Society’s dependence on space infrastructure has become increasingly crucial, as public and private actors around the world prepare to launch tens of thousands of satellites into Earth’s orbit over the next five years. This will greatly expand and enrich the use of space resources, but will also result in a more crowded orbit, with increased risks of damage from satellite collisions and space debris. As concerns continue to grow and satellite launches multiply, the long-term sustainability of space-based infrastructure on orbit and beyond is poised to emerge as an increasingly important space policy issue in the 21st century.
The growing socio-economic dependence of modern societies on space assets, and the general threats posed by debris, are the focus of this publication. Drawing on new academic research developed especially for the OECD project on the economics of space sustainability, the publication provides fresh insights into the value of space-based infrastructure and the potential costs generated by space debris.
The potential consequences of a satellite collision are significant and far-reaching, ranging from the loss of critical space assets to the production of more debris. Space debris is a significant challenge that needs to be addressed to ensure the long-term sustainability of space-based infrastructure. The amount of debris in space is increasing, which leads to the risk of collisions and ultimately contributes to the creation of even more debris, potentially rendering entire orbits unusable for space activities.
In addition, the increased availability of space-based infrastructure has led to a greater reliance on the services they provide, which increases the risks associated with a loss of service or a prolonged outage. This dependence on space infrastructure extends beyond basic communication and navigation services to include services such as weather forecasting, military intelligence, and emergency response capabilities. The potential loss of these services due to a satellite collision or debris impact could have significant economic, social, and security consequences.
Therefore, it is essential to develop sustainable policies and practices that ensure the long-term health of space-based infrastructure. This requires a multi-stakeholder approach, with international cooperation and coordination to develop guidelines and best practices for satellite launches and debris mitigation. Additionally, investments in research and development are necessary to advance technology and develop new techniques for managing debris and preventing collisions.
In conclusion, the proliferation of satellites in Earth’s orbit represents a significant opportunity for expanding the use of space resources, but it also poses significant risks to the long-term sustainability of space-based infrastructure. It is essential for policymakers to take a proactive approach to address the challenges posed by debris and satellite collisions, and to develop sustainable policies and practices that ensure the continued health of space-based infrastructure for generations to come.