Addressing the 56th session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS), Iran’s Permanent Ambassador to International Organizations in Vienna, Austria, Kazem Gharibabadi said exploring and exploiting the outer space should be carried out in the interests of all countries regardless of their economic or social development.
Accordingly, guaranteeing peaceful activities in outer space and avoiding weaponization of it and arm race in this area is an urgent and basic priority, he added.
Referring to outer space as a ground for economic and social developments, Gharibabadi underlined the important role of space technologies in confrontation with some challenges regarding climate change and natural disasters like flood, dust and drought.
Owing to the fact that the Islamic Republic of Iran is located in a region that is dealing with such challenges, following up peaceful activities and plans in the space including launching satellites are on the agenda, he noted.
Gharibabadi urged those countries that have activities in the space to take benefit of technical aids and capacities in space science and using technology in this field.
He also called on the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) to adopt certain and tangible measures to promote and facilitate transfer of technical knowledge, technology and the required equipment.
Pointing to the fact that space science and technology and their usages will help sustainable development in developing countries, Iranian envoy said activities related to small satellites is regarded as the preliminary step for all developing countries.
No limitations should be taken for designing, building and launching these satellites, Gharibabadi reiterated.