[3] The convention requires states to furnish to the United Nations with details about the orbit of each space object.

A registry of launchings was already being maintained by the United Nations as a result of a General Assembly Resolution in 1962.

[6] The register is kept by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and includes[7] Information on registered objects is available at the UNOOSA site There are currently 72 states parties to the Convention.

[3] A General Assembly resolution from December 2007 that was accepted by consensus recommended that the data should be extended to include:[8] For many years, concern has existed surrounding the growing number of dead or inactive satellites in space.

These litter the part of space near geostationary orbit and pose a major threat, as any collision would produce serious damage or loss of satellites.