With its first module launched in 1998, the International Space Station was built to serve as a research laboratory and permanent human presence in low Earth orbit. Since then, the space station has been modified through the addition of Orbital Segments and modules from various space agencies. While the initial purpose of the ISS Program was to conduct unique experiments in near zero gravity, the mandate of the project has expanded over time to include promoting scientific education and cooperation between countries. However, as the project heads towards its de-orbiting in 2031, the program is hampered by political divisions between member countries and has yet to finish many of its scientific missions. Delegates in this crisis-style committee represent astronauts, engineers, space agency officials, and other major players responding to emergencies and steering the project towards completing its goals.
topics and questions to consider
topic 1: Multinational Collaboration
Questions to Consider
Should access to the ISS and its resources remain open to all UN-recognized nations, or should stricter controls be implemented based on contributions and compliance with treaties?
How can the international community prevent monopolization of space exploration by a few powerful nations or corporations?
Should private companies have the same decision-making power as nation-states in shared space projects?
What legal framework should govern intellectual property (e.g., fusion technology) developed in space?
How can emerging space powers, such as India and Brazil, be included in future collaborations without creating inefficiencies or diluting existing partnerships?
topic 2: Sustainability and Security
Questions to Consider
Should nations pursue a binding international treaty banning the deployment of weapons or militarized systems in space?
What measures can be implemented to ensure the ISS operates sustainably while accommodating research and commercial interests
How can the international community hold accountable any entity (state or corporate) found responsible for negligence or sabotage in space operations?
How can the research goals and programs of the ISS be continued after its de-orbit in 2031?
How might corporations use their power to create more robust security and operation systems for the ISS?
