Published on 1 February 2026

Outer space

The FDFA represents Switzerland in global governance bodies relating to space activities, in particular at the UN. In addition, it plays a role in formulating and implementing Swiss space policy as well as drafting domestic legislation on space matters. It also supports the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation in representing Switzerland at the European Space Agency.

Switzerland is a founding member of ESA, conducts its space activities through ESA, and represents its interests also in UN bodies. — © Credits: ESA - P. Carril

Outer space

Switzerland is a founding member of the European Space Agency (ESA), through which it carries out most of its space activities. In order to safeguard Swiss interests, it is also involved in the global governance of space activities, in particular via the UN.

In addition to their scientific scope, space activities and their applications have become strategically important for national security, the economy and many sectors such as energy, finance and transport. The new goals of human space exploration are redefining the geopolitics of space, while the rising number of stakeholders and missions is creating new challenges. At a time when space technologies are providing essential tools for our daily lives and for realising the sustainable development goals (2030 Agenda), the peaceful use and exploration of space requires global cooperation.

• European Space Agency (ESA)

  Switzerland has been a member of the ESA since its creation in 1975 and carries out most of its space activities via the agency. This means that Swiss industry and research institutes can fully take part in ESA space programmes. In this field, Switzerland prioritises space science, applications, technologies and launchers. The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) under the EAER is in charge of Switzerland's representation at the ESA. The FDFA supports SERI in matters of international relations.

Global governance of space activities

In line with its foreign policy and space policy, Switzerland plays a role in global efforts to step up stability and safety in outer space, as well as the long-term viability and security of space activities. The FDFA represents Swiss interests on these issues at the UN and in other international forums.

• UN COPUOS

  The UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) fosters international cooperation in space matters, such as space debris, space resources and space traffic. It works to bolster the global governance of space activities, in particular to ensure conditions for the safe and sustainable use and exploration of outer space in the long term. COPUOS develops guidelines and international standards based on scientific, technical and legal aspects. Switzerland has been an active member of COPUOS since 2008, contributing its diplomatic and scientific expertise to the UN agency.

Even outer space is not immune to armed conflict, which would be detrimental to both military and civil space applications. In order to avoid any such developments, initiatives aimed at preventing an arms race, strengthening confidence-building and transparency measures, and promoting responsible and peaceful behaviour in space are under way within the framework of the UN General Assembly and the Conference on Disarmament.

The FDFA ensures Switzerland's active role in these efforts in coordination with other federal departments, the scientific community and the private sector.

Links

• United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, UNOOSA
• Swiss space policy
• Signing of the Artemis Agreements
• Vectors and space security
• Space and Global Health Network

Documents

• Switzerland in space

  Cutting-edge research and high-tech solutions – for everyday life

  PDF2.64 MB18 March 2025