Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of
responsible behaviours
A/RES/76/231
of Outer Space Activities, 2 which may have a positive effect on international peace
and security,
Emphasizing the need to maintain outer space as a peaceful, safe, stable, secure
and sustainable environment for the benefit of all and the signifi cant contribution of
outer space activities to social, economic, scientific and technological development,
as well as to international peace and security,
Urging all States, when developing, planning and executing their space
activities, to remain committed to the peaceful exploration and use of outer space and
to refrain from conducting activities contrary to their obligations under international
law, including those that could threaten the ability of all States to freely use and
explore outer space, now and in the future,
Stressing that the creation of long-lived orbital debris arising from the deliberate
destruction of space systems increases the risk of in -orbit collisions and the potential
for misunderstanding and miscalculations that could lead to co nflict,
Seriously concerned about the possibility of an arms race in outer space, and
reaffirming that the prevention of an arms race in outer space would avert a grave
danger for international peace and security, as well as being an essential condition f or
the promotion and strengthening of international cooperation in the exploration and
use of outer space for peaceful purposes,
Recalling paragraph 80 of the Final Document of the Tenth Special Session of
the General Assembly, 3 in which it is stated that, in order to prevent an arms race in
outer space, further measures should be taken and appropriate international
negotiations held in accordance with the spirit of the Treaty on Principles Governing
the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon
and Other Celestial Bodies,
Convinced that possible solutions to outer space security can involve a
combination of legally binding obligations and political commitments, and that work
in both of these areas can be further pursued in a progressive, sustained and
complementary manner, without undermining existing legal obligations,
Recalling the primary role of the Conference on Disarmament on questions
relating to the prevention of an arms race in outer space in all its aspe cts, including
the weaponization of outer space and threats from capabilities on Earth, and the
relevant responsibilities of the First Committee of the General Assembly and the
Disarmament Commission,
Noting the rapid advances of technologies in space systems, the use of which
could have positive or negative effects on international security, and encouraging
further discussion among States of the impact of these developments,
Recognizing that efforts to prevent an arms race and to prevent conflict from
beginning in or extending into outer space must include consideration of the use of
all potential technologies and means, whether on Earth or in outer space,
Stressing that uses of these technologies and means for purposes inconsistent
with the objectives of maintaining international stability and security, including
against signals for operators and users and the terrestrial infrastructure supporting
space systems, can lead to the perception of threats on Earth as well as in outer space
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Official Records of the General Assembly, Seventy-fourth Session, Supplement No. 20 (A/74/20),
annex II.
Resolution S-10/2.
21-19662