Austria

On the sidelines of the 55th session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), the Chinese BeiDou/COMPASS satellite model was inaugurated on 8 June 2012 in Vienna, Austria. The model is donated by the People's Republic of China. This Chinese navigation satellite model will be added to the Exhibit of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs headquarters in the Vienna International Centre. The Beidou/COMPASS satellites are part of a Chinese satellite navigation system. The first BeiDou system has been offering navigation services in China and the region since 2010. The second generation of the system, Compass/BeiDou-2, will eventually consist of 35 satellites and became operational in December 2011.

The 55th session of COPUOS started on 6 June and will continue until 15 June 12. It was created by the General Assembly to discuss international cooperation in peaceful uses of outer space, to encourage continued research and the dissemination of...

UN-SPIDER conducted its 3rd Annual Meeting of Regional Support Offices (RSOs) on 6 and 7 February 2012 in Vienna. The meeting brought together representatives of the RSOs from Colombia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Romania, Ukraine and Hungary (as the newest RSO) and also from the Regional organisations ADRC and RCMRD. In addition the meeting was attended by representatives from Argentina, Indonesia, the Russian Federation and Turkey, which are completing the arrangements to become RSOs. In their opening remarks, Ms. Mazlan Othman, Director of the Office for Outer Space Affairs, Mr. Takao Doi, Chief of Space Applications and Mr. David Stevens, UN-SPIDER Programme Coordinator, reiterated the fact that it is through the active participation of the RSOs that UN-SPIDER will enhance the use of space-based information in all phases of the disaster management cycle worldwide.

The meeting provided an opportunity for RSOs to exchange information on activities conducted in 2011, and to...

UN-SPIDER organized this Expert Meeting with the support and cooperation of the Government of Austria (through the Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology of Austria) and the Secure World Foundation. It brought together 72 experts and practitioners from 21 countries and was organised back-to-back with the International Conference on Crisis Mapping (ICCM 2011) (http://crisismappers.net/page/iccm-geneva-2011). This ensured the participation of the crisis mapping community which converged in Geneva to attend their annual meeting as well as the humanitarian community based in Geneva. The agenda of this second Expert Meeting built upon the recommendations and conclusions of the first Expert Meeting, which took place in Vienna earlier this year. It focused on exploring possible ways of contributing to improve coordination between the crowdsource communities and the space technology community and on overall improvement of its involvement to facilitate the preparation and...

From 5 to 6 July 2011 UN-SPIDER successfully conducted an International Expert Meeting on “Crowdsource Mapping for Preparedness and Emergency Response”. The meeting was organized with the support and cooperation of the Government of Austria and Secure World Foundation.

The expert meeting brought together 64 experts and practitioners from 27 countries representing space and remote sensing agencies, national, regional and international disaster management and civil protection agencies as well as various actors from the crowdsource communities, representing voluntary networks, NGOs, expert groups as well as universities, research institutions and the private sector. The Organizing Committee was overwhelmed by the enormous interest and the vast number of applications which has shown the perceived importance of the topic and the need to facilitate interaction among those groups.

The lively discussions during the meeting allowed feedback from experts on novel...

This is a final call for all those interested in applying to be invited to this first expert meeting. Deadline for application is 31st May 2011.

Information can be found at http://www.un-spider.org/crowdsource-mapping. We are looking for very specifc profiles to bring together for this first discussion: more specifically we are aiming at bringing together 30 leading experts representing crowd-sourcing communities, space agencies, disaster management and civil protection agencies, NGOs, private companies, and regional and international organizations. If you are an expert currently working in any of the relevant areas (disasters, crowd-source mapping, space-based information) and would like to participate in the meeting please consider applying. We are looking for experts that either already work with crowdsource mapping or have been considering how their work could leverage on this opportunity (...

UNIS/OS/403
17 March 2011

Press Release-

SpaceAid Resource Page Set Up to Help Improve Information and Data-Flow Related to the Japan Earthquake Disaster

VIENNA/BONN, 17 March (UN Information Service) - The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) through its UN Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) has set up a SpaceAid resource page in support of relief efforts for the devastating Japan earthquake disaster at www.un-spider.org/japan-pacific. The massive earthquake of magnitude 9 struck the north-eastern coast of Japan on 11 March 2011 and the resulting tsunami had devastating effects along the Japanese coast and triggered warnings in numerous countries across the Pacific basin. Satellite images and maps are vital in supporting the response and relief work. UNOOSA through its UN-SPIDER Programme is coordinating with its established networks and other agencies to collect relevant pre- and...

For information only - not an official document

 UNIS/OS/402
21 February 2011

Space Solutions Can Improve the Lives of People Worldwide

VIENNA, 21 February (UN Information Service) - The role of space science and space applications in improving the daily lives of people worldwide was the focus of the 48th session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). Issues of environmental monitoring, management of natural resources, early warning systems to help mitigate potential disasters, satellite navigation and communications as well as sustainable future use of outer space, including how to minimize the impact of space debris on future space missions to preserve the outer space environment for future generations were discussed.

Stressing the importance of sustainable space utilization in the service of all humanity, the Director of the...

This document contains the proposed UN-SPIDER workplan for the biennium 2012-2013 to be considered by the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee at its Forty-eighth session in Vienna, 7-18 February 2011. It includes the use of space-based solutions in disaster management plans and policies and in the implementation of risk reduction activities.

Published by: UNOOSA
For further information visit: http://www.oosa.unvienna.org/pdf/limited/c1/AC105_C1_2011_CRP15E.pdf

On October 14, 2009, the International Day for Disaster Reduction was used to illustrate the role of UN-SPIDER in a concrete case, namely the recent Tropical Cyclone on the Philippines. At the VIC Rotunda in Vienna, a presentation was given on the particular example. After a welcome address by Niklas Hedman (Chief Committee Services and Research Section, Office for Outer Space Affairs) and introductory remarks on space and disaster management by Juan Carlos Villagran (UN-SPIDER), Mr. Manangan, Minister at the Permanent Mission of the Philippines, presented his observations on the recent disaster and its management. Ms. Gerardo, Chair of the VIC Club Filipino, expressed her thanks for the contributions made for the people in the Philippines. Michael Leitgab (UN-SPIDER) then explained the role of UN-SPIDER in the case of the recent Tropical Cyclone, and Niklas Hedman gave the concluding remarks to close the event. In Bonn, the UN-SPIDER...

The United Nations International UN-SPIDER Vienna Workshop: "Building Capacities to Reduce Disasters" which took place on 2-4 June 2009 and had the support of the Government of Austria, brought together 78 participants from 34 counties. The objectives of the workshop were to present the most recent advances in space-based technologies for disaster management and emergency response, to review and finalize the proposed Capacity-Building Strategy, and to provide continuity to activities being conducted by UN-SPIDER in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), particularly in the context of climate change and disaster risk management. The workshop was organized to coincide with the 52nd Session of the Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), allowing delegates from Members States attending the COPUOS session to be present at various segments of the workshop. The workshop set the stage for UN-SPIDER to advance its agenda in the context of capacity building, bridging...

The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) was set up by the General Assembly in 1959. Since its establishment, the Committee's membership has continued to expand. The Committee is the only committee of the General Assembly dealing exclusively with international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, and its role as a forum to monitor and discuss developments related to the exploration and use of outer space has evolved alongside with the technical advancements in space exploration, geopolitical changes, and the evolving use of space science and technology for sustainable development.

The overall mandate of the Committee and its two Subcommittees aims at strengthening the international legal regime governing outer space, resulting in improved conditions for expanding international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. The mandate also specifies that the Committee should supports efforts at the national, regional and global levels,...

More information on the event's website.

Important dates

•     Preliminary programme has been released
•     Deadline for registration to attend online: 10 July 2024

Theme

Space applications and technologies have significant potential to contribute to mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change. Every year there are demonstrations of new innovative technologies and launches of pilot projects that promise to address issues of forest fires, land degradation, floods, droughts, loss of biodiversity, agriculture, disaster management and more. Yet, many of these projects struggle to take off or fail to achieve long-term success. Beyond technical feasibility in the transition from a technical project to a sustainable service is a lack of understanding of how to make it happen.

...

Global warming, loss of biodiversity, food insecurity, pollution - the situation regarding the health of our planet is as serious as it is complex. Major global shocks have shown our vulnerability and set back the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. The global community noticed that our collective problem-solving mechanisms do not match the pace or scale of the challenges we face. Today's complex, interconnected, and rapidly changing world requires a more effective multilateral system and strong inclusion of effective innovative tools.

The Summit of the Future in 2024 was proposed as an opportunity to agree on multilateral solutions for a better future and to strengthen global governance for both present and future generations (A/RES/76/307). To prepare for the Summit, Member States asked the Secretary-General of the United Nations to come up with action-oriented recommendations, building on the proposals in his report, Our Common Agenda (A/75/982).

The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) was set up by the General Assembly in 1959 to govern the exploration and use of space for the benefit of all humanity: for peace, security and development. The Committee was tasked with reviewing international cooperation in peaceful uses of outer space, studying space-related activities that could be undertaken by the United Nations, encouraging space research programmes, and studying legal problems arising from the exploration of outer space.

The Committee meets annually in Vienna, Austria, to discuss questions relating to current and future activities in space. Some topics for discussion include maintaining outer space for peaceful purposes, safe operations in orbit, space debris, space weather, the threat from asteroids, the safe use of nuclear power in outer space, climate change, water management, global navigation...

The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) was set up by the General Assembly in 1959. Since its establishment, the Committee's membership has continued to expand. The Committee is the only committee of the General Assembly dealing exclusively with international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, and its role as a forum to monitor and discuss developments related to the exploration and use of outer space has evolved alongside with the technical advancements in space exploration, geopolitical changes, and the evolving use of space science and technology for sustainable development.

The overall mandate of the Committee and its two Subcommittees aims at strengthening the international legal regime governing outer space, resulting in improved conditions for expanding international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. The mandate also specifies that the Committee should supports efforts at the national, regional and global levels,...

The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) was set up by the General Assembly in 1959. Since its establishment, the Committee's membership has continued to expand. The Committee is the only committee of the General Assembly dealing exclusively with international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, and its role as a forum to monitor and discuss developments related to the exploration and use of outer space has evolved alongside with the technical advancements in space exploration, geopolitical changes, and the evolving use of space science and technology for sustainable development.

The overall mandate of the Committee and its two Subcommittees aims at strengthening the international legal regime governing outer space, resulting in improved conditions for expanding international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. The mandate also specifies that the Committee should supports efforts at the national, regional and global levels,...

The Regional Support Offices Meeting 2023 was conducted and organised by UN-SPIDER at the premises of the VIC in Vienna. It was held back-to-back with the 66th Session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).

The UN-SPIDER programme currently has 27 Regional Support Offices (RSOs). These RSOs are engaged in supporting activities of UN-SPIDER such as technical advisory support, rapid mapping during emergency response, preparing specific publications and contents for the knowledge portal and contributing to the workshop and conferences.

Every year, UN-SPIDER organizes a meeting with the RSOs to discuss the progress and new activities.
At this year’s meeting, 10 RSOs joined the meeting in person, while 5 participated online. 2 candidates to become an RSO joined the meeting in person as guests....

The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) was set up by the General Assembly in 1959 to govern the exploration and use of space for the benefit of all humanity: for peace, security and development. The Committee was tasked with reviewing international cooperation in peaceful uses of outer space, studying space-related activities that could be undertaken by the United Nations, encouraging space research programmes, and studying legal problems arising from the exploration of outer space.

The Committee meets annually in Vienna, Austria, to discuss questions relating to current and future activities in space. Some topics for discussion include maintaining outer space for peaceful purposes, safe operations in orbit, space debris, space weather, the threat from asteroids, the safe use of nuclear power in outer space, climate change, water management, global navigation satellite systems, and questions concerning...

The 2023 UN/Austria Symposium "Space for climate action: space applications and technologies for sustainability on Earth" will take place in September 12 - 14 both on-site (Graz, Austria) and online.

This year's symposium, also the 29th edition of this series, will discuss the important contributions of space applications and technologies in tackling the challenges of climate change. The focus of the symposium is to showcase the most recent initiatives, experiences and best practices in mitigating and adapting to climate change and supporting sustainability on Earth. Further to creating awareness of how Member States use space technologies, the symposium will highlight how the space sector is being adapted to reduce its own impact on the climate crisis. The symposium would collect ideas and contributions to define future activities.

To raise awareness of relevant...

The 8th IAA Planetary Defense Conference programme is still under construction. However, the key topics will include: 

• Ongoing and Upcoming Mission Highlights
• Hypothetical Asteroid Threat Exercise
• Key International and Policy Developments
• Near-Earth Object (NEO) Discovery
• Near-Earth Object (NEO) Characterization
• Deflection / Disruption Modeling & Testing
• Space Mission & Campaign Design
• Impact Effects & Consequences
• Disaster Management & Impact Response
• Public Education and Communication
• The Decision to Act: Political, Legal, Social and Economic Aspects

For more information on the programme check regularly IAA's website.  

Pre-registration for the event is now available...

The Master in Digital Earth (CDE) is a two year, full-time Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) Programme. The study programme provides students with in-depths skills about geoinformatics and geospatial technologies. It aims at qualifying students to lead initiatives, projects and institutions translating Copernicus data and information into management decisions within a broader Digital Earth vision. Digital earth focuses on the interaction between humans and virtual representations of the world from local to global scales.

Students enrolled in the Copernicus Master in Digital Earth (CDE) will study at two Universities. The first year will be taught at the University of Salzburg building the foundation of skills in Earth Observation and Geoinformatics. For the second year, students can choose between two specialization tracks in GeoDataScience or GeoVisualization, either at the Olomouc University or the University of South Brittany. The former leading in...

The Regional Support Offices Meeting 2022 was conducted and organised by UN-SPIDER at the premises of the VIC in Vienna, from 14-16 November 2022. It was the first in-person meeting since the start of the COVID pandemic.  

The UN-SPIDER programme has 25 Regional Support Offices (RSOs) and two new candidates spread over different regions. These RSOs are engaged in supporting activities of UN-SPIDER such as technical advisory support, rapid mapping during emergency response, preparing specific publications and contents for the knowledge portal and contributing to the workshop and conferences.

Every year, UN-SPIDER organizes a meeting with the RSOs to discuss the progress and new activities. This meeting came after a three year in-person meeting hiatus, and was requested by most RSO representatives, with the aim to exchange on the status of more recent activities of RSOs, their contributions...

Objectives

At this first stakeholder meeting the Space4Water stakeholder community has an opportunity to get to meet and know each other in person. The workshop's objectives include the identification of

• shared community objectives for the Space4Water community
• approaches to assessing user needs within the community and water related sectors towards the space sector
• approaches to facilitate matchmaking between users with needs and existing gaps and stakeholders who have solutions to (partial) problems

Dates and location

The workshop will take place on 27-28 October 2022 at the Vienna International Centre, with an opportunity to host it online, should COVID prevent travels in October.

Registration

To be considered for participation Space4Water stakeholders and featured professionals can register here. If your organisation...

The Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) was set up by the General Assembly in 1959 to govern the exploration and use of space for the benefit of all humanity: for peace, security and development. The Committee was tasked with reviewing international cooperation in peaceful uses of outer space, studying space-related activities that could be undertaken by the United Nations, encouraging space research programmes, and studying legal problems arising from the exploration of outer space.

The Committee meets annually in Vienna, Austria, to discuss questions relating to current and future activities in space. Topics for discussion include maintaining outer space for peaceful purposes, safe operations in orbit, space debris, space weather, the threat from asteroids, the safe use of nuclear power in outer space, climate change, water management, global navigation satellite systems, and questions concerning space law and national space legislation.

The...

The International Society for Digital Earth (ISDE) is an international organisation created with the aim to promote international collaboration and knowledge exchange on the domain of Digital Earth. To achieve this goal, ISDE regularly convenes international symposia that bring together world-class scientists, engineers and educators engaged in the fields of digital earth, earth observation, geo-informatics and relevant applications. The theme of the 12th Symposium on Digital Earth (ISDE12) is "Digital Earth for Sustainable Societies". ISDE12 will aim to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by harnessing the world’s data and information resources to digitally represent our planet, and to monitor, measure and forecast natural and human activities on Earth.