Zero Debris Charter Signed by Astroscale
Will Support Responsible Operations in Space
The Zero Debris Charter, established by a community of proactive space sustainability advocates working together towards ambitious and measurable targets for 2030, has been signed by Astroscale. The company was one of over 40 organizations actively engaged in developing the Charter, which contains high-level guiding principles and specific, jointly defined targets to achieve zero debris by 2030.
“Sustainability is at the heart of Astroscale’s vision and mission. Every innovation we develop is for the protection of the space environment to ensure that future generations can continue to utilize and explore space.”
Nick Shave, Astroscale
In a statement, Astroscale said it supports the Charter’s guiding principles and collaborative approach to achieving these targets within our abilities and constraints, including minimizing the unintentional generation of space debris and preventing the intentional release of debris during space activities. We commend the recognition of the importance of identifying a suitable aggregate probability threshold for space debris generation and casualty risk for constellations in low Earth orbit.
In the statement, Astroscale acknowledges the challenges to the progressive achievement of the targets by 2030. "We subscribe to the idea that no technical requirements are imposed or created based on an interpretation of the Charter, which is intended as technology neutral. We should, however, continue to encourage the development and adoption of relevant technologies and performance indicators that contribute to the achievement of the targets, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, as highlighted in the Charter," the statement says.
“We are very pleased to sign the Zero Debris Charter, which represents a major step towards achieving a safe and sustainable space environment,” said Nick Shave, Managing Director of Astroscale UK who signed on behalf of the company. “Sustainability is at the heart of Astroscale’s vision and mission. Every innovation we develop is for the protection of the space environment to ensure that future generations can continue to utilize and explore space. Working collaboratively with other organizations in the global space ecosystem is essential for this future vision to remain possible. We hope the Charter will help in shaping the essential global consensus that is needed on space sustainability.”