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Combined Space Operations Vision 2031 Statement released

Today members of the Combined Space Operations international forum released their Vision 2031 Statement which highlights the shared commitment of all partners to responsible behaviours in space and promoting the international rules-based order.

23 February, 2022

Combined Space Operations (CSpO) is a military space initiative consisting of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. Its purpose is to share information about space operations and activities, and co-ordinate effort.

New Zealand joined CSpO in July 2015 for the opportunity to increase our knowledge of space operations, to bolster our efforts to promote a rules-based international order in space, and to strengthen our international relationships.

The Vision sets out the common principles and objectives, which all members share in relation to space security. In addition, it reinforces New Zealand’s approach to space, focused on the promotion and encouragement of the development of responsible behaviours in space and the peaceful use and exploration of space, including:

  • our submission to the United Nations Secretary General on responsible behaviours in outer space

  • our active support for the Long Term Sustainability Guidelines within the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space

  • our submission to the United Nations General Assembly resolution 75/36 – Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of appropriate behaviours, in June 2021 and

  • by signature of the Artemis Accords in May 2021, an international arrangement to co-operate with NASA on peaceful exploration and activity in outer space.

The next CSpO Principals Board meeting is scheduled to occur in June of this year.