Episode Summary: "This Week in Space 171: What's a UNOOSA?"

Podcast Information:

• Title: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)
• Host/Author: TWiT
• Episode: This Week in Space 171: What's a UNOOSA?
• Release Date: August 1, 2025

Participants:

• Rod Pyle: Editor-in-Chief, Bad Astro Magazine; Director of Communications
• Isaac Arthur: President of the National Space Society; YouTube Personality
• Dr. Rick Janet: Founder and Executive Director of Expanding Frontiers; Director of the National Space Society; Chair of its International Committee

Introduction

The episode opens with Rod Pyle introducing the topic of UNOOSA—the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs—and the National Space Society's (NSS) role as an observer within this international framework. Isaac Arthur joins as a guest, bringing his expertise as the NSS President and a prominent figure in the space enthusiast community.

Moving the Space Shuttle Discovery

Rod Pyle (00:14): Rod discusses recent legislative efforts to allocate $85 million for relocating the Space Shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Washington, D.C., to Houston. However, he highlights several challenges:

• Insufficient Funding: "85 million does not appear to be enough to actually make the move" (03:08).
• Smithsonian’s Claim: The Smithsonian asserts ownership based on NASA’s 2012 transfer of the shuttle, emphasizing their role as the national repository for aerospace artifacts.
• Existing Display in Texas: Texas already hosts a mock-up of the shuttle at the Space Center Houston, complete with a shuttle carrier plane, raising questions about the necessity and feasibility of relocating the original Discovery.

Dr. Rick Janet (05:18): Suggests that the shuttle might be better housed at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Museum in Ohio, noting its significant aerospace collection and high visitor numbers.

Understanding UNOOSA and COPIOUS

Isaac Arthur (12:17): Explains that UNOOSA and COPIOUS (Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space) were established in the 1960s to govern international space activities. COPIOUS acts like a legislative body, while UNOOSA functions akin to an executive branch, managing the registry of objects in space and facilitating international collaboration.

Rod Pyle (14:23): Inquires about the practical workings of observer status within UNOOSA, emphasizing the cooperative rather than confrontational nature of these interactions.

The Policy-Making Process at UNOOSA

Isaac Arthur (17:05): Describes the policy-making process as a consensus-driven effort where all 104 member states have equal voting power. "It does have to be a unanimous vote. So effectively everyone has veto power" (25:05).

Dr. Rick Janet (35:10): Highlights that the discussions around space traffic management and space resource utilization are still in their early stages, emphasizing the need for global coordination to manage the increasing activities in space safely.

The Outer Space Treaty of 1967

Isaac Arthur (30:42): Provides an overview of the Outer Space Treaty, signed during the Cold War to ensure space remained a domain for peaceful purposes. He notes current challenges:

• Property Ownership: The treaty prohibits the appropriation of celestial bodies by any state, raising questions about how private companies can invest in and utilize space resources.
• Modern Relevance: "We need to rethink... as commercial space activity grows, as more state actors start having a space program, more coordination is necessary" (33:48).

Rod Pyle (34:47): Remembers historical attempts by both the US and Soviet Union to militarize space, underscoring the treaty’s original intent to prevent such developments.

Current Discussions and Future Frameworks

Isaac Arthur (35:10 & 37:01): Details ongoing efforts to address modern space challenges:

• Space Traffic Management: Developing international guidelines to prevent orbital debris and manage the increasing number of satellites.
• Space Resource Utilization (ISRU): Creating principles and best practices for mining and using space resources responsibly.
• Action Team for Lunar Activities Consultation: An initiative involving all member states to coordinate future lunar missions, led by representatives from Romania and Pakistan.

Dr. Rick Janet (43:16): Discusses the complexities of establishing ownership and operational guidelines for lunar and asteroid mining, emphasizing the need for clear, international agreements to prevent conflicts akin to the "Wild West."

Regulation Sandbox Concept

Isaac Arthur (49:54): Introduces the concept of a "regulation sandbox," borrowed from sectors like finance, to allow limited, trial-based deregulation in specific areas of space activity. This could enable innovation while monitoring potential risks, though practical implementation in space remains uncertain.

Visions for the Future of Space Governance

Dr. Rick Janet (52:52): Reflects on popular cultural visions of space governance, contrasting utopian (e.g., Star Trek) and dystopian (e.g., The Expanse) scenarios. He expresses hope that international bodies like the UN will guide space activities towards peaceful and cooperative endeavors.

Isaac Arthur (53:05): Agrees, emphasizing that the UN’s role is to facilitate ongoing dialogue and adaptation of regulations as humanity’s presence in space expands.

Implications for the Public

Dr. Rick Janet (55:43): Highlights the importance of public awareness: "These are discussions, these are discussions that are happening... Ultimately going to lead to agreements that member states are going to take back and that they're going to create laws around these particular things" (56:21). He urges space entrepreneurs and enthusiasts to stay informed about international regulations to navigate the evolving legal landscape effectively.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Rod Pyle thanking the guests and encouraging listeners to engage with the National Space Society’s initiatives. He underscores the significance of understanding and participating in international space governance to ensure sustainable and peaceful space exploration.

Notable Quotes:

• Rod Pyle (03:08): "85 million does not appear to be enough to actually make the move."
• Isaac Arthur (17:05): "It does have to be a unanimous vote. So effectively everyone has veto power."
• Isaac Arthur (25:05): "Space traffic management... they start to agree on something. It's a conversation amongst the ants, but it hasn't, you know, it is an important and far-reaching agreement."
• Isaac Arthur (30:42): "The Outer Space Treaty is basically our only global treaty that is governing how state actors are going to behave."
• Rod Pyle (34:47): "We were looking at how you could arm space stations of the future."
• Isaac Arthur (49:54): "A regulation sandbox is... allowing them to operate under this new set of regulations for a limited amount of time and see what happens."

Final Thoughts

"This Week in Space 171: What's a UNOOSA?" offers a comprehensive exploration of the United Nations’ role in regulating space activities and the National Space Society's contributions as an observer. Through insightful discussions, Rod Pyle, Isaac Arthur, and Dr. Rick Janet delve into the complexities of international space policy, the challenges posed by modern commercial and state actors, and the critical need for updated frameworks to ensure peaceful and sustainable space exploration for humanity’s future.