Space exploration is a development which began with the launching of the
first artificial satellite in 1957. Since then an incredible progress
has been made, leading to the landing of man on the moon. A quick look
at the number of launchings which have been registered with the United
Nations will show the influence of space science and technology on human
endeavours. For example, satellites can be used for com- munication,
weather forecasting, education, and remote sensing of the resources of
the Earth. The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer
Space is the focal point of international co-operation in space
activities. The Committee regulates these activities through its Legal
Sub-Committee. The setting up of the Committee was preceded by an Ad Hoc
Committee which was established on 31 December 1958. The initial
difficulty which confronted the Ad Hoc Committee was the issue of its
member- ship. The USSR, Czechoslovakia and Poland decided not to
participate in its work because they were dissatisfied with the
composition of the Ad Hoc Committee. Later, both the UAR and India also
decided not to participate in its work. Although the Ad Hoc Committee
succeeded in producing a report in 1959 (UN document A/4141), the
progress of work of the Main Committee was in limbo for a while. It was
not until 1961 that the disagreements were resolved. The Committee
conducts its business without voting -the Chairman simply states the
consensus of views which have been expressed.
