The South African Council for Space Affairs (SACSA) is pleased to announce that the Republic of South Africa has concluded the statutory processes and diplomatic formalities to be a Party to two international treaties that govern outer space activities.
South African diplomatic missions have deposited Instruments of Ascension to the Convention On the Registration of Objects launched into Outer Space ("the Registration Convention") and also deposited the required instruments of ratification of the Convention On international liability for Damage caused by Space Objects ("the Liability Convention") at the relevant depositories in Washington, D.C, London and Moscow.
These developments follow hot on the heels on the opening of the Registry of Space Objects initiated by SACSA. The Register of Space Objects was formally launched last year by Dr Rob Davies, the Minister of Trade and Industry, under whose mandate adherence to international space obligations falls.
Dr Peter Martinez, Chairperson of SACSA, expressed his delight on hearing of these developments. "This is a culmination of strenuous efforts and hard work to signal to the international space community that South Africa is indeed a responsible user of outer space. Being a Party to these international space treaties boosts the confidence that the world has about our participation in and adherence to the rules of space exploration and use", Dr Martinez said.
Adherence to international treaties is crucial to assure our partners in space exploration and use that South Africa will not shirk its responsibilities while conducting outer space activities. As the country rolls out its National Space Programme to address government objectives of modernising our economy and being in the forefront of technological advancement, certainty in the regulatory sphere is of paramount importance.
It is therefore proper that South Africa has become a Party to international agreements that commit the country to conduct its space activities according to universally recognised rules.
"We can now speak authoritatively in international fora such as the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) that South Africa is serious about outer space being used for peaceful purposes in a sustainable manner" Dr Martinez said.
Enquiries:
Mr Rabelani Ramukhuvhathi
SACSA Secretariat
Tel: 012 394 5604
E-mail: RRamukhuvhathi@thedti.gov.za
For more information on SACSA, please visit www.sacsa.gov.za
South Africa now a party to two United Nations conventions on uses of outer space
