ZERO DEBRIS CHARTER

Source: ESA

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Context

• Twelve nations have signed the Zero Debris Charter at the ESA/EU Space Council, solidifying their commitment to the long-term sustainability of human activities in Earth orbit.
• In addition to the 12 countries, the European Space Agency also signed the Zero Debris Charter as an International Organisation (IGO).

Details

• The Zero Debris Charter is a significant initiative aimed at mitigating space debris to ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities.
• It was formally introduced at the ESA Space Summit in Seville in November 2023.

Key Objectives

• Debris Neutrality by 2030:The Charter commits signatories to achieve a state of zero debris, meaning no new space debris will be created, and efforts will be made to remove existing debris.
• International Collaboration:The initiative promotes global cooperation among space-faring nations and organizations to collectively address the issue of space debris.

Signatories

• Countries:Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
• Organizations:Over 100 organizations, including national space agencies, satellite manufacturers, space startups, and astronomical societies, have pledged to support the Charter.

Importance of the Charter

• Leadership in Space Sustainability:Positions Europe as a leader in space sustainability efforts.
• Mitigation and Remediation:Encourages the development and implementation of technologies to prevent the creation of new debris and to remove existing debris.
• Risk Reduction:Aims to reduce the hazards posed by space debris to operational satellites and astronauts.

Challenges Addressed

• Exponential Growth of Debris:ESA estimates over one million pieces of debris larger than one cm are in Earth orbit, each capable of causing significant damage.
• Potential Hazards:Without intervention, the increasing debris population could make some orbits unusable.

ESA’s Role

• Space Safety Programme:ESA’s internal initiative focuses on revising space debris mitigation requirements.
• Facilitation and Coordination:ESA’s ‘Protection of Space Assets’ Accelerator played a crucial role in developing the Charter.

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Space Debris

Sources:

ESA

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.  The Zero Debris Charter represents a proactive step towards ensuring the sustainability of space activities by preventing the creation of new debris and promoting the removal of existing debris. Comment. (250 Words)