This February, four MESPOM and MESP master’s students at CEU, who are also members of the Environmental Systems Laboratory (Syslab), attended the 62nd session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). The session took place from February 3 to 14, 2025, at the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in Vienna.
During their visit, Ayaulym Matisheva, Aizirek Mederbek, Anna Eszter Kiszely, and Regina Chukova participated in various sessions and gained insights into topics related to space sustainability, space weather, and international collaboration in outer space activities. They attended presentations on space environment sustainability assessment and discussions on space road rights and principles for avoiding on-orbit collisions. The students also learned about the Dark and Quiet Sky initiative for peaceful space uses and explored healthcare innovations from space to remote environments. Other notable presentations included an international airborne observation campaign dedicated to the re-entry of the European Space Agency’s Cluster-Salsa satellite and progress in extraterrestrial resource utilization.
The students also attended several side events. These included a discussion on the designation and preservation of lunar sites of special scientific interest, and a UNOOSA-led event on partnerships and fundraising to support innovation in addressing global needs. They also participated in a session on harnessing space and AI for disaster risk management, which highlighted the potential of space-based technologies to mitigate global challenges.
The visit provided the students with a deeper understanding of the intersection between space technology, environmental sustainability, and global policy. They explored how space-based technologies can address pressing issues such as disaster risk management, healthcare innovation, and environmental monitoring. The experience also offered a unique opportunity to network with international experts, policymakers, and representatives from space agencies and organizations worldwide.
By attending the STSC session, the students gained firsthand exposure to the collaborative efforts of the global community in advancing the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space.
The Systems Laboratory at CEU continues to support its students in engaging with global platforms, enabling them to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges and contribute to meaningful international dialogue.