Humans have been fascinated by space for centuries, and in a world of advanced and rapidly evolving technology, we are able to explore and gather information about space like never before. However, the extent of satellites and explorative vehicles being launched into space have resulted in overwhelming amounts of debris floating in space. 

Extensive space debris is posing significant environmental consequences, including light pollution, and preventing future data collection – data used to inform decisions made to mitigate climate change (1). For example, in 2021, the launch date of the James Webb Space Telescope was delayed two days to avoid a collision with debris upon take-off. These challenges are those which the Space Sustainability Rating (SSR) system aims to address, a collaboration between the World Economic Forum, European Space Agency, and the MIT Media Lab among others. By receiving a certification level, spacecraft operators satellite manufacturers are able to ensure their mission’s sustainability and efforts to mitigate debris and environmental consequences (2). 

Other efforts to ensure environmentally friendly space exploration include incorporating sustainability into the design of the rocket or satellite, such as NASA’s Green Propellant Infusion Mission (GPIM) which seeks to improve the efficiency of rocket propulsion, as well as mitigating the need for toxic fuel hydrazine, optimizing the safety of space travel (3). With recent advances and evolving technology, space travel has the potential to greatly increase sustainability, however it will take continued innovation, redesigning, and an industry-wide eco-friendly mindset to put this goal into positive, and active practice.

Sources

1.United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs

https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/benefits-of-space/environment.html

2.World Economic Forum

https://www.weforum.org/impact/world-s-first-space-sustainability-rating-launched/

3.NASA

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/tdm/green/index.html