A United Nations (UN) committee set up by the UN General Assembly in 1959 to review and support international cooperation over the peaceful use of outer space. To achieve this aim the committee encourages the international exchange of information on outer space matters, helps coordinate space research programmes within nations, and studies any legal problems arising from the exploration of outer space.

COPUOS originally consisted of 18 member states. Since then, it has grown to 84 members, making it one of the largest committees in the United Nations. In addition to states, a number of international organizations, including both intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, have observer status with COPUOS and its subcommittees. A number of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations have observer status. The committee meets annually with its two standing subcommittees, the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee and the Legal Subcommittee. Its secretariat is the Office of Outer Space Affairs (OOSA).