Iran Statement at 65 Legal Subcommittee of COPUOS under agenda item 12
General exchange of views on the legal aspects of space traffic management
Statement by the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran
at the 65th Session of the Legal Subcommittee of COPUOS
Agenda Item 12: General exchange of views on the legal aspects of space traffic management
Vienna- 21 April 2026
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Mr. Chairman,
The rapid advancement of space technology and industry, together with growing private sector engagement, has led to a significant increase in satellite constellations, in-orbit services, and the volume of orbital debris. These developments underscore the critical importance of space traffic and its effective management. Space traffic management broadly encompasses the monitoring, tracking, and regulation of space objects, including satellites, spacecraft, and orbital debris, with the primary objectives of preventing collisions and mitigating orbital congestion. Addressing this challenge requires collective action, scientific and technical capabilities, and robust international cooperation.
Mr. Chairman,
The discussion of space traffic management and the long-term sustainability of outer space depends fundamentally on the integrity and reliability of infrastructure that enables the monitoring, coordination, and control of space objects. When such critical ground-based systems are compromised or subjected to attack, it raises serious concerns about the feasibility of maintaining safe and sustainable operations in outer space. Addressing these challenges requires a shared commitment to safeguarding essential infrastructure and reinforcing the principles of cooperation, stability, and responsibility that underpin the peaceful use of outer space.
The attacks on space-related infrastructure highlight a concerning gap in international space law. Existing frameworks focus on activities in outer space and do not establish clear, binding protections for critical ground-based systems. Yet these assets are indispensable to all space operations, and their vulnerability poses significant risks to the continuity and sustainability of space activities. Therefore, we believe that this Subcommittee should urgently examine the legal aspects of such attacks with a view to prohibiting and preventing attacks on ground-based space infrastructure.
The destruction of ground stations and control facilities can cause a State to lose command and control over its satellites. Those satellites may then become uncontrolled orbital objects, drifting and unable to maneuver or avoid collisions. This creates additional collision risks and debris for all spacefaring States, regardless of their political affiliation. Therefore, the aggressor State must bear full international responsibility for any space accident resulting from satellites it has rendered uncontrollable.
Such attacks also undermine international cooperation and hinder the capacity-building of developing countries in developing satellite propulsion systems for collision avoidance and space object maneuvering.
Thank you Mr. Chairman