United NationsOffice for Outer Space Affairs

United Nations Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space

Resources and Reference Material for States & Organizations

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs provides technical assistance to Member States and applicable organizations on issues relating to the registration of space objects with the Secretary-General under the Registration Convention and General Assembly resolution 1721B (XVI); implementation of resolution 62/101 on registration practices; and implementation of other obligations under the revelant treaties, principles, regulations and resolutions.

Important Note: Registration of space objects with the Secretary-General can only be peformed by the Government of a State of registry through accredited Permanent Missions to the United Nations or by the headquarters of an international intergovernmental organization that has declared acceptance of rights and obligations under the Registration Convention. Direct submissions by national space agencies, academic institutions and private entities are not considered to be valid registration submissions.

The following resources have been developed to aid States and organizations:

Registration Information Submission Form

In 2007, the General Assembly adopted resolution 62/101 entitled "Recommendations on enhancing the practice of States and international intergovernmental organizations in registering space objects". As requested in the resolution, UNOOSA has prepared a model registration form to assist States and organizations in registering space objects.

The form is comprised of four separate parts and reflects information customarily provided by States and organizations when registering a space object as well additional information as recommended in resolution 62/101. The four parts are:

• Part A for information provided in conformity with the Registration Convention or General Assembly resolution 1721 B (XVI);
• Part B for additional information for use in the United Nations Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space, as recommended in General Assembly resolution 62/101;
• Part C for information relating to the change of supervision of a space object, as recommended in General Assembly resolution 62/101; and
• Part D for additional voluntary information for use in the United Nations Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space.

The model registration form is available in Excel, Word and PDF format. For registration of multiple space objects, use of the Excel version is recommended.

UNOOS/REG/FRM/1

Global launch locations

The following locations are used (or have been used) to launch space objects into Earth orbit or beyond:

• Air-based Launch
• Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
• Cape Canaveral/Eastern Test Range, United States of America
• Centre Spatial Guyanais, French Guiana
• Hammaguir, Algeria
• Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China
• Kagoshima Space Center, Japan
• Kapustin Yar, Russian Federation
  Kodiak Launch Complex, United States of America
• Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand
• Naro Space Center, Republic of Korea
• Palmachim AFB, Israel
• Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation
• Reagan Test Site, Omelek Island, Kwajalein Atoll
• SHAR/Sriharikota, India
• San Marco Equatorial Range, Kenya
• Sea-based Launch
• Semnan Launch Centre, Islamic Republic of Iran
• Shahroud Space Centre, Islamic Republic of Iran
• Sohae Space Centre, Democratic People's Republic of Korea
• Space-based Launch (includes deployments from space stations such as Mir & the ISS)
• Submarine-based Launch
• Svobodny Cosmodrome, Russian Federation
• Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, China
• Tanegashima Space Center, Japan
• Vandenberg Space Force Base/Western Range, United States of America
• Vostochny Cosmodrome, Russian Federation
• Wallops Island, United States of America
• Wenchang Satellite Launch Center, China
• Woomera, Australia
• Xichang Satellite Launch Center, China
• Yasny Launch Base, Russian Federation

Guidance on Space Object Registration and Frequency Management for Small and Very Small Satellites

Small and very small satellites and their applications have made it possible for an increasing number of governmental and non-governmental organizations to participate in, and benefit from, space activities. Recognizing the requirements under international law for all entities launching and operating satellites, the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs and the International Telecommunication Union have collaborated to produce a guidance document to assist small satellite developers and operators with space object registration and frequency management. The handout also covers information on authorization and licensing of satellite missions and space debris mitigation measures.

• Guidance on Space Object Registration and Frequency Management for Small and Very Small Satellites (available in PDF format in English only)

Registration of Objects Launched Into Outer Space: Stakeholder Study, November 2023

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), with the generous support from the United Kingdom, launched a new initiative in December 2022, entitled: The Registration Project: Supporting Implementation of Treaty Obligations related to the Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space. Phase one of the Registration Project ran from January to October 2023, and focused on three main deliverables:

• Conducting interviews with Member States of the United Nations, and States Parties to the Registration Convention, on their approaches to implementing their international commitments related to the registration of objects launched into outer space
• An Expert Event on the Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space, which took place in Vienna on 29-30 May 2023.
• An anonymized stakeholder study.

Based on 46 Member States and one international intergovernmental organization, the anonymized stakeholder study is now available as ST/SPACE/91  (in PDF format in English only).

ST/SPACE/91 

Online Index of Objects Launched into Outer Space

The Online Index of Objects Launched into Outer Space provides a quick and efficient means to access information provided by States and organiations on space objects.

• Search the Online Index of Objects Launched into Outer Space

Online Resources

Texts of Treaties, Principles, Resolutions and Regulations

• General Assembly resolution 1721B (XVI)
• Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies
• Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space
• Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects
• Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space
• Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space (certified true copy in all official languages, United Nations Treaty Series, vol. 1023, p. 15.)
• Radio Regulations adopted by the World Radiocommunication Conference
• Principles Relevant to the Use of Nuclear Power Sources In Outer Space
• Resolution 62/101 on registration practices
• COPUOS Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines
• Resolution /68/74 on national space legislation
• Guidelines for the Long-Term Sustainability Outer Space Activities of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space  (the LTS Guidelines)

Registration submissions by Parties to the Registration Convention and General Assembly resolution 1721 B (XVI).

• Submissions indexed by State
• Submissions indexed by Year of Issue

For assistance in space object registration and implementation of other treaty obligations, please contact the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.