Statistics and Data on Outer Space Issues

1. Space Debris:
○ There are currently 27,000 trackable pieces of debris in orbit, each larger than 10
cm, according to NASA.
○ Smaller, untracked debris (less than 1 cm) exceeds 128 million fragments, all
capable of causing significant damage.
○ In 2009, a collision between the defunct Russian satellite Cosmos 2251 and an
active Iridium satellite created over 2,300 pieces of debris in a single incident.
2. Orbital Congestion:
○ In 2023, over 2,500 satellites were launched, compared to just 129 in 2010
(source: Union of Concerned Scientists).
○ SpaceX’s Starlink project alone plans to deploy 42,000 satellites into low Earth
orbit, raising concerns about collision risks and interference.
○ The probability of collisions is rising, with 5-10 close encounters per week,
according to the European Space Agency (ESA).
3. Militarization:
○ The U.S. allocated $27.6 billion to military space programs in 2024, an increase
of 15% from the previous year.
○ In 2007, China tested an anti-satellite weapon (ASAT), destroying one of its
weather satellites and creating 3,000+ pieces of debris.
○ A 2020 Pentagon report highlighted that both Russia and China are developing
“co-orbital” satellites capable of disabling or destroying other satellites.
4. Resource Exploitation:
○ NASA estimates that the value of materials in near-Earth asteroids exceeds $700
quintillion, including gold, platinum, and rare Earth metals.
○ Private companies like Planetary Resources and Deep Space Industries have
emerged to pursue asteroid mining, raising questions about ownership and
regulation.
○ The Artemis Accords, signed by over 20 countries, aim to set principles for lunar
exploration but have been criticized for favoring spacefaring nations.

Examples of Current Challenges

1. Starlink and OneWeb:

These mega-constellations aim to provide global internet coverage but are causing
congestion in low Earth orbit. Astronomers have reported interference in telescope
observations due to reflected light.
 2. Kessler Syndrome:
This is a theoretical scenario where collisions between debris and satellites lead to a chain
reaction, making space inaccessible. The increasing density of debris brings this closer to
reality.
3. Geopolitical Tensions:
The Russian invasion of Ukraine led to the suspension of international collaborations,
such as Russia withdrawing from the International Space Station (ISS) partnership by
2030.
4. Moon Resources:
NASA’s Artemis program plans to return humans to the Moon and explore its resources,
prompting concerns about the monopolization of lunar mining.

Expanded Solutions

1. Strengthen International Treaties

● Modernize the Outer Space Treaty (1967) to address contemporary challenges such as
resource exploitation, militarization, and private sector involvement.
● Ensure mandatory participation in treaties like the Moon Agreement by incentivizing
adherence through UN mechanisms.
● Expand the LTSSA Guidelines to include regulations on mega-constellations and
collision avoidance systems.

2. Create a Global Space Registry

● Establish a centralized registry under the UN for tracking all satellites, debris, and space
missions.
● Require real-time data sharing on satellite positions to avoid collisions.
● Penalize nations or companies that fail to comply with transparency rules.

3. Invest in Space Debris Cleanup

● Fund debris removal technologies, such as:

○ RemoveDEBRIS mission: Tested nets and harpoons for debris capture.
○ ESA’s ClearSpace-1: A robotic spacecraft planned to capture debris in 2026.
● Encourage private companies to develop economically viable debris-removal systems
through subsidies or tax breaks.
● Introduce an international “polluter pays” policy, holding companies accountable for
debris generated.
4. Prevent Militarization

● Propose a ban on anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons through a UN Security Council

resolution.
● Enhance verification mechanisms to ensure compliance, such as space-based monitoring
systems.
● Promote confidence-building measures (CBMs) among nations, including data sharing
and joint space missions.

5. Address Resource Exploitation

● Establish a Space Resources Governance Framework, ensuring equitable sharing of

profits from space mining.
● Mandate environmental impact assessments for mining projects on celestial bodies.
● Introduce a royalty system, where private companies pay fees to the UN, which can then
be redistributed to developing nations for space programs.

6. Increase Accessibility for Developing Nations

● Create a Global Space Fund under UNOOSA to provide financial and technical
assistance for developing nations.
● Expand existing programs like the UNISPACE+50 initiative, which focuses on
capacity-building and technology transfer.
● Promote partnerships between developed and developing countries to share the benefits
of space exploration.

7. Foster Global Cooperation

● Strengthen partnerships like the International Space Station (ISS) model by inviting more
nations to participate.
● Organize international space summits focused on diplomacy and collaboration rather than
competition.
● Develop an international Space Code of Conduct to promote peaceful activities and
prevent conflicts.

8. Encourage Public-Private Collaboration

● Create incentives for private companies to prioritize sustainability and peaceful

exploration, such as tax benefits for using collision avoidance systems.
● Foster international agreements on the regulation of mega-constellations and the
prevention of monopolistic behavior.
Conclusion

By addressing these challenges through collaborative, innovative, and equitable solutions, the
international community can ensure that space remains a domain of exploration, opportunity, and
peace for all.

Ireland's Role and Position on Sharing Outer Space

Ireland has long been a proponent of peaceful international cooperation, sustainability, and
equity. As a non-spacefaring nation, Ireland's primary focus lies in promoting multilateral
frameworks that ensure outer space remains a domain for all humankind. The delegation of
Ireland believes in addressing the challenges of militarization, resource exploitation, and space
debris with solutions rooted in diplomacy, international law, and environmental stewardship.

Ireland’s Contributions to Space Cooperation

1. Commitment to International Law:

○ Ireland is a signatory of the Outer Space Treaty (1967) and supports its
modernization to address emerging threats like space debris, resource
exploitation, and militarization.
○ As an active member of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of
Outer Space (COPUOS), Ireland advocates for sustainable and peaceful space
exploration.
2. Support for Environmental Sustainability:
○ Ireland is deeply committed to combating space debris, drawing from its
leadership in global environmental protection.
○ Through partnerships with the European Space Agency (ESA), Ireland contributes
to projects like Clean Space, which aim to reduce orbital debris and develop
environmentally sustainable technologies.
3. Promotion of Equity in Space Access:
○ Ireland champions the cause of equitable access to outer space for developing
nations, emphasizing that space should not become a resource monopolized by
wealthier states or private corporations.
○ Ireland actively supports capacity-building initiatives like UNISPACE+50,
helping developing nations participate in space activities.

Challenges and Opportunities for Ireland

While Ireland does not have a national space program or engage in satellite launches, it plays a
vital role as a mediator in diplomatic efforts. Its focus includes:

● Preventing Militarization: Ireland advocates for a global treaty banning the

weaponization of outer space.
● Regulating Space Mining: Ireland supports the development of a global framework
ensuring that resources extracted from celestial bodies are equitably shared and
environmentally sustainable.
● Promoting Space Sustainability: Ireland collaborates with ESA and other European
nations on research and innovation projects addressing orbital congestion and debris
mitigation.

Ireland’s Proposed Solutions

1. Modernizing Space Governance Frameworks:

○ Ireland supports the creation of a Global Space Resources Governance
Framework under the United Nations, ensuring fair resource allocation and
environmental safeguards in space mining.
○ Advocate for the expansion of the Outer Space Treaty to include emerging threats,
such as:
■ Guidelines for space debris mitigation.
■ Regulations on the use of space for military purposes.
■ Ensuring mega-constellations comply with safety standards.
2. Sustainable Space Exploration:
○ Ireland emphasizes the need for binding international agreements to limit space
debris creation and promote debris removal technologies.
○ Collaborate with ESA to support projects like ClearSpace-1, a robotic mission
aimed at deorbiting large debris.
3. Equity and Inclusion in Space Access:
○ Advocate for a Global Space Fund, where profits from commercial space
activities contribute to capacity-building for developing nations.
○ Expand initiatives like UNOOSA’s Access to Space for All, providing technical
and financial support to underrepresented countries.
4. Transparency in Space Activities:
○ Ireland supports the establishment of an international Space Activity Registry
under the UN to track satellite launches, orbital positions, and mining operations.
○ Promote confidence-building measures (CBMs) to enhance trust between nations
and avoid conflicts.
5. Preventing Militarization:
 ○ Propose a global moratorium on anti-satellite weapons testing to prevent the
weaponization of space.
○ Foster international dialogues on space security, focusing on disarmament and
peaceful collaboration.

Examples of Ireland’s Advocacy

● Diplomatic Leadership:
In line with Ireland’s neutrality and commitment to peace, it has consistently promoted
multilateral agreements in forums like the UN General Assembly and COPUOS.
● Research and Innovation:
Through collaborations with ESA, Ireland contributes to cutting-edge projects that
prioritize sustainability, such as eco-friendly satellite technologies and research into space
debris mitigation.

Conclusion

Ireland firmly believes that outer space must remain a realm of discovery, collaboration, and
peace. While we may not launch rockets, our moral and diplomatic contributions aim to
safeguard the cosmos for generations to come. The delegation of Ireland calls upon the
international community to join hands in ensuring that the infinite possibilities of space
exploration are not overshadowed by finite greed and conflict.

Let us protect this shared frontier with the same care and unity that Ireland holds at the heart of
its values.