

Pakistan believes that all countries should have the ability to travel to outer space for scientific research and technological advancements. This will create a prospering and more stable economy in the future.

In recent years, Pakistan has allowed frequent experimentation of exploring outer space for communication, conservation, health, and agriculture. Recently the country launched the Space Education and Awareness Program in order to educate citizens about space and involve student projects. However, Pakistan stresses that when using private sectors, the safety and the security of our citizens traveling to space is our first priority. Pakistan also accents that moral codes should be upheld among other nations and consultations on international code should be conducted in an inclusive manner. Allowing private sectors to send satellite into space will allow for rural areas to receive Internet and progressing the technological age in Pakistan and other countries.Using private sectors will enhance the ability to predict weather pattern and give notices when disasters can occur.

Pakistan is willing to allow private sectors to for scientific reasons and technological advances. However, Pakistan stresses that the use of private sectors should not widen the economic and social status between countries. Over the past couple years, Pakistan has been benefiting economically and technologically from advances in outer space. We have allowed private sectors to explore but set basic guidelines on safety of citizens and the dumping of space debris. We can set clauses that will allow private sectors to explore space, yet not damage citizens of countries or damage space.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Panama
Delegate Name: Calum Spoelma
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

With each decade, the realm of outer space becomes more and more available. Only a century ago space was believed to be unreachable, and it was not until April 12, 1961 when the Soviet Union (or any country for that matter) finally had a man in space. More importantly, four years prior, Sputnik 1 was launched (by the Soviet Union) and originally it had broken international airspace law. Specifically law stating “a nation's sovereignty extended vertically to the airspace over its territory.” Applying this to outer space would have meant the Soviet Union was passing through many other countries territories without permission. Today with private companies wanting to get involved, issues will become increasingly complicated. As humanity expands its horizons into the unknowns of space, space law may need to be carefully amended. One leader in the field is Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX. NASA itself is increasingly willing to work with non-government entities, being quoted as saying, “But at every stage that we’re involved, there’s room for commercial partnerships,”. Allowing access to private citizens and the groups associated along with them will benefit economies with the sale and purchases of equipment of space launching materials, schools with the new knowledge learned from deeper space exploration, and the technological field of space science with the advances that will be made. Keeping this in mind, it is important for member states to create and adhere to guidelines in order to keep members of all nations safe in private space exploration.

Realizing that problems arose during the Cold War involving the militarization of space, we must keep an open mind if we allow private companies to claim space in space. Panama is a signatory to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. Although we are not currently pursuing a public sector space program, Panama supports any private sector access, included that of other nations, to outer space. Because of our location near the equator, less fuel will be required to reach orbit and thus Panama is an ideal location for establishing centers of space exploration. Additionally, Panama has copious amounts of experience with international transport because of the Panama Canal.

Panama respects the sovereign nation regulation of private space access. Member nations should make regulations that are best suited to meet their needs. Allowing each nation to make it’s own regulations will enable the private sector in each member nation to research and develop private space programs. Additionally, this will stimulate economic growth and encourage trade, which will lead to growth in the international community.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Philippines
Delegate Name: Seth Lemke
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

For most of the time space flight has existed, it has been the exclusive property of national governments. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in private sector space exploration, especially in the United States. One leader in the field is Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, who told the US Congress that, “the responsiveness and ingenuity of the private sector, combined with the U.S. government’s investment and technical support, can deliver an American spaceflight program that is safe, achievable, sustainable and affordable.” Allowing access to private citizens and the groups associated along with them will benefit economies with the sale and purchases of equipment of space launching materials, schools with the new knowledge learned from deeper space exploration, and the technological field of space science with the advances that will be made. Because of this, the Philippines supports private access for space exploration.

The Republic of the Philippines is a signatory to the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies of 1967. The Republic of the Philippines is proud of our recent launch of the microsatellite Diwata-1. According to the PhilStar Global, this has prompted the Department of Science and Technology (DSOT) to establish a space agency that will manage the space program. Although the Republic of the Philippines is experiencing economic and social problems, Dr. Rogel Mari Sese of the Philippine Space Science Education Program of the (DOST) believes that, “the knowledge of knowing where and when a typhoon will hit the country translates to the amount of property and the lives that can be saved through proper information…..and the only way we can get that is through satellites.” Additionally, private space exploration can create jobs. According to GMA News Online, “a recent study which showed that, for every space-related job in a country, there are at least four non-space-related jobs to support that single person working for the space technology sector.” This economic growth in the Philippines will facilitate economic and social stability.

The Republic of the Philippines supports private space exploration and encourages member states to allow the private sector to develop space exploration ventures. Member states should create regulations for the private sector to ensure the safety of all citizens.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Portugal
Delegate Name: James Schafer
School: Williamston High School

The largest problem concerning outer space is the access to private sectors and the humanitarian problems that may arise from it. Currently there are multiple pieces of legislation that has been ratified by the United Nations such as the Outer Space Treaty, the UN’s five declarations and legal principles for outer space. The issue lies in the fact individual countries are becoming lackadaisical about these terms and are allowing space launches regulations to be loosely controlled. Without government interference, there is the possibility for both economic prosperity and development, but also runs the risk of human lives without necessary regulations.

Portugal supports equitable access to the benefits of space science and technology deriving from the use of outer space. Space science and technology is important to Portugal because of the country exports minerals like Uranium and Wolframite to countries that are building rockets. These exports are of great importance to Portugal’s economy and allow for Portugal to be a part of space programs of other countries as well as its own space program. Unfortunately, private sectors in the economy have had high indebtedness rates in past years. Portugal wishes to see all activities carried out benefit mankind as well as the countries that participate.

Portugal would like to see the issue of private sectors be resolved by added legislation to the Outer Space Treaty as well as added legislation to the UN’s 5 declarations that clearly specify what private sectors should/should not be able to and regulations to enforce humanitarian concern. Such regulations would include safety checks that countries who already send a multitude of spacecraft out have. Such countries include China, The United States, Japan, Iran, Israel, South Korea and the U.K. Also, Portugal would like to suggest governments to be involved in any private sector space programs to not only keep an eye on the regulations but to encourage the development of new space technologies. We would expect to find allies in major space program nations like The United States, China, Israel, Japan, Iran, India, France, and South Korea.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Romania
Delegate Name: Kara Yeomans
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Space is truly the last and greatest unexplored world that lies beyond our planet. Quite recently in the course of history, the world has began to grasp the significance and vitality that space represents to our growing society. In 2016, the EU was stated to have invested 12 billion EUR over the time range of 2014-2020. That number, great as it is, is still being drained daily: as money pours into space organizations, Romania cannot depend solely on the EU- much less themselves- to fuel space research. Space Industry products such as satellites touch every facet of our daily life, from agriculture to civil protection to monitoring climate. As the need for increased space advancement grows, so does the need for funding.

Romania has a strong and commendable history when concerning space. Although the country’s budget remains a paltry 8 million (US dollars), Romanian scientists continue to research and contribute to the space efforts. More than twenty different types of aircraft are being designed right within the country-some based off of Romania design no less. It was the first Eastern European country to join the ESA (European Space Agency) in 2006: ROSA (Romanian Outer Space Agency) and the ESA together are continuing to work towards more sophisticated and beneficial space research for peaceful purposes. The EU believe that with the help of private sectors, more new start-ups for missions can be promoted to continue to blaze a path for the booming space industry.

The 2008 UN Resolution 62/217 on International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space stresses the importance of space exploration, even stating: “…the common interest of mankind in promoting and expanding the exploration and use of outer space, as the province of all mankind, for peaceful purposes…”. The UN position, at its core, on space is one of necessity, discovery, and peace, calling for international cooperation without causing an arms race between powerhouse nations. Romania, joining the the ESA in 2011 as its 19th member, signed the Romania-ESA agreement to cooperate on peaceful space exploration for the and application, contributing to the ESA budget since 2007. An estimated 20% of EU 145 billion EUR budget is managed by the ESA; the EU space industry alone is worth a staggering 46-54 billion EUR. After increase in space research and the gradual development of their space technology, Romania is now able to be a part of ESA space missions.

Space is no longer a far-off dream, it is a driving force that has exploded in both modern European and Romanian economy. Europe’s space programs are sources of employment to 230,000 individuals. Romania, along with the EU, believe that private sector access to space should be encouraged and supported. They believe that increased involvement within private sectors will help the world and its people as a whole in a win-win situation that can benefit all. Countries such as Romania lack the needed funding-a major obstacle when attempting to contribute to the growth of global space industry. Romania proposes that major space organizations such as the ESA should try and increase outreach efforts to poorer countries to ensure the brilliant, undiscovered minds are able to expand to their full potential.

Sources:

1. UN: General Assembly, Sixty-second session, Agenda item 31

2. ESA Romania

3. ESA

4. UNODA

5. European Commission

6. Wikipedia

7. SpaceNews

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Samuel Mendoza
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

As the world progresses further into the information era, private companies have begun to develop their own technology that will allow them access to outer space. Some of these companies’ launches have been unsuccessful and resulted in the destruction of supplies for the International Space Station and other orbital equipment. Last September, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket exploded due to an issue with the liquid oxygen fuel, destroying $200 million of communications satellites. While currently there are no treaties or principles specifically governing private access to outer space, General Assembly resolution 2222 states that “States shall be responsible for national space activities whether carried out by governmental or non-governmental entities.” Furthermore, according to resolution 34/68, “Neither the surface nor the subsurface of the moon, nor any part thereof or natural resources in place, shall become property of any State, international, intergovernmental, or non- governmental organization, national organization or non-governmental entity or of any natural person.” In order to ensure the safety of valuable supplies for the ISS and the safety of any potential manned space flight, as well as preventing the exploitation of celestial resources by private companies, companies must be under the strict observation of their home nation.

Until recently, the state-run corporation Roscosmos has been the only entity within the Russian Federation with the capabilities to launch a space object. In January of 2014, Dauria Aerospace and Sputnix launched the first three privately designed and operated satellites from the Russian Federation. We understand that private companies can drive research and development of new space technologies that improve weather monitoring, bring telecommunications to more areas of the globe, and further develop or understanding of extraterrestrial sciences. While we encourage the development of new space technologies, as we did with Dauria and Sputnix, we understand the risks associated with private access to outer space. According to General Assembly resolution 2777, launching states are liable for any form of damage caused by space objects launched from that state. For example, if a private company launched a space object which somehow damaged surrounding states, the Russian Federation is responsible for the damage. Moreover, neither states nor their companies can exploit celestial resources (according to resolution 34/68) because “Outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means,” (according to resolution 2222). With this in mind, the Russian Federation firmly believes that private companies may have access to space but their development and launch of such technologies as satellites and manned spaceflights must be strictly monitored and regulated by the companies’ launching state. Furthermore, because all of space belongs not a single entity but to humanity itself (according to resolution 2222), private companies can not be allowed to exploit celestial resources for their own gain.

With these risks in mind, the Russian Federation recommends that the General Assembly create and pass a resolution encouraging member states to closely supervise all launches into outer space in order to ensure the safety of launched objects and persons. We recommend the creation of an organization or sub-body of a preexisting organization dedicated to the supervision of private spaceflight companies. Such an organization would observe the development, construction, and launch of space objects in order to ensure that the highest safety standards are met. The Russian Federation believes that this will prevent the destruction of expensive equipment or the death of a manned spaceflight crew.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Rwanda
Delegate Name: Andrew Lehman
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The private exploration Of space is important to discuss in the UN , because setting a precedent for this issue will be crucial for the private space race. With the rise of private entities capable of designing, building, and launching their own technology into Earth orbit, it is now possible for genuine competition to drive development. Practically speaking, this should result in lower costs, higher safety, and more widely available service a trend also seen with the rise of commercial aviation. Greater access at lower cost, in particular, would mean that the benefits of satellite technology could be much more widely distributed. So the questions arise who gets what when it comes to space exploring do we really need to be involved with the private exploration or focus just on countries. As delegates we need to consider honestly who gets outer space ? How should it be organized ? How should we allow private companies priority when fellow members of the UN have not been able to launch spacecraft.

We signed the 1967 space treaty with the U.N. and that is about it. Times are tough in Rwanda they have been ever since our 1994 genocide that nearly cut the population in half but none the less divided the people of our country. We got through our hardships and currently are number 2 in Africa in terms of economics and are looking to continue our success in baby steps. The UN has only had a few minor documents signed , the larger of all was from 1967 the outer space treaty that we signed then.

Rwanda needs to seek out the USA and other resource powerhouses for a boost or kick start. We need to be guided under a wing of an ally and learn from them until at one point we can launch our own rockets self sufficiently. My plan is to sell government land to private companies to launch from Rwanda with an almost optimal climate for launch and a royalty tax to profit hopefully. Rwanda would like to eventually be able to launch people into space but we just quite aren’t there. In the next 20 years I would like to see Rwanda launch a man into space with a united nations international crew.

Main sources

CIA world factbook

UN website

Rwanda’s government website

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Saudi Arabia
Delegate Name: Alex Brinker
School: Royal Oak High School

As countries become more advanced in technology and more connected with each other, it is important to realize that, space as it stands now, has no borders. While not disagreeing with the premise of private-sector access to space, Saudi Arabia believes that the government should spearhead space-related activities.

Understanding that space is becoming more and more of a focus to many nations, it is important to first develop the nation's place in space. It is very important to have each country weigh the costs and benefits of opening the private sector to space. In Saudi Arabia most businesses are government funded or government approved. That being said, we have no problem with the expansion into space provided that the government first establishes the place or role our country will have in space. The one thing that we don't want to see happen, is that space sectors become so vastly different from their country, that they won't respond well to their government. Space should not lead to the breaking apart of nations.Saudi Arabia would much rather develop the nation before opening it up to the private sector. We would first establish our rule of law, and move from that point onward. It is also very important to not infringe on the sovereignty of any nations that would like to opt out of opening up their private sector to space.

We look forward to finding a solution as to how we will view space from this point on, and we hope that it will benefit all nations

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Senegal
Delegate Name: Zoe Atkins
School: Grand Rapids City High School

While the issue of private sector access to outer space is not immediate, it is important to address it now. The current trend of rapidly progressing technology creates urgency to even the most remote issues of the future. We need to add to The Treaty of Outer Space to account for the issues surrounding the privatization of space and other areas of relevance. The issues facing the world regarding outer space are difficult to navigate because of their unfamiliarity. This also makes it a very delicate subject. However, Senegal believes that the United Nations should face its regulation with the same approach as the governance of the seas. If the oceans are viewed as the “very foundations of human life,” according to the United Nations, outer space should be considered the extension of human life. It has been universally agreed that space exploration should be used to benefit all mankind. The privatization of outer space could make this endeavor much more difficult and possibly less safe. It would increase the chances of space debris, territorial discrepancies, and lack of crucial knowledge or experience. In order to prevent this and continue to learn from outer space it is absolutely necessary to develop some form of protection over it.

Senegal would also like to ensure that there remains equal opportunity for all countries to benefit from the new reaches of the world, not just members of the industrialized nations. The goal is not to aggravate the competitions between countries. We need to work together to separate our intentions of using space to benefit all, from the tendency to become nationalistic. We also need to separate the interests of private corporations and individuals from the actions of countries. Outer space should not be exploited by private companies to make a profit. Senegal will remain open minded towards the views of other countries but will approach the issue from the standpoint of representing the interests of the masses and future generations.

In closing, the delegation of Senegal would like to reiterate that the attention of the United Nations should be primarily centered on the issues on earth. Specifically, the obstacles facing developing countries should to be at the forefront of all discussion. Progress in space cannot truly benefit all without first confronting the problems plaguing developing countries. By prioritizing the issues facing many people in the world now, the issues of the future can be dealt with much more efficiently.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Serbia
Delegate Name: Veronica Gilbert
School: Grand Rapids City High School

Serbia believes that this is an incredible idea that will help spring the world into the future. Therefore Serbia is for the Private Sector Access to Outer Space Plan. However they don't know if they have the resources available to help further the space development program, but we would like to be apart of this space development and we were thinking that we could ally ourselves with larger countries who are in favor of this plan as well. Serbia believes that space development will not only propel us into the future, but it will also help if all the countries are in favor of this plan because then if we make the information internationally know than everyone will be on the same page and there won't be a “poorly regulated traffic”. Also some of the benefits of space travel would be the possibility tourism, space mining, and finding more advanced ways to live outside of this planet. This would not only bring revenue to world but we also may be able to develop new techniques that will help humans advance in decades to follow. There are some possible disadvantages that could dangerous, but we would combat this by all of the leading scientists and other important figure to design a plan that would be successful and regulate this industry efficiently. To complete this statement our Delegation is for the Private Sector Access to Outer Space plan ,and we would love to help be apart of this up incoming idea of space travel for all. In addition we need to be cautious on how we travel through space we contribute our leading scientists to help further this plan.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Singapore
Delegate Name: Tyler Clifton
School: Royal Oak High School

Private sector access to outer space, is businesses and companies buying out parts of space to test things in and to put up their own satellites so as to make using their Services cheaper which would in turn make competition, which would lead to better innovations, which means better products, which means we can progress into the future.

We’re currently not to focused on this issue and are more focused on cleaning up the space litter in our atmosphere and not to interested in the affairs of private companies as we deem space litter a real issue. but it does have it’s benefits because now satellite usage would become significantly cheaper and more widely used. so, in conclusion this doesn’t directly affect singapore but does give everyone benefits.

Singapore suggests that we allow this to happen but keep it limited so as to let the various governments have space for their satellites and space activities, to broaden on the topic, we don’t want companies to interfere with the governments, so perhaps have a section of space where they’re allowed to operate without putting a wrench in the works of the government. In conclusion, singapore does not see this as an important issue but instead believes that we should focus on cleaning our atmosphere, but if we were to focus on this we believe that the company's usage should be kept small so as not to interfere with the governmental side of things, but enough that they can use this to create new innovations and push us towards the future.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Somalia
Delegate Name: Jake Wilcox
School: Royal Oak High School

We Somalia bring forth our humble opinion on the topic private sector access to outer space. As Somalia we would rather that we focus our resources on fixing our government and or economy instead of spending valuable time and resources trying to regulate private sector access to outer space. We would however like to see some definitions and regulations established.

In committee we would like to see some things answered. We believe that as a committee we should look at creating definitions on what counts as the private sector as well as what access to outer space in tails. We would also like to answer the question of if there will be regulations on private sector access to outer space or will there be none.

We would furthermore support a resolution that would define private sector as a enterprise that is not supported by the government of that nation as well as false regulations states like ISIS or Al Qaeda. We would also look favorably on a resolution that states that access to outer space in tails flights that are not for scientific purposes. As for regulations we would like to see a resolution that supports heavy regulations on false states or regulations that prevent false states from going to outer space.

In summary we would like to see more specific definitions on things dealing with this issue as well as regulations on false states that prevent them from going to outer space. In committee we will push for these resolutions to be passed and look forward to working with other nations to accomplish these goals.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Sam Meyer
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

South Africa has a rich cultural connection to the space sciences, wonders dating back to as early as 7000 B.C.E. Today South Africa invests a large sum of our national income towards advanced technology and space science. Specifically, boasting a 16 year old national space agency. As space becomes more accessible to the developed world, questions of whether to allow public access to outer space for exploration and commercial use arise. Allowing future access to the public could bring economic, scientific, and technological advances.

Investing in space science and technology has served as a key enabler for sustainable development in South Africa. Currently we have satellites assisting in our country's development. These satellites allow us to monitor weather patterns, examine potential land expansion, and provide the country with communication. As a developing country, funds for future research and construction are minimal at times, which slow progress.

Allowing public access to space would not only grow our country economically through commercial activities, it would also provide company access and allow for the creation of government contracts with wealthy companies to continue research and advancement.

South Africa recognizes that other governmental entities, at the same level or further established, may differ when it comes to future decisions. As of now we are prepared to work with neighboring world states on a future course of action that opens outer space to public access, while also creating restrictions and safety protocol.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Spain
Delegate Name: Qusay Omran
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

It is often said that an unregulated, competitive market works much like an ‘invisible hand,’ allocating resources in the most effective way to reach equilibrium. Using this basic principle, some people argue that the free market is the most optimal means of success. In recent years, we have seen how the market of space exploration has opened up to a more competitive market, to a point where we now hear about firms planning to mine asteroids or even fund missions to neighboring planets. The space sector is very promising, and there is much to hope for, but we must also take care to be safe, careful, and ultimately responsible in our quest to explore that last frontier.

Spain’s history with space exploration began at the same time as much of the rest of the Western world. Although the nation did not have the financial stability to fund an extravagant project, Spain worked with the United States’ NASA program in conjunction with the rest of western Europe. At the time, space programs were simply part of a larger arms race between the US and the Soviet Union, and so the military and government generally managed all matters dealing with outer space. But we are beyond the stage of international brinksmanship in our day and age. At present, Spain firmly believes that it should be the initiatives of private companies and entrepreneurial enterprise that drive research and development in the space fields. Governments and militaries simply cannot allocate resources as efficiently as several firms, which are always in constant competition for an extra edge over the others. SpaceX, for example, should serve as a perfect example of a leader in the private space sector. By combining funding for specific projects and focusing solely on space exploration, SpaceX can outperform even NASA. Government bureaucracies are inherently inefficient; the private sector is not.

Nonetheless, it must be stated that free markets are not characterized by the absence of rules or regulations. An unbridled space industry, in Spain’s view, may become dangerous and not pay enough regard to the value of the lives of the astronauts and engineers who dedicate their whole beings to their projects. Therefore, some degree of order must be applied to the commercialization of space exploration. Spain believes in setting up a commission to determine not only the rules of space program development but also the ethics of space exploration.

The future of space development is exciting and promising. Spain hopes to play a very important role in that future. It is imperative that this mission is undertaken with a great degree of care and understanding of the potential risks involved for us all. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to join this tremendous global effort to reach out far into the stars and grace the face of God.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Sweden
Delegate Name: James Aidala
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Outer space has been around longer than Earth, and is infinitely more vast. Only recently have nations begun to tap the power of space technology and research. Also, the near future shall bring means to extract valuable resources such as iron, gold, platinum, etc. from celestial bodies. In the distant future, though the current concept has a giggle factor to overcome, space tourism could grow into a legitimate and major industry. This has created an explosive market rife with competition and high-tech business, and with it flourishing innovation. However, no advancement is without its drawbacks. Insufficient oversight and regulation of these delicate procedures which the companies are built around can lead to potential accidents, involving billions in damage and infrastructure and even lives. Sweden currently invests 950,000,000 SEK (US $103,751,970) annually into the Swedish National Space Board. The SNSB is responsible for distributing grants, targeting R&D objectives, and working internationally, mainly with France, to achieve common goals.

Sweden is highly dedicated to an open and competitive market for businesses of any size to take part in the space industry. The largest parliamentary and Government party, the Social Democrats, have made it clear that a main objective is an open, fair, and competitive market that promotes innovation and job growth. The SNSB also contracts from many private corporations for its projects. However, it should be made clear by Sweden that these projects mainly center around scientific advancement and technological research and development. Sweden does not see space as an economic tool. Sweden has laid out a strategy for mineral usage, and part of it is to foster innovation, competition, and growth. This is in tandem with the Social Democrats’ stance on the general economy as well. Sweden would have a large gain from mining as it is a powerhouse in mining technology. Environmental concerns do play a role as well. It is recognized that uncontrolled use of space can cause catastrophic chain reactions from space debris. This may be from satellites being impacted by mining debris or wreck debris. Sweden has demonstrated moderation with its environmental resources, and currently using 48% renewable energy, and is 69% forested. Given the growing economy and falling unemployment, Sweden would not have motivation to expand the economy to an extent that would jeopardize the catastrophic damage and loss of life at risk.

Conclusively, Sweden, recognizing the importance of an open and competitive market, desiring to expand and develop scientific and technological utilities of space, recognizing potential dangers of lax regulation of outer space access, and seeing the potential benefit of economic exploitation of celestial bodies, will advocate for expanded research and development of space technology and science with willingness to negotiate moderated economic exploits in outer space by means of the private sector.

Works Cited

Geological Survey of Sweden. "Swedish Ore Mines." Start. Geological Survey of Sweden, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2016.

"Näringspolitik Och Konkurrenskraft – Www.socialdemokraterna.se." Www.socialdemokraterna.se. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Nov. 2016.

Smith, By Brett. "Sweden: Environmental Issues, Policies and Clean Technology." AZoCleantech.com. AZoNetwork Ltd., 17 Dec. 2015. Web. 15 Nov. 2016.

Sweden. Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications. Sweden's Mineral Strategy. Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communication, 17 May 2015. Web. 15 Nov. 2016.

Sweden. Swedish National Space Board. Home – Rymdstyrelsen. Swedish National Space Board, 6 Apr. 2016. Web. 15 Nov. 2016.

"The World Factbook: SWEDEN." Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2016.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Switzerland
Delegate Name: Patrick Gleaton
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

Ever since the dawn of civilization men have looked towards the stars. Many ancient civilizations worshiped them as Gods. We as a species have always been trying to reach that final frontier. The first human in space was Yuri Gagarin in 1952. The first moon landing was the Apollo 11 mission which occurred on July 20th 1969 when American astronaut Neil Armstrong stepped foot on the moons surface. There have been multiple space missions since but with the development of technology and the dawn of the new millennial the question has been raised what should governments do with privately owned space. We Switzerland feel that before governments start a scramble for space there should be regulations to keep the peace.

We have already done some pushing for the subject. At the 2014 UNIDIR Space Security Conference we pushed for a series of regulations limiting the placement of weapons in space. We pushed for this legislation because we feared the possibility of space weapons. These weapons could cause untold destruction and mass terror. The UN security council has moved to further explore and possibly pass new legislation limiting the usage of space weapons. We also feel that any aggressive offensive action against non-aggressive space stations should be prohibited. In the case of Switzerland we use our space stations for non-aggressive reasons. Reasons like climate monitoring, meteorology, telecommunications, security applications, and navigation and positioning.

Switzerland stands against the placement of weapons in outer space and supports legally binding instruments in this respect. We are open to all proposals and are willing to peaceably find a solution. We know in the past the majority of the UN has agreed with us on the matter. We hope we can all work together on this pressing matter.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Syria
Delegate Name: Vipul Adusumilli
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The Outer Space treaty restricts the exploration of outer space to peaceful purposes and says it should be performed for the benefit of all nations. Article VI specifically addresses nongovernmental entities in space; it declares nations should "require authorization" and "continuing supervision" of citizens' actions. Space tourism is space travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. A number of startup companies have sprung up in recent years, such as Virgin Galactic and XCOR Aerospace, hoping to create a sub-orbital space tourism industry. Orbital space tourism opportunities have been limited and expensive, with only the Russian Space Agency providing transport to date. Space technologies also affect agriculture planning, disaster management, medicine, land monitoring, transportation and urban planning. Its manifold fields of application make space an engine of economic growth. Despite the economic crisis, institutional space budget faced less decrease than other productive sectors. OECD underlined that, even though space often has a reputation of being an expensive industry, all G20 Countries invest in their respective national space program a very small percentage of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product). The benefits provided by the use of space assets range from qualitative aspects, such as strategic advantages and improved decision-making processes based on satellite imagery, to monetarily quantifiable ones, such as cost-efficiency and increased safety derived from using satellite navigation tools for ground, maritime and aviation applications. Scientific and technological innovations are making space applications accessible to more people, being vehicle of social and economic growth also for developing Countries.

As Syria our space program interest is practical and symbolic. The Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, the outer space treaty, is a treaty that forms the basis of international space law. We want to conduct scientific research in space. A satellite would help us with communication and disaster responses. It would not cost us much money even in our current economic state. The space agency would be small due to evaporating academic community. Many universities have been destroyed over the course of the war. Most students and professors are either fleeing the country or joining the government or opposition groups. If the UN helps us fund space project, we believe it will help make us a better country. State news agency SANA said the cabinet had approved a project to create the so-called Syrian Space Agency, “with the goal of using space technology for exploration and observing the earth.”

Our people want a satellite because if there was a disaster it would help us out and a satellite would also help with communication. We are trying to make space traveler cheaper for everyone, but in order to do that first we need a working satellite in space. We have crude oil to help other countries as well. We the people of Syria need to rebuild our country and we believe giving all countries a fair chance and countries having the most developed space program such as the United States and Russia should give all countries equal share and not monopolize space. We believe investing in space would benefit our economy greatly.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Turkey
Delegate Name: Humza Nadeem
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Turkey is a developing country with a very large population and a strong military and government. We are not a country that is weak, or needs help to support ourselves. Turkey wants better access to technology and they want to expand their research into development for space.

Turkey does have access to a private sector for research and technological development. The Turkish private sector has been rising to development since 2008. They want to utilize outer space as an educational resource for the youth. There is already progress in this direction, such as the meetings between Turkey and the ESA(European Space Agency). Also, a new project is being established for a RadarSat ground station in Istanbul.

We have been looking in to cooperation with other organizations, the first example of cooperation with other organizations was with the NSS(National Space Society). The hopes being that Turkey can gain some kind of technology or something useful to be able to teach the interested youth about space. A project that SRWG will work on will be to establish a National Space Databank. This data bank will provide new research possibilities and for national and international space research to be possible. Right now the SRWG is currently working on getting in touch with Turkey to see and develop Turkeys potential in space. Through formal/informal meetings, we will try to make this data bank succeed.

Overall, if Turkey was able to gain access to space travel or be able to obtain the technology they need to build and adcance their space field, it would give the country a lot more recognition. They would be put on the media and people would want to tour Turkey to see its space field and the economy would grow exponentially. New jobs for people who are qualified, consumers will want to buy more space related products. All these things could effect the country in positive ways.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Uganda
Delegate Name: Angela Miller
School: Williamston High School

There are many countries in the world that have government and private sponsored space programs. Most countries want to keep these space organizations under government control to help enforce strict codes and laws on what can happen during the process of going to space. Contrie want some private businesses along with the government to have access to outer space to create competition which in the long run will make cost of production decrease.

Uganda does not have a stance on governmental protection in regrets to space travel. Uganda is a poorer, not developed country that does not have the money to go into outer space. Uganda's government has no plans of going into space at this time. There are however some private groups and people that are working on a rocket design that is cheap and affordable so they can get Uganda into space.

Countries should have the power to choose whether or not they allow private businesses to have access to outer space. If countries are to choose to allow private groups to have access to outer space then they should have strict laws that they have to follow for the protection of the country's citizens, and the safety of the world. If they choose not to allow private groups access to outer space then they still have to have strict laws in place so people do not get hurt while traveling to space. If countries that can not afford to send people to outer space do not wish to have private businesses from that country do so they should not have to let them. This could result in better safety standards so there aren't as many fatalities when going into space.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Jared Johnson
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The United States believes that space should be used for all states who want to conduct scientific research, and explore the celestial bodies of space to further sustain the growth of human kind. This exploration, however, shall be congruent with international law, meaning that all states who explore space are subjected to these laws and will abide to them. Secondly, Based on the signing of the outer space treaty, the U.S. does not permit any nuclear weapons or weapons of mass destruction to be, launched, placed, or tested in the orbit of the earth or the celestial bodies of space. The U.S. also does not permit the building or establishing any military base and that all states, regardless of government or nongovernment organization, shall be held accountable for the actions and disruptions of space in order to sustain peace in space. The U.S. many government, and private space companies that research and explore the depths of space such as NASA, that is one of the world's biggest space programs that put a man on the moon, engineered and launched the Hubble Telescope and most recently the James Webb Space Telescope. Another space exploration company home the the U.S. is planetary resource that researches and builds technology in order to mine asteroids for minerals and resources such as platinum or hydrogen and oxygen to improve the economy and make a more efficient way of space travel. Companies such as these in the U.S. and others globally shall be responsible for any disturbances in space and are not permitted to bring any extraterrestrial items that could be a threat to the earth. Overall, the U.S promotes the exploration and research of space for the benefit of all states, and is willing to work with other countries to further succeed in this goal.

Sources

U.S. Department of State. N.p., n.d. Web.

James Webb Space Telescope. N.p., n.d. Web.

Planet Resources. N.p., n.d. Web.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Uruguay
Delegate Name: Alexis Jones
School: Vicksburg High School

In the modern era of technology that we are in, there is the undeniable curiosity of venturing out into the open space, a realm that nobody thought would be possible in the earlier years. Yet of course there is the issue with cost, the majority of countries, including Uruguay, cannot afford this sort of luxury. Even though Uruguay is a “developed” country, they do not have the resources nor money to fund this excursion. Some countries don’t even have access to internet, and are then lagging behind even further in development compared to the rest of the world if the idea of private sectors in space are actually put into action, and puts the more developed and funded countries like Russia and the United States in greater advantage.

Considering that Uruguay does not even have the advanced technology that would be need in a sector out in space, being absent from having astronauts, nor operating satellites, it’s clearly not in our agenda to be funding a program to send our own people into space without us even knowing our capabilities in ensuring their safety first. It’s not impossible to consider the idea of private sectors in space, but considering the economy and funds for our program in our current position, the proposal will have considered later in the future, unless some sort of international agency will be willing to fund our program. Before creating a universal resolution or action, we must consider the long term effects that could put countries in deep debt, and potentially endanger the citizens.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Venezuela
Delegate Name: Peter Van Es
School: Mattawan High School

The glorious Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has a relatively new aerospace program; the ABAE (Bolivarian Agency for Space Activities) was formed a little over ten years go. However, this has not dissuaded us from making progress. We have already launched two functioning satellites to date, and we have been working extremely hard to bring our space program up to the standards of the rest of the world.

However, Venezuela acknowledges the desire from some countries to unrestrict space travel, research, and development to the private sector. However, Venezuela must respectfully oppose this viewpoint.

Venezuela has chosen to stick with the "if it's broke, don't fix it" mentality for this particular issue. The governments of the world have controlled every aspect of space development, research, and travel. The system has worked fine for decades. Giving control to the private sector creates a plethora of unknown problems. One unknown is how safe the citizens would be. How would the government be able to determine whether certain technology or spacecraft from companies are safe for their citizens to use? In addition, not all world governments have access to the science and/or technology to initiate space programs. Venezuela believes that all nations should have access to such technology before even beginning to answer the question of privatized space travel. Countries like the U.S. and India are leaps and bounds ahead of many other countries when it comes to space programs. If the U.N. allows space development to be privatized, it can and will reduce opportunity for developing nations, like Venezuela, to build their own, governmental programs. Venezuela suggests that we debate this issue very thoroughly before coming to a consensus, due to its colossal and impending importance around the world.

Topic: Private Sector Access to Outer Space
Country: Vietnam
Delegate Name: Calvin Watry
School: Roeper School

Private sector access to space

Vietnam

, Roeper high school

Private Sector Access to Space

Private sector access to space is a very controversial topic. Companies like Space X, and Boeing in the U.S.A. have been operating for years with the government being involved in some way. This is because these private companies must follow laws on what can be launched into space, and a lot of safety standards. If private companies in the space agency can do whatever they want this would result in very questionable operations that may not be very safe, or may weaponize their rockets.

Vietnam believes that the effects of private sector space agencies are good and help to modernize the country. However, the government should have a very big role in the company. Vietnam believes that the ideal situation is to have the private companies work side by side with the government controlled space agency (STI), by supplying STI with the materials needed to achieve the goals of the country in space. STI is a rising space agency controlled and payed for by Vietnam’s government. Vietnam is a very pro space exploration country and believes space exploration is a very good way to develop the economy, and show the world that Vietnam is more than just a developing country.

In conclusion Vietnam believes that private space agencies should be allowed access to space if there is a direct influence of the Vietnamese government. This would help economically develop the country and have a lot of positive benefits.