U.S. Statement as Prepared for U.S. Representative Emily Pierce – Agenda Item 6b – The Character and Utilization of the Geostationary Orbit
Vienna, Austria, March 21, 2023
Chair, the United States appreciates the opportunity to present its views on matters relating to the character and utilization of the geostationary orbit, including consideration of ways and means to ensure the rational and equitable use of the geostationary orbit without prejudice to the role of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
With respect to the geostationary orbit, or GSO, the United States continues its commitment to equitable access to the GSO for all States, including satisfaction of the requirements of developing countries for GSO use and satellite
telecommunications generally.
As we have stated, the United States is committed to equitable access to the GSO and has taken numerous actions to further the use of the GSO, and other uniquely situated orbits, for the benefit of all. These actions include: free provision of its Global Positioning System (GPS); free provision of a variety of weather and other Earth observation data from its meteorological and environmental satellites; operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in polar and geostationary orbit, including information about hurricanes, volcanic eruptions and effluent flooding, droughts and related environmental matters. Additionally, the United States participates in the international satellite-aided search and rescue program known as COSPAS-SARSAT, as a means for ships, aircraft, and others in distress to signal their need for help and their locations.
Thank you, Chair.