Space Sustainability Included in G7 Summit Communiqué
Section 41 of the G7 Hiroshima Leaders’ Communiqué expresses the world leaders' commitment to space sustainability. Section 41 represents the G7 leaders’ commitment to promoting the safe and sustainable use of outer space by addressing the challenges posed by space debris.
"Given the stature of the participants and the gravity of the discussions, we are thrilled to observe that space sustainability has a dedicated section (Section 41) in the G7 Hiroshima Leaders’ Communiqué."
Astroscale Statement.
The transformation in awareness of space sustainability over the past decade has been truly remarkable. Space debris, once considered a fringe topic, has now become a key priority for government leadership worldwide, and we applaud this level of support and investment from the Group of Seven.
Space Sustainability Includes Mitigation of Space Debris
Section 41 states:
"We reiterate our commitment to promoting the safe and sustainable use of outer space, given our ever-greater reliance on space systems. Restating the importance of addressing the issues of space debris, we strongly support the implementation of international guidelines adopted at the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space as urgent and necessary. We welcome national efforts to develop further solutions for space debris mitigation and remediation as well as further research and development of orbital debris mitigation and remediation technologies. Furthermore, we commit not to conducting destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite missile testing and encourage others to follow suit in order to ensure the security, stability and sustainability of outer space."
The G7 Summit serves as an annual forum of the highest levels of international leadership, bringing together heads of state from France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada, and the European Union to address the most pressing global challenges affecting the international community.
"Given the stature of the participants and the gravity of the discussions, we are thrilled to observe that space sustainability has a dedicated section (Section 41) in the G7 Hiroshima Leaders’ Communiqué," Astroscale said in a statement posted on its website. "Section 41 represents the G7 leaders’ commitment to promoting the safe and sustainable use of outer space by addressing the challenges posed by space debris."
(Source: White House Communications and Astroscale news release. Image provided by Astroscale)