Romania Proposes a New Consultative Mechanism for Sustainable Lunar Activities
In a significant step toward enhancing international cooperation in space exploration, Romania, co-sponsored by Switzerland, has proposed the establishment of an Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation (ATLAC). This proposal, detailed in the conference room paper A/AC.105/C.2/2024/CRP.18/Rev.1, aims to create a dedicated forum within the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) to address the growing complexities of lunar missions and ensure sustainable exploration and utilization of lunar resources.
Introduction and Background
The next decade is expected to witness a surge in lunar missions, driven by both governmental space agencies and private sector stakeholders. Despite numerous existing mechanisms for cooperation in space activities, there is currently no dedicated forum within COPUOS to specifically address lunar and cislunar activities. Recognizing the need for increased discussion, coordination, and cooperation, Romania's proposal seeks to establish a platform that fosters international collaboration and consensus-building to advance the peaceful exploration and use of outer space.
Key Issues for Sustainable Lunar Exploration
The proposal highlights several critical issues that need to be addressed to ensure the sustainability of lunar exploration and a long-term presence on the Moon. These include:
Information Sharing and Coordination:
Lunar operators need to share information about their ongoing and planned operations to avoid harmful interference and improve safety.
Coordination is essential for selecting landing sites, especially in the limited areas around the lunar south pole, and for developing best practices for mitigating lunar dust generated by landing and take-off operations.
Cislunar Traffic Management:
As multiple missions operate in lunar orbit and on the surface, coordinating traffic is vital to prevent collisions and harmful interference.
Sharing information regarding the timing and location of cislunar operations can reduce risks to spacecraft and astronauts.
Debris Mitigation:
Increasing lunar activities may generate space debris, posing risks to future missions.
Sharing best practices for debris mitigation and information about existing debris locations can enhance the safety of operations.
Preservation of Significant Sites:
Identifying and protecting sites of scientific or cultural significance on the Moon is crucial.
The mechanism could facilitate the sharing of information about these sites to aid in their preservation.
Proposal for an Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation (ATLAC)
Romania proposes the establishment of ATLAC under COPUOS to study and address these issues. The team would actively involve member states of COPUOS and other relevant stakeholders, including non-state actors and representatives from developing countries. The goal is to create an operational mechanism that facilitates international cooperation and coordination for sustainable lunar activities.
The activities of ATLAC would complement those of the existing Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities by focusing on operational and technical issues, while the Working Group continues to address the governance framework. Informal collaboration between these two bodies is encouraged to ensure a holistic approach to space resource management.
Organizational Structure and Benefits
The proposal outlines the benefits of forming an Action Team based on previous successful experiences within COPUOS. An Action Team offers flexibility and dynamism, allowing for continuous work throughout the year through various means of communication, including face-to-face meetings, teleconferences, and extensive use of internet services. This approach ensures sustained progress and effective coordination among member states and other stakeholders.
Conclusion
Romania's proposal for a consultative mechanism on sustainable lunar activities represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing the challenges of increased lunar exploration. By fostering international cooperation and dialogue, ATLAC aims to ensure that lunar activities are conducted safely, sustainably, and for the benefit of all humanity. The upcoming informal consultations will provide an opportunity for further discussion and refinement of this proposal, setting the stage for a new era of coordinated and sustainable lunar exploration.
The full proposal can be reviewed in detail in the conference room paper A/AC.105/C.2/2024/CRP.18/Rev.1.
