Topic Summary

The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 remains the cornerstone of international space law, most notably declaring space the “province of all mankind” and banning weapons of mass destruction in orbit. However, it was written for a different era. Today, more than 90 nations operate satellites, while private companies launch thousands more. Crucially, every major military power depends on space assets for communications, navigation, and intelligence. With the growth of anti-satellite weapon tests generating debris fields, commercial satellites being used to support active military operations, and multiple nations racing to the Moon, the future of space militarization has become a critical issue. Yet current efforts to negotiate new binding treaties have stalled because of great-power rivalry, leaving only voluntary guidelines and soft-law frameworks in place. This committee must therefore address a central question: how can space law be modernized to prevent conflict and maintain space as a shared domain while still preserving innovation and progress?

Director’s Letter

Dear Delegates, 

I am so excited to welcome you to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space for Harvard National Model United Nations 2027! My name is Kaitlin Cascio, and I am so excited to be your director for COPUOS this year. I am originally from Alexandria, Virginia (right outside of Washington, D.C.) but now call Cambridge, and Harvard, home. I am currently a third-year at Harvard, where I study Social Studies and Psychology. 

I did not compete in high school, so I started my Model UN journey when I joined the Harvard Intercollegiate Model United Nations (ICMUN) team at the beginning of my freshman year. Currently, I serve as a Head Delegate of ICMUN. While I love competing, I truly found my passion in staffing. I’ve served as a Director for HNMUN-LA 2026, Under-Secretary-General of the Economic and Social Council for HMUN Boston 2026 and Under-Secretary-General of Finance for HMUN Boston 2027, and Under-Secretary-General of Committees for HMUN India 2026 and HMUN Canada 2026. I am thoroughly excited to direct for HNMUN this year!

Outside of Model UN, I enjoy traveling, cooking food from different cuisines, reading thriller novels, painting, and am an avid New York Times-games player.

Within this committee, I hope to create a welcoming and collaborative environment where delegates can work creatively to solve problems and engage in lively debate. Throughout the weekend, I will be looking for delegates who balance leadership and collaboration, advocate for innovative and unique solutions, and remain flexible over the course of the conference. I am thrilled to be your Director for HNMUN 2027!

Best wishes, 

Kaitlin Cascio

Director, Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space

ga@hnmun.org