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:
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:
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.
The following locations are used (or have been used) to launch space objects into Earth orbit or beyond:
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.
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:
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).
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.
Texts of Treaties, Principles, Resolutions and Regulations
Registration submissions by Parties to the Registration Convention and General Assembly resolution 1721 B (XVI).
For assistance in space object registration and implementation of other treaty obligations, please contact the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.