Iran Statement at the 65 Legal Subcommittee of COPUOS under Agenda item 13

General exchange of views on the application of international law to small-satellite activities

Statement by the Islamic Republic of Iran

at the 65th Session of the Legal Subcommittee of COPUOS

Agenda Item 13: General exchange of views on the application of international law to small-satellite activities

Vienna - 21 April 2026

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Mr. Chairman,

We are of the view that the expansion of emerging space technologies, particularly the development and utilization of small satellites, presents significant opportunities for developing countries to access space technologies and applications at considerably lower cost. In this context, the Islamic Republic of Iran underscores the important role of small satellites, including CubeSats, in facilitating access to outer space, strengthening communication infrastructure, supporting environmental monitoring, enhancing educational and research capacities, and contributing to disaster management efforts, especially in developing countries. These technologies should therefore be directed toward advancing sustainable development and addressing the specific needs and priorities of developing nations.

My delegation supports inclusive and constructive multilateral dialogue, as well as the exchange of views within the framework of the COPUOS, with a view to ensuring a comprehensive approach to this evolving area. We emphasize that discussions on this issue should be guided by the principles of fairness, non-discrimination, equal opportunity and access to orbital positions and radiofrequency spectrum.

Addressing the legal and operational challenges associated with small satellites requires broad international cooperation, including the sharing of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) data and the exchange of technical expertise. In particular, enhanced access to SSA data for developing countries is essential for effectively addressing these challenges. Furthermore, we are of the view that States whose activities contribute more significantly to congestion in low Earth orbit should give due consideration to their responsibilities in mitigating space debris, in order to ensure that such congestion does not adversely affect the space activities of other countries, particularly developing nations.

Continued progress in this field can play a meaningful role in areas such as disaster risk management and water resource management, among others. At the same time, the imposition of unilateral coercive measures and the resulting limitations on access to advanced technologies have posed challenges to international cooperation. In this context, the removal of such barriers would contribute to a more enabling environment for the exchange of space-related knowledge and technologies, in accordance with international law, and would support the efforts of developing countries to achieve their development objectives.

In conclusion, we highlight the importance of strengthening international cooperation to address both the legal and technical challenges associated with small satellites. We encourage Member States, international organizations, and relevant institutions to promote the sharing of technical knowledge and facilitate the transfer of space technologies for peaceful purposes, thereby enabling the effective participation of developing countries in space activities. In line with the principles governing the peaceful uses of outer space, we also underscore the value of enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation and leveraging collective capacities to advance global scientific and technological progress.

Thank you.