The United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is planning to launch its first space mission aboard Sierra Nevada’s (SNC) Dream Chaser spacecraft by 2021.

Allowing all UN member states to propose payloads for the launch, the mission aims to provide opportunity to develop and fly microgravity payloads for an extended duration in orbit to the developing countries.

In June, UNOOSA and SNC finalised their partnership on the mission, which will enable the participating nations to launch a two-week mission to low-Earth orbit (LEO).

“One of UNOOSA’s core responsibilities is to promote international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space."

UNOOSA director Simonetta Di Pippo said: “One of UNOOSA’s core responsibilities is to promote international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space.

“One of the ways UNOOSA will achieve this, in cooperation with our partner SNC, is by dedicating an entire microgravity mission to United Nations member states, many of which do not have the infrastructure or financial backing to have a standalone space programme.”

Under the multiple-source funding mission, the selected countries will have to pay a pro-rated portion of the mission cost.

There will also be chief sponsors to bear a large portion of the mission costs.

In order to realise the mission, the partners will provide updates to the UN member states and potential payload providers about the goals and framework of the mission for the forthcoming year.

UNOOSA is also planning to technically assist the countries, which does not have a developed space industry, in developing microgravity payloads.

By 2018, payloads will be selected to fly with the mission.

SNC said that its reusable, multimission Dream Chaser spacecraft has the ability to land at any commercial airports or spaceports capable of accommodating large commercial aircraft.