The Committee for the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) was set up in 1959 as a permanent body, shortly after the launch of Sputnik. Since then, the organisation has played a pivotal role in ensuring peaceful exploration and use of outer space while also providing assistance for the advancement of research in the realm. By maintaining close relations with both governmental and non-governmental organisations, COPUOS enables the continuous exchange of space-related information. In addition, the committee exploits the technological advancements in space exploration and geopolitical changes to further the use of outer space. Consisting of merely 18 countries during its inception, COPUOS, as demanded by its pressing area of concern, is now one of the largest committees of the United Nations with 95 members. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) serves as the secretariat to COPOUS and its two subcommittees; the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, and the Legal Subcommittee. The committee convenes at Vienna, Austria, once every year to address issues and pose questions regarding the current and future status of outer space activities.