DIPLOMATIC NOTE REGARDING SATELLITE DEBRIS

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000345 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS:PREL PHUM CI SUBJECT: DIPLOMATIC NOTE REGARDING SATELLITE DEBRIS ¶1. On March 10, Post received Diplomatic Note number 2957 dated March 5, from the Ministry of Foreign Relations regarding Chile's concern about the impact produced by the reentry of space debris from satellite "USA 193" into the atmosphere. Paragraph 2 contains Post's informal translation of diplomatic note 2957. ¶2. The Ministry of Foreign Relations - Special Policy Directorate - presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America, and has the honor to refer to the situation created - recently - by the U.S. non-operative satellite "USA 193" and its posterior destruction in outer space. In regards to this situation, the Government of Chile values the information initially provided by the Government of the United States of America about its decision to destroy the satellite and its commitment to assuming the corresponding responsibilities in conformity with international space norms. Without disregarding the former, the Government of Chile finds itself in the position of needing to emphasize its full support of the reigning world commitment to the pacific use of outer space and the responsibility that falls on the United States regarding compliance with the treaties and principles of the United Nations on this matter. In support of that stated, the Government of Chile reiterates its concern about the impact produced by the reentry of space debris into the atmosphere, whether planned or not. It is especially disquieting to consider the danger represented by the possible falling of such objects onto national territory or exclusively on its economic zone, which could bring with it grave damages to persons, patrimonial goods, and activities of different types; or to the security of sea and air vessels. Likewise, it is concerned that the Pacific Ocean be utilized as a place where dangerous materials are collected, which puts at risk the preservation of the marine environment and its living resources. The Government of Chile has been a constant promoter before the world community of a quick and effective application of those judicial mechanisms that regulate the exploitation and utilization of outer space for peaceful ends, particularly when faced with those challenges which occur due to the increase in the number of artifacts found in orbit. Moreover, it emphasizes the need to continue to improve the international space system and to commit to it. In consequence, the Government of Chile reiterates the need to continue to develop - in the pertinent fora - a more complete international judicial framework, of a preventive nature, that permits the establishment of directives that can be implemented effectively in cases of emergency. In this way, it would be possible to count on, in an opportune fashion, not only more precise information but also the necessary coordination between those countries that might find themselves affected. Finally, the Government of Chile reaffirms its growing concern regarding space debris and the exclusively voluntary content of the mitigation directives. Regarding the correlating legal restrictions, Chile will continue to realize - as it has been doing for decades - diplomatic steps towards the definition of more adequate international norms regarding this important area. The Ministry of Foreign Relations - Directorate of Special Policy - avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the United States of America the assurances of its highest and most distinguished consideration. SIMONS