Earth∞Space Sustainability Initiative

In the December issue of Orbitwise, our digest of space sustainability news from around the world, you’ll find details of Japan launching the world’s first wooden satellite into space, and a new space sustainability research initiative between Saudi Arabia and Brazil. Elsewhere, the European Space Agency - ESA awarded Deimos Space UK the contract for the first phase of DRACO (Destructive Re-entry Assessment Container Object), signed a €119m contract with D-Orbit for the RISE in-orbit servicing mission, and announced a collaboration with the FIS - The International Ski and Snowboard Federation to support sustainability in snow sports. At IAC2024, New Zealand and Mexico became the first non-European countries to sign ESA’s Zero Debris Charter, the Statement for a Responsible Space Sector gained 18 more signatories, and 42 of the then 45 signatories of the Artemis Accords gathered for a high-level meeting. In the UK, the UK Space Agency and New Zealand Space Agency signed a blueprint for satellite removal and servicing missions, while in the United States, Starfish Space won a NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration contract for the SSPICY orbital debris inspection mission. Earlier this month, the UN World Space Forum 2024 took place with a focus on ‘Sustainable Space for Sustainability on Earth’, and a series of other space sustainability-related events will be taking place in the UK, Belgium and the US at the start of 2025. #Orbitwise #spacesustainability

Joanne Wheeler from ESSI was honoured to be invited to attend the first ever UN Space Bridge on Space Traffic Coordination event, convened by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), which recently took place at UN headquarters in New York. The event brought together experts from governments and the commercial sector to discuss the complex issues of space traffic coordination (STC). STC refers to systems that integrate space situational awareness (SSA) data, mechanisms for data sharing and potentially operational guidelines and best practices. These systems aim to minimise the risk of collisions and other incidents that could generate debris or compromise the safety of space operations. STC also strives to enhance the overall safety and efficiency of activities in space, ensuring the sustainable use of Earth’s orbital environment. Discussions at the UN Space Bridge meeting included the following issues: ◼️ It is important to begin to address the issue of STC now ◼️ Industry must be part of the solution, which has always been key for ESSI ◼️ International standards should be promoted for information sharing to seek to ensure consistency and interoperability; another key issue for ESSI ◼️ A template for the sharing of additional information should be developed ◼️ Sharing of contact information should be encouraged ◼️ Given the complexity of the changing space environment, a phased approach should be taken, including a “systems of systems” approach ◼️ UNOOSA capacity-building efforts should be continued ◼️ An expert group could be convened to discuss and work through more complex issues #spacesituationalawareness #spacetraffic #spacesustainability

Michael Cheng and John Janka – two of our Advisory Board members – were expert panellists in the session about 'Delivering Sustainability in and from Space' at the Saudi Space Conference in Riyadh last week, organised by KSA's Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST). Alongside Val Munsami, Sherif Sedky, Salem Almarri and Kalpak Gude, the panel considered the environmental impact, economic viability and potential risks relating to large constellations. There was also a focus on the issue of sustainability of the rapidly expanding non-terrestrial networks, including the need for more effective governance in addressing the emerging challenges they present. In his capacity as an ESSI Director, Michael told conference delegates that "Sustainability has always been an exercise in ensuring that decision makers who are in a position of benefitting from an action are not insulated for the costs of that action. When it comes to space sustainability, we won't be in a position to do that until we understand and agree on the costs of our actions in space." وكالة الفضاء السعودية | Saudi Space Agency aramco #spacesustainability #sustainablespace #SaudiSpaceConference

As part of Lloyd's Futureset series – which looks to build societal resilience through research, insight and education – Lloyd's of London Chairman Bruce Carnegie-Brown, and ESSI Director Joanne Wheeler discussed a range of topics about space sustainability, including space exploration, environmental protection, launch standards and space mission insurance. Watch the full conversation by clicking on the link below. #SustainableSpace #SpaceSustainability #LloydsFutureset

We've just launched our newsletter Orbitwise, a digest of space sustainability news from around the world. The first issue is attached. Sign up here (https://lnkd.in/ejaFMbNy) to have all subsequent issues delivered directly to your inbox. And don't forget to tell us if your company or organisation has some space sustainability news that you would like to see included.

Fascinating discussion about space sustainability and great to see our technical advisor Hugh Lewis, and advisory board members Michael Cheng, Nick Shave FRAeS, John Janka all quoted. https://lnkd.in/eWSHmSg8.

The UK Space Agency and New Zealand Space Agency have signed a blueprint for the removal and servicing of operational satellites that are very close together or making contact with one another. Thanks to the UK Space Agency for giving us the opportunity to provide a supporting comment on this important agreement. Full text available below: https://lnkd.in/emJqPKwP

We have announced our Advisory Board! The purpose of the ESSI Advisory Board is to review and advise on the ongoing Space Sustainability Standards Project, which is run by ESSI and has been established with His Majesty’s Government (HMG) support through the UK Space Agency. Thank you to all members for their time and commitment to #spacesustainability Read the full announcement on our website. https://lnkd.in/eap5K_Qq

ESSI director Joanne Wheeler talking today about the importance of space sustainability with Astroscale's Nick Shave and European Space Agency - ESA's Luca del Monte at the Cluttered & Congested Space Talks panel in Harwell, sponsored by The Sustainable Markets Initiative. #spacesustainability

ESSI director Joanne Wheeler is speaking today at the Cluttered & Congested Space Talks panel in Harwell, sponsored by The Sustainable Markets Initiative.