The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched a powerful initiative aimed at tackling the mounting issue of space debris. Through various missions, partnerships, and its Zero Debris Charter, ESA aims to lead a global movement toward more sustainable practices in space operations. With over 100 entities on board, ESA’s latest strategies include in-orbit servicing and international collaboration to mitigate the risks of space junk.
ESA’s Zero Debris Charter
Space debris poses a substantial threat to both current and future space operations, from satellite functionality to human spaceflight. ESA’s Zero Debris Charter, introduced in 2023, encourages countries and companies worldwide to reduce debris, with a goal of eliminating new debris by 2030. ESA has received signatories from 110 countries, including entities like Amazon, which is developing the Kuiper satellite constellation. The agency has held ongoing discussions with SpaceX, whose Starlink satellites make up roughly two-thirds of active satellites in low-Earth orbit.
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This non-binding yet moral commitment has also resonated with countries beyond Europe. New Zealand and Mexico joined the charter at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan, Italy, marking the first signatories from outside Europe. Iain Cossar, head of the New Zealand Space Agency, stated, “We place a lot of importance on space sustainability in New Zealand, and ESA’s Zero Debris Charter aligns well with our values.”
Europe’s Bold Step in In-Orbit Servicing
ESA’s newest venture, the RISE mission (Research in Space Environment), represents a major advance in the agency’s space sustainability strategy. RISE, set to launch in 2028, will showcase Europe’s capability to conduct in-orbit servicing, particularly by docking with and extending the life of geostationary satellites. This €119 million collaboration with the Italian firm D-Orbit will aim to keep satellites operational, avoiding disposal and reducing debris.
As part of RISE, a specially designed satellite will dock with inactive or ailing satellites to perform repairs and help reposition them. “Extending the lifetime of satellites lets space operators generate more data and revenue from existing assets,” explained Josef Aschbacher, ESA’s Director-General. D-Orbit will continue to operate the satellite commercially after RISE completes its demonstration.
Tackling Space Junk: What’s at Stake?
Space debris has grown to critical levels, threatening satellites and human missions. According to Harvard astronomer Jonathan McDowell, roughly 18,897 pieces of trackable space junk currently orbit Earth. But it’s not just large objects posing a problem—ESA estimates that over one million pieces of debris, even as small as 1 centimeter, are circulating in orbit. ESA’s Zero Debris Charter emphasizes the need for cooperation to avoid creating additional debris and encourage timely disposal of inactive satellites.
Yet, there are few international laws specifically targeting space debris, making cooperation and voluntary commitments essential. “This is a charter that keeps evolving,” said Aschbacher, highlighting ESA’s role in bringing nations together. While ESA lacks regulatory power, Aschbacher is hopeful that the agency’s leadership will inspire lasting global change.
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ESA’s efforts to address space debris extend beyond RISE and the Zero Debris Charter. The agency envisions a future where in-orbit servicing is common practice. This could include refueling, refurbishing, and even recycling spacecraft, fostering a circular economy in space. “We want to move away from single-use, disposable satellites and instead… start extending satellites’ lifetime and service them right where they are, in orbit around Earth,” said Andrew Wolahan, ESA’s RISE Project Manager.