VIENNA, 20th July, 2023 (WAM) — The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have launched a new database listing current and past projects from space agencies in support of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Space Solutions Compendium (SSC) is the result of cooperation between UNOOSA and ESA and aims to provide information about space projects which can support the achievement of the SDGs. Since 2019 ESA has been providing information about such space projects and the means to measure progress in this context.
Currently, the SSC contains data from ESA and the United Kingdom Space Agency. With today's launch, UNOOSA welcomes all space agencies and governmental actors to submit their space solutions and provide constructive feedback for improving the catalogue. The SSC will help the international community to track progress of the implementation of the SDGs using space assets.
The SSC is one of many tools that are part of the "Space2030" Agenda. The Agenda was put forward by the COPUOS and adopted by the General Assembly with the aim of supporting Member States in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Acting Director of UNOOSA Niklas Hedman said, "The Space Solutions Compendium provides an integral view of those space projects that are linked to the Sustainable Development Goals and targets, raising awareness about the importance of space for socio-economic benefits and inspiring cooperation among nations for the use of space solutions. We are excited to work with ESA on promoting the transformative power of space."
Head of European and External Relations at ESA Frederic Nordlund said, "The ESA SDG Catalogue and the Space Solutions Compendium on space supporting SDGs go hand in hand. ESA is pleased to join forces with UNOOSA in this important field of space applications to the benefit of all."