Space Debris Conference Sessions Review Challenges, Call for Strict Int’l Legislation to Ensure Space Sustainability

The Saudi Space Agency (SSA) today hosted sessions of the Space Debris Conference under the theme “Securing the Future Growth of the Global Space Economy,” marking the first of its kind in the region. Through its diverse events and activities, the Kingdom aims to bring together a select group of experts and specialists in the space sector to comprehend the magnitude of challenges and risks associated with space debris. This underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to endorsing and strengthening policies that safeguard the future.

The Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan, addressed the current and future challenges facing the space environment, emphasizing the importance of international standards in preserving space and ensuring the continuity of international communications.

Meanwhile, the Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), Aarti Holla, emphasized the importance of deepening international cooperation and achieving consensus on agreed-upon laws in the field of space.

She also pointed out that the world will face significant challenges with the continued launching of satellites, necessitating accelerated efforts and focus on working as one global team to overcome key obstacles and make progress in this field.

The UAE’s Minister of State for Advanced Technology, Sarah Al Amiri, expressed her anticipation to see the outcomes of the Space Debris Conference, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment and earnest efforts towards space sustainability, making it perpetually exploratory and supporting the growth of its trillion-dollar economy.

The conference commenced its first session with a panel discussion titled ‘Beyond Borders, Beyond Debris: Space Agencies Unite for a Sustainable Space Future’.

The second panel, hosted by the UNOOSA and titled ‘Translating Policy into Progress,’ shed light on the roles the office seeks to undertake, including the development of new technologies to contribute to mitigating the issue of space debris.

Participants noted that space is equally accessible to all, making cooperation imperative for the benefit of all humanity.

The focus of the third panel discussion, titled ‘Role of Licensing Bodies,’ was on the importance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s role as a key player in addressing the challenge of space debris.