// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Space Sustainability
Practices and policies aimed at ensuring the long-term viability and accessibility of outer space for future generations, primarily by mitigating space debris and preventing harmful interference.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Space sustainability refers to the responsible management of the space environment to ensure its long-term accessibility and usability, focusing on mitigating orbital debris, preventing harmful interference, promoting responsible satellite operations, and adhering to international guidelines for the benefit of current and future space activities.
BACKGROUND
Space sustainability aims to maintain the safety and health of the space environment, as well as planetary environments. Similar to sustainability initiatives on Earth, space sustainability seeks to use the environment of space to meet the current needs of society without compromising the needs of future generations. It usually focuses on space closest to Earth, Low Earth Orbit (LEO), since this environment is the one most used and therefore most relevant to humans. It also considers Geostationary Equatorial Orbit (GEO) as this orbit is another popular choice for Earth-orbiting mission designs.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Orbital sustainability
- space environmentalism
- responsible space use
- debris mitigation
USAGE NOTE
Space sustainability is a growing concern due to the increasing number of satellites and space debris.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Space Sustainability.
A leader in on-orbit servicing and space debris removal, developing technologies for end-of-life services, active debris removal, and in-orbit inspection.
Developing technology for active debris removal, notably partnering with ESA for the ClearSpace-1 mission to deorbit a Vega Secondary Payload Adapter.
Known for its Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV) program, which provides satellite life extension services by docking with existing satellites and providing propulsion and attitude control.
Provides commercial space domain awareness (SDA) and space traffic management services using a global network of radars, enabling collision avoidance and monitoring of space debris.
Offers advanced space domain awareness and space traffic coordination solutions through its Slingshot Beacon and Slingshot Orbital products, enhancing safety and sustainability in orbit.
Specializes in space logistics, providing in-orbit transportation, last-mile delivery, and end-of-life solutions, including deorbiting services, to enhance sustainable space operations.
Developing a network of 'gas stations in space' to provide on-orbit refueling services for satellites, extending their operational life and reducing the need for replacement launches.
ESA's dedicated initiative focused on developing technologies to reduce the environmental impact of space activities, including debris removal, eco-design, and in-orbit servicing.