President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law on 10 October ratifying 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.
The document, adopted by a resolution of the UN General Assembly on 19 December 1966, was signed in London, Moscow and Washington on 27 January 1967. 114 countries have signed the treaty to date, with Uzbekistan becoming the 115th signatory.
The law was passed by the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis on 2 July and approved by the Senate on 15 August. During the discussion of the law in the lower house of parliament, director general of the Uzbekcosmos agency Shukhrat Kadirov said that ratifying the agreement would create new opportunities for Uzbekistan to participate in international space projects and research. It will also facilitate sharing resources and knowledge with other countries and developing Uzbekistan’s space legal system.
“Space activities hold an important place in the process of globalization. All developed and many developing countries conduct scientific research on the exploration and use of outer space. Space potential is used to serve economic, defense, technical, scientific, social, cultural and international interests,” the Senate said.
Outer space treaty
The Outer space treaty emphasizes that the exploration and use of outer space must benefit and serve the interests of all countries, regardless of their level of economic or scientific development. Outer space and celestial bodies are considered the common heritage of the humanity and are not subject to national appropriation by sovereignty claims, use, occupation, or any other means.
The signatory states agree to conduct exploration and use of outer space in line with international law, including the United Nations' Charter, to promote international peace, security, cooperation and understanding.
The treaty prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in the Earth’s orbit, on celestial bodies, or in any part of outer space.
It also stipulates that astronauts are to be regarded as “ambassadors of humanity in space” and should be provided with all possible assistance in the event of an accident, disaster, or forced landing in the territory of another state or on the high seas.
Additionally, astronauts from state parties to the treaty are required to assist astronauts from other state parties during space missions.
