The United Nations made an announcement at the International Astronautical Congress. They will launch its first ever space mission in 2021. The intergovernmental organization is living up to its name and role. The said mission is a great cause for developing member nations.
The Space Mission's Goal
The said mission will be beneficial to developing nations without their own space programs. According to The Verge, the nations are given a chance to fly payloads in microgravity.
The United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) Director Simonetta Di Pippo has given a statement about this. She said that they are promoting international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space. Di Pippo shared that she's proud of dedicating an entire microgravity mission to UN member states.
She added that these nations do not have the infrastructure or financial backing. She explained that space should be more affordable to nations that don't have access to it. Di Pippo reiterated that it's the UN mission's ultimate goal. Any member can actually submit a proposal for a possible payload for the flight.
The Dream Chaser Spacecraft
The UNOOSA will be cooperating with the Sierra Nevada Cooperation (SNC). SNC's Dream Chaser spacecraft will be used in the two-week robotic mission to low-Earth orbit. According to Space, the 30-foot-long spacecraft is reusable.
Apparently, it launches vertically and lands horizontally on a runway. It a cargo-hauling craft that could also carry up to seven passengers.
An unmanned Dream Chaser has been selected recently by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It has to provide resupply and trash disposal services to the International Space Station.
The Fund For The Mission
The UNOOSA is currently looking for sponsors to fund the mission. The organization cleared that the missions are not completely pro bono to the countries. They will be asked to cover some of the costs, if they send payloads to space.
