The UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) has reported a significant shift toward more inclusive global participation in outer space, highlighted by increased involvement from the Global South. Countries such as Ghana, Maldives, Tonga, and Côte d’Ivoire are stepping into space exploration, a field traditionally dominated by technologically advanced states. This is attributed to reduced costs and international efforts to support emerging space nations, as discussed in a recent report by COPUOS.
One of the key factors promoting this inclusivity is the growing interest and applications from smaller states for membership in COPUOS, contributing to the development of rules that promote a conflict-free approach to outer space. Initiatives such as the Access to Space for All programme and Space Law for New Space Actors underscore these efforts in broadening participation.
In practical terms, Ghana and Tonga have successfully developed “digital twins” of their capital cities. This technology utilizes satellite data combined with AI for simulating flooding scenarios, thereby enhancing disaster response strategies. These projects have been made possible with assistance from the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). Meanwhile, Kenya, Mauritius, Guatemala, and Moldova have successfully launched their first satellites through the JAXA/UNOOSA KiboCUBE program, which aids countries in deploying small cube satellites from the International Space Station.
The technological advancements have proven particularly beneficial for addressing climate challenges, especially in vulnerable regions. Satellites play a critical role in monitoring environmental changes, such as sea-level rise and glacier melt. Innovations like those by Climate TRACE, which uses satellite data and AI to identify large sources of global emissions, emphasize the importance of these tools in environmental monitoring.
Nonetheless, while expanding access to space presents numerous advantages, COPUOS cautions against the risks of over-commercialization, which could increase the amount of space debris, impacting the sustainability of outer space, often considered a global common.
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