Newswise — Secure World Foundation is pleased to announce release of new fact sheets that detail a set of current international initiatives that focus on space sustainability - the ability of all humanity to continue to use outer space for peaceful purposes and socioeconomic benefit over the long term.

Three insightful and timely fact sheets are concise resources that examine:

-- The proposed draft International Code of Conduct for Space Activities

-- The United Nations Group of Governmental Experts on Transparency and Confidence-building Measures (TCBMs) for Space

-- The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) Long-term Sustainability of Space Activities Working Group

Main author for these new fact sheets is Tiffany Chow, Project Manager for Secure World Foundation (SWF).

History and structure

“These three processes represent the only current major international efforts to sustain the space environment for the long term, so that all nations can continue to benefit from the host of services that space-based assets provide,” SWF’s Chow said.

The history and structure of each initiative is explained, as are issues or concerns that have been raised with each effort, Chow added.

“The release of these brief and objective fact sheets is particularly timely given the commencement of international expert meetings to discuss the Code of Conduct in early June and the upcoming first meeting of the Group of Governmental Experts this July,” Chow said. Fact sheets and contacts

To access these new SWF resources, go to:

1)

Draft International Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities Fact Sheet

http://swfound.org/media/83247/ICOC_FactSheet_June2012.pdf

2)

Group of Governmental Experts on TCBMs in Outer Space Activities Fact Sheet

http://swfound.org/media/84703/SWF%20-%20GGE%20Fact%20Sheet%20-%20June%202012.pdf

3)

UNCOPUOS Long-term Sustainability of Space Activities Working Group Fact Sheet

http://swfound.org/media/84709/SWF%20-%20UNCOPUOS%20LTSSA%20Fact%20Sheet%20-%20June%202012.pdf

For additional information regarding the fact sheets and space sustainability, contact:

Dr. Michael Simpson, Executive DirectorSecure World FoundationPhone: + 1 (303) 553-1560Cell Phone: (720) 261-6789Email: [email protected]

Tiffany Chow, Project ManagerSecure World FoundationPhone: + 1 (202) 568-6215Email: [email protected]

About Secure World Foundation

Secure World Foundation (SWF) is a private operating foundation dedicated to the secure and sustainable use of space for the benefit of Earth and all its peoples.

SWF engages with academics, policy makers, scientists and advocates in the space and international affairs communities to support steps that strengthen global space sustainability. It promotes the development of cooperative and effective use of space for the protection of Earth’s environment and human security.

The Foundation acts as a research body, convener and facilitator to advocate for promoting key space security and other space related topics and to examine their influence on governance and international development.

Secure World Foundation is headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, with offices in Washington, D.C. and Brussels, Belgium.

For access to the SWF website, please go to:

http://swfound.org/