Romania and Korea Propose Action Team for Lunar Activities Consultation
The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) is set to address an exciting new initiative aimed at enhancing cooperation and sustainability in lunar exploration. At the sixty-seventh session of the Committee in Vienna, from June 19 to 28, 2024, Romania and the Republic of Korea have jointly submitted a paper outlining the establishment of an Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation (ATLAC). This proposal seeks to create a dedicated forum to address the growing complexities of lunar and cislunar missions.
The Need for ATLAC
With an increasing number of lunar missions planned by both space agencies and private actors, there is a pressing need for a structured approach to ensure safe, sustainable, and transparent lunar activities. The ATLAC aims to facilitate the sharing of information, coordinate operations, and establish best practices to avoid harmful interference and protect the lunar environment. The initiative underscores the importance of international cooperation to manage these activities for the benefit of all humanity.
Background and Development
The concept of ATLAC was first discussed during informal consultations led by Romania at the sixty-first session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of COPUOS in February 2024. Following positive feedback, Romania formally presented the proposal at the sixty-third session of the Legal Subcommittee in April 2024, co-sponsored by Switzerland. The proposal was refined based on inputs from member states and is now set for detailed discussions at the sixty-seventh session of COPUOS.
Mandate and Objectives
ATLAC’s primary mandate is to develop recommendations to improve consultations related to lunar activities. This includes establishing an international mechanism to ensure:
Information Sharing: Facilitate the exchange of data on ongoing and planned lunar missions.
Safety and Interoperability: Enhance the safety of operations and ensure compatibility among different lunar missions.
Environmental Protection: Mitigate the creation of debris and protect significant lunar sites.
Best Practices: Share lessons learned and build capacity among member states.
The Action Team will work towards presenting a draft proposal for initial consideration by COPUOS at its sixty-ninth session in 2026, with a final report and recommendations expected by the seventieth session in 2027.
Participation and Collaboration
Participation in ATLAC will be open to all member states of COPUOS. Observers and experts from relevant organizations, including industry, academia, and civil society, will also be invited to contribute. This inclusive approach aims to gather diverse perspectives and expertise to address the multifaceted challenges of lunar exploration.
Methods of Work
ATLAC will operate on a consensus basis, reporting progress at COPUOS sessions and its subcommittees. Meetings will be organized in a hybrid format to ensure broad participation. The Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) will facilitate the Action Team’s work, providing secretariat services and organizing meetings without additional costs to the regular budget.
Moving Forward
Romania and Korea’s proposal for ATLAC represents a proactive step towards fostering international cooperation in lunar exploration. As the world embarks on an era of increased lunar activity, initiatives like ATLAC will be crucial in ensuring that these missions are conducted responsibly and for the benefit of all humankind. The upcoming discussions at COPUOS will be pivotal in shaping the future of lunar governance and cooperation.
Stay tuned to the Lunar News Network for more updates on ATLAC and other developments in lunar exploration. For detailed information, refer to the full document.
