The new debate on the working methods of the UNCOPUOS Legal Subcommittee

• Presentation of a new approach to the working methods of the Legal Subcommittee (LSC) of UNCOUPOS.
• A so far not presented view on the expectations of the main countries in the field of space law making.
• This article is written by the Chairman of the LSC thus presenting a high-level neutral viewpoint.

The 2014 session of the Legal Subcommittee (LSC) of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) saw a particularly extensive and thorough debate on the working methods of this forum, which has the status of the highest body in space law making. By discussing the working methods it also became apparent how delegations actually regard the LSC and what expectations they have from it. In a time of considerable changes in space activities and space diplomacy alike, it was only a matter of time that such a comprehensive discussion arose. And while it did not immediately lead to decisions, it provided numerous signals for the future of the LSC.