Sustainable Biz Magazine - Magazine - Page 40
programme, we have supported an
initiative led by Astroscale and partnered
with OneWeb, to remove a non-operational
telecommunications satellite which may
prove a hazard to future orbital operations
(set for launch in 2026). We are also lead
nation on the important ESA space weather
monitoring mission, Vigil.
Space surveillance and tracking
The UK Space Agency is working
closely with the Ministry of Defence to
develop national space observation and
monitoring capability. Using data from
a network of ground-based sensors, this
will help keep satellites safe from collision,
protect our critical national infrastructure,
and enable our satellite industry to
continue thriving.
Analysts at the UK Space Operations
Centre are already providing observation
and monitoring information to government
users and rolling out a Space Surveillance
& Tracking (SST) service to UK-licenced
satellite operators for the first time this
year under a project called Monitor your
Satellites (MyS). This warns operators of
possible collisions so they can manoeuvre
out of the way if needed. MyS is currently
in the public beta phase, and the service
currently monitors over 90% of satellites
with active licenses in the UK.
Regulation and standards
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Safe, secure and sustainable practices
require an agreed set of rules, regulations
and guidance. These help maximise access
to an environment whilst minimising the
burden placed on it and its users – this is
true for every environmental domain on
earth (maritime, land and air), and applies
equally to space. Novel and innovative
operations that break the traditional
mould of launching into an orbit around
our planet mean we need to evolve our
regulatory environment.
We have recently launched a Consultation
on Orbital Liabilities, Insurance, Charging
and Space Sustainability. This looks at
policy initiatives on liability, insurance
and charging for licence fee applications
which incentivise the adoption of more
sustainable practices. The consultation
also covers actions the UK is taking
on sustainability, as well as looking at
questions on longer-term sustainability
to help inform thinking. This includes
a proposal to develop a longer-term
sustainability roadmap and work to
develop a set of sustainability principles
(the Earth∞Space Sustainability Initiative).
Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer
Space (COPUOS) which decides the
future of global and commercial space
regulation. The UK has an excellent
reputation and plays a strong role at
COPUOS, allowing us to drive forward
the agenda on key issues relating to space
and sustainability. The UK is also funding
a number of initiatives through the UN
Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
to promote understanding and adoption of
the Long-Term Sustainability Guidelines,
as well as wider capacity building on space
regulation.
International cooperation
Contacts
Space is global – there are no borders – so
working together effectively at the national
and international level is crucial to ensure
coherence and alignment.
The primary, multilateral forum for
international engagement is the UN
We love talking about space sustainability.
If you would like to find out more then
please contact us here:
S USTAI N AB L E B I Z MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2023
Conclusion
In the new era of space exploration, the
UK is taking bold steps towards a cleaner,
more sustainable future in space. These
efforts promise a brighter and more secure
space environment for generations to come.
As we journey deeper into the cosmos,
we must all embrace this opportunity for
progress and innovation, ensuring a legacy
of responsible space stewardship that will
benefit future generations.
UK Space Agency:
sustainability@ukspaceagency.gov.uk