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Space exploration is a significant test for humanity, and failing to pursue it sustainably and
ethically is not an option. Space exploration is a catalyst for nations to build mutual
understanding and trust, and international partnerships that advance common exploration goals.
Space tools are crucial for promoting a more equitable, just, and sustainable planet, and they
need to be made more accessible. In Bogotá, Colombia, citizens are facing severe drought
conditions, leading to emergency water rationing due to historically low levels of rainfall.
Reservoirs like Chuza and San Rafael, vital for supplying 70% of the city's drinking water, are
critically low, with capacities decreased by 20% compared to historical averages. Though not as
severe as in Bangalore or Mexico City, this situation presents significant challenges to water
supply and requires urgent action.

Hence, Colombia firmly advocates that space technology offers unprecedented opportunities to
mitigate the impacts of water scarcity and build resilience against future challenges. The
Space4PWater Project, launched in 2018 currently has 48 stakeholders, including private and
non-profit organizations. This project launched by UNOOSA aims to visualize water scarcity on
large and small scales, measure and monitor access to water, improve hydrologic monitoring,
contribute to water conversion and pollution control by building water quality information
services, standardize EO analysis for use in legal forums, raise awareness of the potential
space technologies for water management worldwide and so much more. Presently, 1.1 billion
people lack water access, and 2.7 billion endure water scarcity for at least one month annually.
By 2025, two-thirds of the world's population will confront water shortages. The SDG 6
Synthesis Report 2018 on Water and Sanitation shows that 2 billion people worldwide live-in
countries experiencing high water scarcity, and four billion people experience severe water
scarcity for at least one month per year. Colombia calls for increased funding, government
collaborations and partnerships, laws for improved data access and infrastructure and policy
support for the Space4Water project to assist its global motives.

Furthermore, addressing water scarcity is central in achieving all 17 SDGs. Colombia urges
UNOOSA and its member states to prioritize the integration of space-based solutions into
environmental policies and initiatives. For instance, the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission’s
(TRMM) Microwave Imager exemplifies the use of space technology for water resource
management and in China, space data aided in efficiently managing need-based water release
during dry seasons.

Space technology stands as our greatest ally in the global fight against water scarcity and in
promoting sustainability on a worldwide scale.

Bibliography-

· https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0094576514001143

· https://www.unoosa.org/documents/pdf/annualreport/UNOOSA_Annual_Report_2022.pdf
·
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/11/climate/bogota-water-rationing-drought-climate-intl/index.htm
l

· https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/topics/space-for-water.html

· https://sdgs.un.org/partnerships/space4water-project

·
https://repository.unescap.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12870/306/ESCAP-2014-RP-Good-pract
ices-promoting-regional-cooperation.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

· https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-scarcity

·
https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/benefits-stemming-from-space-exploration-2
013-tagged.pdf?emrc=ca90d1#:~:text=Overcoming%20the%20challenges%20of%20working,inf
ormation%20technology%2C%20and%20industrial%20productivity.

·
https://www.unoosa.org/res/oosadoc/data/documents/2021/aac_105c_12021crp/aac_105c_120
21crp_5_0_html/AC105_C1_2021_CRP05E.pdf

Space exploration is a significant test for humanity, and failing to pursue it sustainably and
ethically is not an option. Space exploration is a catalyst for nations to build mutual
understanding and trust, and international partnerships that advance common exploration goals.

In September 1977, The soviet union launched Kosmos 954, a satellite powered by nuclear
reactors primarily fueled by uranium. Enriched uranium is extremely dangerous to living
organisms, and when ingested in higher concentrations it can cause severe health effects such
as cancer of bone or the liver. Inhaling uranium can cause lung cancer from the exposure to
alpha particles and ingestion of it causes kidney damages sooner than expected. The Soviets
lost control of the satellite around January 1978 and Kosmos 954 reentered Earth’s atmosphere.

Debris from the satellite landed in North-Western Canada, and three-quarters of the radioactive
core remained as fine dust in the upper atmosphere. Kosmos 954 spread radioactive debris
across hundreds of miles, leading to an extensive cleanup. Although there weren’t any
immediate casualties, the long term effects remain uncounted for. The cost of liquidation of the
consequences of this accident amounted to about 14million Candian dollars, however the USSR
only bore CAD 6million in the compensation request.
In 1978, a Soviet nuclear-powered satellite malfunctioned and crashed into northern Canada.

Currently, international space law liability exists only between the States, which bear liability for
the non-governmental actors existing and operating under their respective jurisdictions.

1. Authorization and Oversight:

All activities in outer space, including those on celestial bodies like the moon, should require
authorization from both the relevant state and international bodies such as COPUOS. This dual
requirement fosters consensus and enables comprehensive reviews of potential impacts. Each
state must establish a risk assessing commission to analyze project impacts, with reports
submitted to COPUOS for scrutiny.

2. Liability and Recourse:

Primary liability for damages caused by space activities should rest with non-governmental
entities involved. Launching states should not bear absolute responsibility for the actions of
private actors. Instead, international space liability should be collectively borne by
non-governmental actors, irrespective of jurisdiction. Launching states may offer recourse in
support of their nationals, but ultimate responsibility lies with the non-governmental entities
involved.

3. Extended Claim Period:

In recognition of the long-term effects of space incidents, claimant states should be allowed to
submit additional documentation for up to 25 years after the full extent of damage is known. This
accommodates gradual impacts, such as those seen in incidents like the explosion of satellites,
ensuring that compensation accurately reflects the evolving nature of harm over time.

4. Comprehensive Definition of Damage:

Expanding the definition of "space object" to include inactive, dysfunctional, and disintegrated
parts ensures that all components, including space debris, are subject to oversight and liability.
This inclusive approach facilitates effective management of orbital environments, reducing the
risks associated with space junk.
5. Environmental Considerations:

Environmental damage must be included in liability assessments, irrespective of the goodwill of

launching states. Damage to the environment of affected states poses serious risks to
populations, necessitating its consideration in compensation claims. This ensures that the
well-being of affected communities is safeguarded and that environmental risks are adequately
addressed.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our delegation underscores the urgency of strengthening international oversight

and liability frameworks for outer space activities. By promoting cooperation, accountability, and
comprehensive risk assessment, these measures will foster responsible exploration and
utilization of space while mitigating potential damages. We call upon all member states to
support these proposals, safeguarding a safer and more sustainable future in space.