UNOOSA director Simonetta Di Pippo said in a statement:

"One of UNOOSA's core responsibilities is to promote international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space. I am proud to say that 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 program."

The UN will choose submissions in 2018, and countries whose projects are selected will have to pay part of the mission's total bill. Sierra Nevada officials said poorer nations will likely a get a price break, though. Plus, the Office for Outer Space Affairs is currently looking for sponsors to ensure participants will pay the least amount possible.