Smaller nations are aggressively pursuing space benefits, challenging the dominance of established spacefaring powers. Countries like Zimbabwe, Honduras, and malta are joining the UN body that regulates outer space, seeking access too vital space technologies. Satellite data becomes a critical tool, especially for climate resilience and disaster response efforts in vulnerable regions. UNOOSA plays a vital role, aiding these nations with digital twins through satellite data and helping them navigate legal and financial hurdles. The Access to Space for All program amplifies these efforts. This new space race highlights the global impact of space technology. News Directory 3 provides insightful coverage of these developments. Discover what’s next as more nations leverage space for enduring progress.
Smaller Nations Seek Space Benefits, Join UN Body
While established spacefaring nations like the U.S. often dominate headlines, countries including Zimbabwe, Honduras, and Malta are increasingly looking to capitalize on space-related activities. These smaller states are seeking membership in the UN body that shapes international rules for peaceful outer space use, aiming to prevent a potential ”Wild West” scenario.
Nations such as Côte d’Ivoire,The Gambia,and the Maldives are drawn to outer space by the rapidly growing benefits of space technologies. These technologies provide access to crucial data and services that bolster climate resilience, disaster response, and enduring advancement. For instance, satellite data aids small island developing states in monitoring sea-level rise and enhancing early warning systems for hurricanes and floods.
© NASA/Lauren dauphin
The Maldives archipelago – images from the NASA Earth Observatory
The UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) has assisted Ghana and Tonga in developing “digital twins” of their capital cities using satellite data and AI. These virtual models simulate flooding scenarios, enabling governments to identify vulnerable infrastructure and improve emergency response plans.
Emerging space actors often face technical and financial challenges, along with underdeveloped regulations. UNOOSA bridges these gaps by advising on national space legislation and helping countries meet international obligations under treaties like the Outer Space Treaty and the Registration Convention.
The Access to Space for All program aids non-spacefaring nations in launching payloads and accessing data from space missions. Kenya, Mauritius, Guatemala, and Moldova have launched their first satellites thru the JAXA/UNOOSA KiboCUBE program, deploying small cube satellites from the International Space Station.
UNOOSA’s Space Law for New Space Actors project supports emerging nations in developing legal frameworks for space activities.The Space4Women initiative created a Gender mainstreaming Toolkit for the Space Sector to promote gender equity. UN-SPIDER provides capacity-building for using space applications in disaster risk reduction.
What’s next
With continued support from UNOOSA and international collaborations,more nations are expected to join the space community,leveraging space technology for sustainable development and disaster preparedness.
