From Guest Blogger Lillian Connor – Sustainability in Space: A Business and Economic Imperative
Just as sustainability efforts on Earth aim to balance present needs with future generations’ well-being, space sustainability seeks to utilize the space environment to meet the current demands of society without compromising the needs of future generations.
As human activities in space expand, from satellite deployments to the prospect of colonizing other celestial bodies, the need for environmentally conscious practices in space exploration and utilization has become increasingly apparent.
Private Sector: A Catalyst for Space Sustainability
Governments around the world continue to recognize the importance of space missions and their impact on the global economy and scientific progress. They actively set national priorities and strategies, allocating public funds to support space exploration and research.
However, what sets the current era apart is the remarkable surge of an energized private sector in the space industry. Entrepreneurs, private finance and insurance organizations, and other stakeholders are driving unprecedented innovation and diversity in the space domain.
While governments will continue to be key drivers of space sustainability, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant role the private sector plays in shaping the future of space exploration. The private sector’s agility, flexibility, and entrepreneurial spirit bring forth fresh perspectives and approaches, accelerating the progress of sustainable practices in space.
This collaboration between governments and the private sector holds the potential to unlock new horizons and ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for humanity’s space endeavors.
Embracing Diversity and Cost Control
While competition is an inherent aspect of the space market, the magnitude of challenges necessitates embracing diversity as a strength. Initially focused on enhancing space safety, this diversity will pave the way for a broader range of commercial services, forming the foundation for the anticipated growth in the space economy.
Cost control remains a primary objective for space operators, prompting their interest in understanding potential collision risks and the behavior of specific objects in space to avoid such incidents.
It is crucial to remember that fuel is a valuable resource in space, and any maneuvers come at a significant operational and mission cost. The hypothetical lunar mining company estimated fuel costs at $500 per kilogram, resulting in a total refueling cost of $37.51 million, inclusive of launch and fuel expenses. Consequently, the researchers concluded that refueling the OD is more cost-effective when done from the Moon rather than from Earth.
Smart Management of Resources
Managers in the space business sector bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table when it comes to resource conservation. They recognize the importance of integrating sustainability and circular economy principles into space exploration and utilization.
As this master in space entrepreneurship teaches, a comprehensive understanding of the space industry’s context and challenges is needed to gain the necessary background, entrepreneurial skills, and networking opportunities to launch or expand their companies in the space industry.
This means getting insights into building a robust and sustainable business model, securing funding, and navigating the journey from startup to scale-up and maturity stages, too.
Moreover, managers in the space business sector understand the economic benefits of sustainability. By controlling costs and optimizing resource utilization, they can enhance operational efficiency and profitability. They recognize that sustainable practices not only contribute to the preservation of the space environment but also ensure the long-term viability and economic growth of the space industry.
Mitigating Space Debris: Strategies for a Safer Cosmos
Addressing the pressing issue of space debris requires a comprehensive toolkit comprising crucial measures and strategies. Firstly, avoiding the creation of new debris through advanced technologies like protective mesh and maneuverable propulsion systems is essential. The Space Sustainability Rating (SSR) tool enables operators to assess collision avoidance processes and data-sharing practices.
Improving space situational awareness is vital, given the limited capability to detect and track space objects accurately. Leveraging the commercial sector’s innovative solutions can significantly enhance situational awareness.
Establishing space traffic coordination and management guidelines is urgently needed, akin to rules of the road for terrestrial transportation. The private sector can contribute practical ideas and best practices to shape future international policies and laws.
Active debris removal missions, funded by entities like the European Space Agency (ESA) and Japan, offer promising solutions. However, technical feasibility and legal/policy challenges regarding authority and protocols remain.
Key Takeaways
In an era where environmental concerns and sustainable practices have become critical on Earth, extending the principles of sustainability beyond our planet has emerged as a new imperative: sustainability in space.
Collaboration between the public and private sectors is crucial to ensure a safer and more sustainable space environment. By adopting environmentally conscious practices, space agencies, private companies, and entrepreneurs can not only mitigate their ecological impact but also unlock economic opportunities and enhance the long-term viability of their ventures.
Embracing sustainable technologies, resource management, principles of circular economy, and waste reduction strategies will pave the way for the development of a truly sustainable space economy that benefits both humanity and the cosmos.
