3S Northumbria highlights its involvement in the AIAA’s Space Sustainability Task Force, which advocates for sustainable practices in outer space and fosters collaboration for the advancement of a circular economy in space.
Recently, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) announced the formation of a Space Sustainability Task Force. This potentially far-reaching venture is looking to not only influence but also actively shape the future of human activity in outer space. 3S Northumbria is excited to be involved in this. Through the task force, we look forward to shaping the stewardship of space for generations to come by promoting the development of a circular economy in space.
This discussion will outline some of the achievements that such a task force could accomplish, as well as some of the challenges that any such venture faces. As human activity in outer space diversifies and grows, the need for broader input from all stakeholders becomes ever more vital.
Enhancing space sustainability through collaborative efforts and advanced surveillance
The mission of the AIAA Space Sustainability Task Force is to ensure the sustainable use of outer space by promoting scientifically informed legislation, incorporating diverse perspectives and knowledge systems, advancing public awareness and leveraging advanced technologies. Clearly, the Space Sustainability Task Force and organisations like it can play a key role in fostering a collaborative outlook on space policy and posit solutions that draw on circular approaches and technologies.
Perhaps of most use, and something that would represent ‘low hanging fruit’ in this field, is the promotion of an evidence-based approach to quantifying the very real risks posed to safe operations in orbit by space debris. Too often, the number of objects is either dramatically overstated or misrepresented in some way. Obtaining a better understanding of the pieces of debris and explaining the ramifications to policymakers and legislators is a crucial first step on the journey to circularity.
The only way to achieve this first step is to truly measure the extent of the problem. Current systems and sensors barely ‘scratch the surface’ as they are not optimised for the actual requirement for space sustainability. We must both increase and diversify our space surveillance and tracking capabilities. Investment to further enhance the current space surveillance network(s) will ensure we can monitor the near-Earth orbits and obtain an accurate understanding of the problem rather than relying upon small data set modelling to perpetuate the ‘myth’ of a space debris apocalypse.
Furthermore, the primary responsibility for space surveillance must be allocated to suitable civil organisations able to support both military and civilian needs. Currently, the role of space surveillance is predominantly carried out by the military, and the sensors employed are optimised for other missions such as missile warning and missile defence, with the primary mission being to protect and defend. Therefore, space sustainability is underfunded, and sensors are unable to meet the needs of the whole space enterprise.
Increased and dedicated space surveillance capabilities will ensure we can accurately map the orbits, creating a ‘space picture’ that will further enhance our understanding of the problem. We will no longer be ‘tilting at windmills!’ Correctly delegated roles and responsibilities across organisations will ensure that funding meets requirements. The sensors optimised for civil requirements of sustainability track and map the ‘background noise’ of space traffic. Sensors optimised for the military ‘protect and defend’ mission will be augmented by civil support, and the military will be able to focus on protecting critical national infrastructure.
Navigating the complex landscape of space governance and sustainability
A crucial area within the scope and objectives of the Space Sustainability Task Force is legislation and policy advocacy. This is an area that has long bedevilled those who have championed the sustainable use of space. Whether perceived or actual, there is an undeniable tension between the need for robust oversight to ensure responsible space activity and the desire of the space industry to be unencumbered by unnecessary and counterproductive interference.
The industrial voice is a powerful one, and promises of economic growth and military dominance are difficult for governments to ignore. Nonetheless, the Space Sustainability Task Force can provide a much-needed counterbalance, providing scientific legitimacy and impartial counsel.
Influencing legislation is not easy, but one thing the Space Sustainability Task Force should be looking to do is to establish itself as a neutral broker for the dissemination of guidelines and best practices to influence behaviour amongst the space community. Whereas Treaties, domestic laws and regulations require time and have numerous processes to be completed, best practices can be identified and published relatively rapidly.
Legal mechanisms are often creatures of compromise, whereas standards and best practices can be presented unvarnished by public opinion, especially when promulgated by a consortium of diverse but expert participants. It is tempting to see laws and treaties as the only lever to pull when looking to influence behaviour. A sustainability task force must be prepared to take the other road and look to shape the legal landscape by informing and influencing behaviours.
A specific area that could be examined as a priority is the question of dark and quiet skies. The congestion of the orbital environment not only poses risks to other space objects but also to those who wish to observe stars from the Earth, be it from those who practice terrestrial astronomy or those for whom the passage of the stars in the night sky is a fundamental part of their culture or beliefs.
The AIAA Space Sustainability Task Force is committed to proactive engagement with indigenous communities to incorporate their voices. We at 3S Northumbria are delighted with this positive step, believing that a diversity of voices is essential when considering the future direction of space governance. The rapid expansion of the space industrial sector can only be a good thing, but harnessing that development in a sustainable and circular direction will ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the benefits of space. The Sustainability Task Force will provide an invaluable forum for developing these ideas.
Additionally, when considering governance mechanisms for outer space, the Space Sustainability Task Force could possibly act as a neutral arbiter, with a willingness to mediate disputes and foster consensus on space regulations based on sustainability and circularity. As human activity increases, the focus of the Task Force may be expanded.
Whilst it is inevitable that the circularity discussions will concentrate on the orbital space around the Earth, the work could be broadened out to include contributing to frameworks for resource extraction (for example, for mining on the Moon or asteroids), ensuring that foundational discussions on these activities are developed equitably and sustainably.
Establishing frameworks for responsible exploration and resource management
Indeed, beyond the Earth system, the Space Sustainability Task Force can provide a vital contribution to the ongoing discussions about how humans should explore outer space and other celestial bodies. The Task Force should look to be a body around which sustainability and circular practices should coalesce.
By advocating for sustainable and circular exploration practices and sensitive exploration of these pristine alien environments, the Space Sustainability Task Force can provide a vital contribution to the underpinnings of an environmental value system for human space exploration.
It is, however, the orbital environment that presents the most immediate area of concern. We have little to no understanding of the ‘carrying capacity’ of Earth’s orbits. The rise of the so-called mega-constellation poses unprecedented challenges to the sustainability of space exploration. The Space Sustainability Task Force addresses this in several ways.
The predominant voice in recent years has been advocating for satellites to be designed to be disposed of via re-entry relatively quickly after the end of their mission. However, recent evidence is showing we may be creating a future environmental catastrophe by polluting the upper atmosphere. Historically, only a few dozen satellites re-enter each year, but in recent years, that has increased to hundreds. As the constellations reach ‘full capacity,’ the replenishment need increases to the point that we have hundreds, if not thousands, of satellites ‘rising to operate’ as hundreds descend to their demise. This has the potential to create a future ozone crisis.
Crucially, the role of public awareness and education is perhaps the most significant way in which sustainability can be embedded within human space activity. Initiatives such as the World Economic Forum’s Space Sustainability Index can help influence not only governments but, crucially, corporations as well. The Space Sustainability Task Force can amplify the concerns regarding the vulnerable space environment and help bring sustainability into the mainstream. The key message is informed decision-making through accurate measurement and understanding.
The role of 3S Northumbria
At 3S Northumbria, we are committed to developing and maintaining a circular economy for outer space activities. This involves looking at all aspects of the industrial supply chain and making a positive economic case for repairing, reusing and recycling expensive space assets. This can be enhanced by the deployment of advanced space surveillance and tracking technology to gather data on the orbital environment. By better understanding the orbital environment, 3S Northumbria can positively contribute to the AIAA Space Sustainability Task Force in promoting circularity and sustainability as a core value underpinning the space industry and human expansion into outer space.
Please note, this article will also appear in the 21st edition of our quarterly publication.
