Need for Space Sustainability
Recently, the UK Space Agency and the Secure World Foundation organized a summit for Space Sustainability.
The Secure World Foundation is a private organization promoting the collaborative and peaceful use of outer space.
Space sustainability refers to the ability of all of humanity to continue to use outer space for peaceful purposes and for socio-economic benefits.
This includes meeting the needs of present generations while preserving outer space for future generations.
Why is space sustainability needed?
- An increase in the number of satellite launches over the next decade will lead to increased orbit congestion and the risk of collisions. This risk can be reduced through sustainability.
- There has been an increase in space missions due to the entry of private space organizations (SpaceX, Blue Origin etc.).
- Anti-Satellite Weapon (ASAT) tests are being demonstrated.
Initiatives for sustainable use of outer space
- In the year 2019, the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOs) adopted voluntary and non-binding guidelines. These guidelines are aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of outer space activities.
- The United Kingdom plans ‘Astro Carta’ based on the Artemis Accords for sustainable space exploration. The Artemis Accord is a NASA-led global agreement for exploration of lunar exploration and beyond.
- The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has launched ‘Project Netra’ to monitor space debris to protect its space assets. ISRO is also developing SPADEX to provide service in space orbit.
Source – The Hindu
