Qatar calls for sustainable use of outer space

Qatar has called on the countries, especially those with bigger capabilities in the field of outer space, to reaffirm their commitments and to carry their space activities in accordance with the international law and the international rules and regulations to ensure the use of outer space in a sustainable manner and exclusively for peaceful purposes.This came in the statement of Qatar delivered, by Acting Charge d'Affairs of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations and International Organisations in Vienna Jamal bin Abdulrahman Al Jaber, before the 60th session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, currently held in Vienna.In its statement, Qatar affirmed that the current tense international atmosphere and the escalated arms race deepen the international community's concerns about the possibility of the arms race moving to outer space, especially with the increasing number of space-faring countries.The statement referred to Qatar's National Vision 2030, pointing to Qatar's interest in expanding and utilising space technology for the purposes of sustainable social and economic development, preparing national experts in space science and technology and integrating space science and technology into its national space programs and plans.The statement indicated that Qatar University, in cooperation with international partners and with the support of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, launched in September 2022 the "Global Space Challenge for Sustainability" contest with the aim of achieving a number of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 through the use of modern technology and space exploration as a driving force in the global efforts to meet the challenges facing the sustainability of life on Earth.It also pointed out that the College of Business and Economics at Qatar University is in the process of establishing a laboratory for space science innovations to serve as a nucleus for establishing the pillars of the space economy.The statement, further said that in addition to the peaceful use of outer space in the field of communications, Qatar has signed a joint cooperation project with the US Space Agency "NASA" to design and launch a specialised scientific satellite to study climate; the effects of climate change; groundwater resources and their properties at a depth of 50 meters from the earth's surface; and measuring the impact of rising sea levels on the desert and dry regions, which include the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa in addition to several other tasks related to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. The satellite is expected to be launched in 2025, the statement added.Furthermore, Qatar underlined the pivotal role of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs in the exploration and peaceful use of outer space for economic, social, scientific and environmental development purposes, especially for the benefit of developing countries.