General Policy Issues
International Space Cooperation
The Department of Commerce is consulted whenever the U.S. Government negotiates bilateral space cooperation agreements with other countries. This is to ensure that any relevant U.S. space commerce or NOAA interests are appropriately addressed. The Department of State's Office of Space and Advanced Technology (SAT) is responsible for coordinating international space cooperation agreements with the Department of Commerce and other federal agencies.
Visit the SAT website...The State Department also consults with the Commerce Department when sending delegates to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS), which has developed several multilateral treaties and agreements on international space law. Current UNCOPUOS discussion topics include space debris and space property law.
Visit the UNCOPUOS website...The Office of Space Commercialization occasionally participates in workshops, seminars, and conferences hosted by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA), which promotes international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. Recent activities include seminars and workshops on how satellite technology can be applied in developing countries to support sustainable development.
Visit the OOSA website...The Department of Commerce has limited involvement in other fora addressing international space policy matters, including the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Futures Project on the Commercialization of Space and the Development of Space Infrastructure.
Visit the OECD website...
