Tackling Space Congestion and Building a Sustainable Future
Keeping Space Safe, Sustainable, and Open for Business
The space above us is getting busier by the day, and with that comes a mix of exciting opportunities and serious challenges. In this issue of Clear Orbit, we’re looking at some creative ideas—like space tollways—as well as the growing call for better regulations to keep space safe and sustainable. From tackling orbital debris to exploring the potential of orbital data centers, we dive into what it’ll take to manage the rapidly expanding space industry and ensure it thrives responsibly.
Let’s dive in!
In This Issue
Tollways in space: from sci-fi to saving grace
How to Shape a Sustainable Future in Space Through Responsible Action
The future of space: Current trends and need for increased space expertise
Congested Space
Calls for further regulation as space becomes increasingly commercialised
Orbital Debris is Getting Out of Control
A Party for Everyone? Analysing International Efforts in Space Debris Mitigation
Prospects for orbital data centers
Better data, innovation and regulation needed to tackle growing space debris threat
Tollways in space: from sci-fi to saving grace
In her article “Tollways in Space: From Sci-Fi to Saving Grace,” Polina Shtern addresses the escalating issue of space debris and proposes an “Orbital Tollway Framework” as a solution. This framework suggests implementing mandatory fees in congested Low Earth Orbit (LEO) regions, with charges based on a satellite’s mass and operational duration. The collected fees would fund active debris removal (ADR) initiatives, creating a financial incentive for satellite operators to adopt sustainable practices. Shtern emphasizes that this approach requires international cooperation and binding regulations to effectively mitigate the growing risks associated with space debris.
How to Shape a Sustainable Future in Space Through Responsible Action
Building a sustainable space environment requires proactive, voluntary actions from space actors, beyond regulatory compliance according to The World Economic Forum. With space congestion rising, responsible practices such as debris mitigation, adoption of resilient infrastructure, and voluntary sustainability initiatives (like the Space Sustainability Rating) are essential to protect the long-term accessibility of space. Emerging AI-supported platforms can bridge the knowledge gap, enabling faster adoption of sustainable practices. This approach creates a collaborative, innovation-driven environment where space can be preserved as a shared resource for future generations.
The future of space: Current trends and need for increased space expertise
A recent report by AFRY, Sweden’s leading space consultancy, states that the space industry is rapidly transforming, driven by the need for climate monitoring, defense, and critical infrastructure protection. As more satellites are launched, the sector faces challenges like data management and space debris, while security threats such as cyber-attacks and anti-satellite weapons grow. Private and government investments are fueling innovation in satellite technology to address these issues, but international policies and collaborations are essential to ensure safe and sustainable operations in space. Sweden is positioning itself as a key player in this evolving industry, with significant investments in space defense, climate monitoring, and expertise development. Strategic initiatives, like the recent funding allocated to the Swedish Armed Forces, emphasize capabilities in space situational awareness and secure satellite communications. The industry’s path forward will depend on advanced technology, international cooperation, and robust policies, which are critical to achieving both security and sustainability in space.
Congested Space
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlights the escalating congestion in outer space, emphasizing the need for sustainable governance. As of June 2024, over 10,000 satellites orbit Earth, with private companies like SpaceX owning more than half. This surge has led to over 30,000 pieces of space debris, posing risks to both space operations and Earth's ecosystems. Light pollution from satellites is also hindering astronomical observations and affecting cultural practices that value the night sky. The competition for space resources is intensifying, with initiatives like the European Space Agency's exploration of space-based solar power and potential asteroid mining ventures. Developing nations are entering the space arena, exemplified by India's lunar south pole landing and satellite launches by Uganda and Zimbabwe. To ensure space remains a shared and sustainable domain, UNDP advocates for international cooperation and the establishment of regulations that prioritize long-term sustainability.
United Nations Development Programme
Calls for further regulation as space becomes increasingly commercialised
The International Bar Association (IBA) highlights the increasing commercialization of space and the corresponding need for enhanced regulatory frameworks. Historically governed by international treaties from the 1960s, space activities are now seeing significant private sector involvement, necessitating updated domestic laws to manage private enterprises' operations in space. For instance, the United States enacted the Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act in 2015, establishing safety standards and addressing liability concerns. Similarly, Luxembourg has developed a legal framework encompassing laws on the exploitation and use of space resources, as well as general regulations on space activities. These legislative efforts aim to balance the promotion of commercial space ventures with the fulfillment of international obligations and the assurance of safety and accountability in space operations.
Orbital Debris is Getting Out of Control
In 1978, NASA scientists Donald J. Kessler and Burton G. Cour-Palais introduced the Kessler Syndrome, a scenario where the density of objects in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) becomes high enough that collisions between objects could cause a cascade effect, leading to an exponential increase in space debris. Recent events, such as the breakup of the Intelsat 33e satellite, have intensified concerns about this phenomenon. The European Space Agency's Space Debris Office estimates that LEO now contains over 13,000 metric tons of debris, including more than 40,500 objects larger than 10 cm and millions of smaller fragments. This growing accumulation poses significant risks to current and future space missions, highlighting the urgent need for effective debris mitigation strategies to ensure the sustainability of space activities.
A Party for Everyone? Analysing International Efforts in Space Debris Mitigation
The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) has published a report titled "A Party for Everyone? Analysing International Efforts in Space Debris Mitigation," highlighting the growing global focus on addressing space debris and its associated challenges. The report observes that, particularly in the past five years, there has been a notable increase in international initiatives aimed at mitigating space debris risks. These efforts are characterized by the implementation of stricter guidelines, such as reducing the orbital lifetime of defunct spacecraft, enhancing positional accuracy, and improving collision avoidance procedures. However, the report also points out that the effectiveness of these measures is hindered by fragmented frameworks and limited coordination among international stakeholders. To address these issues, the study advocates for a balanced regulatory environment that fosters innovation while ensuring safety. It also emphasizes the importance of shifting the narrative towards a more positive and enabling outlook on space safety and sustainability. Furthermore, the report calls on European stakeholders to seize the opportunity to lead global efforts in promoting space safety and sustainability.
European Space Policy Institute
Prospects for orbital data centers
The article "Prospects for orbital data centers" by Lawrence Furnival, explores the potential of establishing data centers in orbit, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges associated with this concept. A key factor influencing the feasibility of orbital data centers is the cost of launching payloads into space. For instance, if the price of a Falcon 9 launch were reduced from $67 million to $20 million, operating data centers in orbit would become more economically viable. This goal could be further advanced by developing space-optimized data center systems, particularly in areas like shielding and cooling. Additionally, future launch vehicles are expected to offer significantly lower costs per kilogram to low Earth orbit, potentially around 10% of current Falcon 9 rates. The article also discusses the increasing volume of data generated by Earth observation satellites and space telescopes, which necessitates efficient processing solutions. Processing data in orbit could alleviate the challenges associated with transmitting large datasets to Earth, thereby enhancing efficiency. Moreover, the continuous and unregulated nature of solar power in orbit presents a compelling energy source for such data centers, especially considering the power demands of artificial intelligence applications. However, the development of orbital data centers faces challenges, including the need for specialized shielding and cooling systems to operate effectively in the space environment.
Better data, innovation and regulation needed to tackle growing space debris threat
The escalating issue of space debris necessitates enhanced data accuracy, technological innovation, and robust regulatory frameworks. With approximately one million objects between 1 cm and 10 cm orbiting Earth, the risk to satellites and the global economy is significant. The surge in satellite constellations has led to a marked increase in collision avoidance maneuvers, with companies like SpaceX performing thousands annually. Recent fragmentation events, including the breakup of the Intelsat-33e satellite, have exacerbated the situation. Addressing these challenges requires improved sensor capabilities, economic incentives, and the development of new technologies to ensure the safety and sustainability of space operations.
Lastest Videos & Podcasts
In this video, Omar Alayli interviews, Dr. Elena Cirkovic, an expert in space and environmental law, to explore the evolving legal frameworks governing outer space. Dr. Cirkovic discusses the historical roots of space law, emphasizes the critical importance of environmental sustainability, and addresses the urgent challenges posed by orbital debris.
Interesting Posts
In the article “Space Law VII: Orbital Sustainability as a Shared Responsibility,” Dr. Attila Nuray emphasizes the critical need for international cooperation in maintaining the long-term sustainability of Earth’s orbital environment. He discusses the increasing congestion in low Earth orbit due to the proliferation of satellites and space debris, highlighting the potential risks to both current and future space operations. Dr. Nuray advocates for the development and enforcement of comprehensive international legal frameworks that promote responsible behavior among all spacefaring entities. He underscores that ensuring the safety and sustainability of space is a collective responsibility, necessitating collaboration across nations, private companies, and international organizations.
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Until next time!