Latest news with #UnitedNationsCommitteeonthePeacefulUsesofOuterSpace
Time of India
6 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Space debris and sustainability: Challenges and opportunities for satcom industry
In the vast expanse of space, an escalating challenge poses a significant threat to our space activities and the future of space exploration - space debris , also known as "space junk." As the satellite industry increasingly relies on space-based infrastructure, understanding and addressing the issue of space debris and space sustainability has become crucial for regulators and industry leaders in our nation. Space debris encompasses various defunct human-made objects orbiting Earth, such spent as rocket stages, nonfunctional satellites, and fragments resulting from collisions or explosions. The increasing volume of these debris objects jeopardizes the operations of functional satellites, ongoing space missions, and the long-term viability of space activities that many sectors, including satellite, depend on. With the satellite industry launching numerous satellites to expand global connectivity and services, the risk of collisions with space debris grows, potentially disrupting vital communication networks and services. International Initiatives for Mitigation and Sustainability Recognizing the global nature of the space debris issue, numerous international efforts have been undertaken to mitigate its impacts and promote space sustainability. For instance, the European Union's Draft International Code of Conduct on Outer Space Activities establishes voluntary guidelines and norms to encourage responsible behaviour in space. The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) Long-Term Sustainability Working Group has been working diligently to develop recommendations for the long-term sustainable use of outer space. Additionally, the UN Group of Governmental Experts on Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures (TCBMs) aims to enhance cooperation and reduce conflict risks in space, which indirectly contributes to addressing the space debris problem by fostering a more stable and secure space environment. The United States has also been proactive in this area with its National Orbital Debris Mitigation Plan, 2022. This plan outlines 44 actions across three pillars: debris mitigation, tracking and characterization, and debris remediation. By coordinating interagency efforts, the US seeks to enhance space safety and sustainability, setting an example for other nations to follow in developing their own strategies to combat space debris. The Impact of Rocket Emissions and Re-entries As planned large satellite constellations come to fruition, rocket launches and re-entries are expected to increase significantly. The particulate from emissions these activities could potentially reach levels comparable to natural meteoritic flux by 2040. These emissions have the potential to influence atmospheric phenomena such as the polar vortex and ozone concentration. Notably, low-latitude re-entries tend to have more pronounced climate impacts. For the satellite industry, which relies on the stability of the space environment for its satellite operations, these atmospheric changes could indirectly affect the performance and reliability of space-based communication systems, underscoring the need for careful consideration of rocket emissions and re-entry management. The Role of NGSO Operators in the Space EcosystemNon-Geostationary Orbit ( NGSO ) operators, which deploy large constellations of satellites in low Earth orbit, play a pivotal role in the space ecosystem. They contribute significantly to global connectivity and services, driving the expansion of the satellite industry's reach and capabilities. However, their extensive satellite deployments also increase the risk of collisions and debris generation. Therefore, NGSO operators must adhere strictly to debris mitigation guidelines and actively participate in space traffic management and sustainability initiatives. By doing so, they can minimize their environmental footprint in space and ensure the operational safety of their satellites and those of other operators, thereby safeguarding the satellite industry's investments in space infrastructure. The Expanding Commercial Space Sector and Sustainability ServicesThe commercial space sector is experiencing rapid growth, driving innovation but also leading to increased congestion in orbits. This presents both challenges and opportunities for the satellite industry. On one hand, the growing number of satellites and space objects complicates the space environment, raising concerns about potential disruptions to satellite services. On the other hand, commercial services aimed at space sustainability, such as debris removal technologies and space situational awareness, are emerging as vital components of the space economy. For satellite companies, investing in or partnering with providers of these sustainability services could offer a strategic advantage, ensuring the long-term reliability of their space-based assets and potentially reducing operational risks associated with space debris. Effective governance and collaboration between the public and private sectors are indispensable in creating a safe, accessible, and self-sustaining space economy that benefits humanity, including the satellite industry. Regulators have a crucial role to play in establishing clear policies and frameworks that encourage sustainable space practices while fostering innovation and competition. Industry leaders, in turn, must embrace their responsibility to operate in an environmentally conscious manner in space, recognizing that the sustainability of space is intrinsically linked to the sustainability of their business operations. India's Potential Role in Global Space SustainabilityIndia, with its growing space capabilities and diplomatic influence, is well-positioned to enhance its role in global space sustainability. By actively engaging in international forums such as United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS), the Group of Governmental Experts, and the development of international codes of conduct, India can contribute to shaping norms and governance frameworks that ensure a sustainable and secure space environment for all. Developing and implementing national debris mitigation policies aligned with global best practices would demonstrate India's commitment to responsible space behaviour and provide a foundation for domestic space activities, including those in the satellite sector. Investing in indigenous technologies for debris tracking, removal, and sustainable satellite design can bolster India's technological prowess in space and offer opportunities for the satellite industry to access cutting-edge solutions tailored to their needs. Furthermore, collaborating with commercial and academic sectors to innovate in space sustainability services can foster a robust ecosystem that supports the satellite industry's goals while addressing space debris challenges. Promoting multilateral cooperation that balances India's strategic interests with global space security and sustainability goals will enable India to be a key player in the international space arena, safeguarding the interests of its satellite industry and other space-dependent sectors. In, conclusion space debris and space sustainability are critical issues that demand the attention and action by our satellite industry leaders, regulators, and policymakers. By understanding the challenges posed by space debris, engaging with international initiatives, adopting best practices in debris mitigation, and investing in sustainability technologies and services, India's satellite sector can play a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term viability of space-based communication services. Embracing a sustainable approach to space activities will not only protect the industry's investments but also contribute to the broader goal of preserving space as a valuable and accessible resource for generations to come. (DISCLAIMER: Views expressed are the author's own.)
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Right now, space law doesn't protect historical sites, mining operations and bases on the Moon – a space lawyer describes a framework that could
April 2025 was a busy month for space. Pop icon Katy Perry joined five other civilian women on a quick jaunt to the edge of space, making headlines. Meanwhile, another group of people at the United Nations was contemplating a critical issue for the future of space exploration: the discovery, extraction and utilization of natural resources on the Moon. At the end of April, a dedicated Working Group of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space released a draft set of recommended principles for space resource activities. Essentially, these are rules to govern mining on the Moon, asteroids and elsewhere in space for elements that are rare here on Earth. As a space lawyer and co-founder of For All Moonkind, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting human heritage in outer space, I know that the Moon could be the proving ground for humanity's evolution into a species that lives and thrives on more than one planet. However, this new frontier raises complex legal questions. Outer space – including the Moon – from a legal perspective, is a unique domain without direct terrestrial equivalent. It is not, like the high seas, the 'common heritage of humankind,' nor is it an area, like Antarctica, where commercial mining is prohibited. Instead, the 1967 Outer Space Treaty – signed by more than 115 nations, including China, Russia and the United States – establishes that the exploration and use of space are the 'province of all humankind.' That means no country may claim territory in outer space, and all have the right to access all areas of the Moon and other celestial bodies freely. The fact that, pursuant to Article II of the treaty, a country cannot claim territory in outer space, known as the nonappropriation principle, suggests to some that property ownership in space is forbidden. Can this be true? If your grandchildren move to Mars, will they never own a home? How can a company protect its investment in a lunar mine if it must be freely accessible by all? What happens, as it inevitably will, when two rovers race to a particular area on the lunar surface known to host valuable water ice? Does the winner take all? As it turns out, the Outer Space Treaty does offer some wiggle room. Article IX requires countries to show 'due regard' for the corresponding interests of others. It is a legally vague standard, although the Permanent Court of Arbitration has suggested that due regard means simply paying attention to what's reasonable under the circumstances. The treaty's broad language encourages a race to the Moon. The first entity to any spot will have a unilateral opportunity to determine what's legally 'reasonable.' For example, creating an overly large buffer zone around equipment might be justified to mitigate potential damage from lunar dust. On top of that, Article XII of the Outer Space Treaty assumes that there will be installations, like bases or mining operations, on the Moon. Contrary to the free access principle, the treaty suggests that access to these may be blocked unless the owner grants permission to enter. Both of these paths within the treaty would allow the first person to make it to their desired spot on the Moon to keep others out. The U.N. principles in their current form don't address these loopholes. The draft U.N. principles released in April mirror, and are confined by, the language of the Outer Space Treaty. This tension between free access and the need to protect – most easily by forbidding access – remains unresolved. And the clock is ticking. The U.S. Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon by 2028, China has plans for human return by 2030, and in the intervening years, more than 100 robotic missions are planned by countries and private industry alike. For the most part, these missions are all headed to the same sweet spot: the lunar south pole. Here, peaks of eternal light and deep craters containing water ice promise the best mining, science and research opportunities. In this excitement, it's easy to forget that humans already have a deep history of lunar exploration. Scattered on the lunar surface are artifacts displaying humanity's technological progress. After centuries of gazing at our closest celestial neighbor with fascination, in 1959 the Soviet spacecraft, Luna 2, became the first human-made object to impact another celestial body. Ten years later, two humans, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, became the first ever to set foot upon another celestial body. More recently, in 2019, China's Chang'e 4 achieved the first soft landing on the Moon's far side. And in 2023, India's Chandrayaan-3 became the first to land successfully near the lunar south pole. These sites memorialize humanity's baby steps off our home planet and easily meet the United Nations definition of terrestrial heritage, as they are so 'exceptional as to transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future generations of all humanity.' The international community works to protect such sites on Earth, but those protection protocols do not extend to outer space. The more than 115 other sites on the Moon that bear evidence of human activity are frozen in time without degradation from weather, animal or human activity. But this could change. A single errant spacecraft or rover could kick up abrasive lunar dust, erasing bootprints or damaging artifacts. In 2011, NASA recommended establishing buffer, or safety zones, of up to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) to protect certain sites with U.S. artifacts. Because it understood that outright exclusion violates the Outer Space Treaty, NASA issued these recommendations as voluntary guidelines. Nevertheless, the safety zone concept, essentially managing access to and activities around specific areas, could be a practical tool for protecting heritage sites. They could act as a starting point to find a balance between protection and access. One hundred and ninety-six nations have agreed, through the 1972 World Heritage Convention, on the importance of recognizing and protecting cultural heritage of universal value found here on Earth. Building on this agreement, the international community could require specific access protocols — such as a permitting process, activity restrictions, shared access rules, monitoring and other controls — for heritage sites on the Moon. If accepted, these protective measures for heritage sites could also work as a template for scientific and operational sites. This would create a consistent framework that avoids the perception of claiming territory. At this time, the draft U.N. principles released in April 2025 do not directly address the opposing concepts of access and protection. Instead, they defer to Article I of the Outer Space Treaty and reaffirm that everyone has free access to all areas of the Moon and other celestial bodies. As more countries and companies compete to reach the Moon, a clear lunar legal framework can guide them to avoid conflicts and preserve historical sites. The draft U.N. principles show that the international community is ready to explore what this framework could look like. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Michelle L.D. Hanlon, University of Mississippi Read more: Space law hasn't been changed since 1967 – but the UN aims to update laws and keep space peaceful Property and sovereignty in space − as countries and companies take to the stars, they could run into disputes Back to the Moon: A space lawyer and planetary scientist on what it will take to share the benefits of new lunar exploration – podcast Michelle L.D. Hanlon is affiliated with For All Moonkind, a not-for-profit organization committed to protecting human cultural heritage in outer space starting with the Apollo lunar landing sites.
