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Denmark is a new member of the UN space committee

December 15, 2017
Denmark will now have better opportunities to follow and influence international development in the space area. The UN general assembly has unilaterally approved Denmark's membership of the UN committee for the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

There have been rapid developments within space travel in recent years, with new satellites, more data and endless possibilities for companies and organizations. Denmark now has an even better opportunity to be a part of this development after its membership was approved for the UN space committee.

The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) is considered the central international forum in the space area and was established back in 1959. The committee now has 87 member countries, as well as a number of observers.

The application came on the heels of significant technological development, which provides brand new opportunities for both companies and public authorities.

For example, the development of very small satellites, more satellites and generally more activity in space means there is also a greater need to adapt the regulations for space debris. Worn out satellites can become a large global problem in the future if not properly dealt with.

There is therefore a greater need than ever before to follow international developments. Committee membership gives Denmark greater influence if there is a need to create new rules or guidelines for the area.

The membership comes on the heels of Denmark's first space legislation last year.

The Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science, together with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, were responsible for submitting Denmark's membership application, and the membership was unilaterally approved by the UN general assembly last week. 

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