The term 'space sustainability' has dramatically risen to prominence in recent years as the world becomes more dependent on satellite technology for various purposes, including but not limited to communication, weather prediction, and navigation.
In the article The Imperative of Space Sustainability: Safeguarding Our Extra-Terrestrial Environment posted on New space Economy, the importance of the responsible use of outer space to ensure future generations can similarly benefit from it is discussed.
Space debris, described as defunct satellites, used rocket stages, and fragments from disintegration, erosion, and collisions, is one of the most serious issues underpinning the discourse on space sustainability, New Space Economy writes. These concerns have led organizations such as the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and others to formulate guidelines to promote longevity in outer space activities, writes New Space Economy.
The article emphasizes the necessity of advanced technology in mitigating existing risks and promoting sustainable practices for space use. Innovations in spacecraft design, propulsion and collision avoidance systems, as well as in the improvement of debris monitoring and removal techniques, are fundamental toward this goal. International cooperation and public engagement also play crucial roles in ensuring a sustainable outer space environment.
New Space Economy underscores that initiatives such as the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) and the UN’s Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), nations are coming together to address these challenges, underscoring that space sustainability is a shared responsibility.
The article underlines that the path toward a sustainable outer space is complex and requires the collective commitment of all parties involved in space activities. By fostering international cooperation, advancing technology, and promoting responsible behaviors, we can safeguard outer space as a valuable and accessible frontier for future endeavors.
Emphasizing space sustainability as a moral responsibility, the article concludes with the notion that initiatives like those from UNOOSA, along with the ongoing efforts of the global community, are critical in navigating space activities towards a sustainable future.
Our thanks to New Space Economy for reminding us that space, the great final frontier, should not be our next junkyard. Stay updated on pertinent topics like these with their weekly newsletter.
Maverick is the call sign of Mobile Gnosis publisher and editor-in-chief, Matt De Reno. Have a tip, story idea, or news item to share? You can send him an email at