SWF Statement – UN COPUOS LSC, Agenda Item 3: General Exchange of Views (April 2015)

This statement highlights Secure World Foundation’s legal and policy-focused activities since the prior Legal Subcommittee session. The core themes include:

• Space System Export Controls: In December 2014, SWF co-hosted a U.S.-Japan dialogue on export controls for space systems, fostering exchange of best practices and regulatory experiences among government and industry actors.
• Commercialization & NewSpace Law: At the March 2015 Manfred Lachs Conference in Montreal, SWF addressed the legal and political implications of on-orbit servicing, and chaired sessions on legal frameworks for emerging commercial space activities.
• Military Space Activities & International Law: A March 2015 panel co-hosted with George Washington University examined gaps and developments in applying international law to military activities in space, referencing frameworks like the Tallinn and Harvard Manuals.
• Self-Defense in Space (UNIDIR): In collaboration with UNIDIR, SWF led a discussion on interpreting Article 51 of the UN Charter in the space context, exploring national perspectives on self-defense, proportionality, and RF interference.
• Regional Sustainability Workshop (LTS): SWF co-organized a regional workshop in Costa Rica for GRULAC COPUOS members to engage in regional dialogue on long-term sustainability (LTS) guidelines and policy coordination in Latin America.

The statement reaffirms SWF’s role as a convener, educator, and supporter of multilateral efforts to ensure the long-term peaceful and sustainable use of outer space.