The Committee is established:

• To assess and report on the current operational, developmental and research capabilities of space technology in the various fields of disaster reduction;
• To coordinate its activities with other relevant IAF Committees and Working Groups as well as those of the IAA and IISL and will be affiliated with the Space Agency Forum;
• To provide IAF representation to the other Committee of the International Strategy Disaster Reduction;
• To identify areas for future studies and projects in which the utility of space technology for disaster reduction will be demonstrated and/or developed;
• To encourage IAF Members to provide a central source of information on practioners, technologists and researchers engaged in the use or development of space technology in disaster reduction as well as relevant space, ground and related aircraft and information extraction systems useful for this purpose;
• To organize, as appropriate, Symposia and Workshops on space technology and disaster reduction to be held under the auspices of the IAF.

In accordance with the thrust of the international disaster reduction effort, the focus of the Committee's interest will be on natural and technological/anthropogenic disasters. Both disasters of sudden onset (e.g., earthquakes) as well as long-term disasters (e.g., drought) will be considered. The purview will include all aspects of disaster reduction including prevention (e.g., avoidance through improved landuse practices), preparedness (e.g., disaster forecasts and warnings) and relief. All potential contributions of space technology will be considered including remote sensing, communications, data relay and search and rescue.

The Committee will coordinate its activities with other relevant IAF Committees and Working Groups as well as those of the IAA and IISL and will be affiliated with the Space Agency Forum.