As a 2023 Diverse Dozen member, Pablo Carlos Budassi delivered a message advocating for space sustainability during his talk at the Ascend Space event in Las Vegas on October 24, 2023. On this page, we will present our analysis of the situation, including a comprehensive master diagram depicting sustainability issues under consideration during the 2020s decade:
As we venture beyond Earth’s orbit and set our sights on celestial neighbors, responsible exploration becomes the only acceptable modus operandi. Lunar exploration must be conducted in a collaborative and respectful manner to prevent the creation of another landscape spoiled by orbital congestion and debris.
While sustainable space mining may be theoretically achievable, we should refrain from altering the trajectories of asteroids for any purpose to ensure the safety of Earth and other celestial bodies from unintended anthropogenic-caused impacts. Exploring other worlds that we believe could potentially harbor extraterrestrial life also necessitates the utmost caution on our part.
Shared human existence can be conceived as a cosmic symphony. We must not lose sight of our interconnectedness with the universe. Our actions resonate far beyond our planet. While for the moment all decisions are being made from Earth’s surface, our ethical footprint is boundless.
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Overview of the key space sustainability issues being considered in the 2020s decade. In the upper left corner, an axonometric view displays various Earth orbits, illustrating space debris and active satellites. The diagram includes a separate sheet for each orbit type, detailing the height, typical speed of objects, the number of active satellites, and essential sustainable practices for damage prevention and mitigation. To the right, a diagram displays Low Earth Orbit’s debris density, and notable active satellites by height. At the bottom, the graphic enumerates crucial points for the sustainable utilization of space across diverse celestial bodies, such as Earth, the Moon, Mars, the asteroid belt, and other sensitive celestial bodies within our solar system.
Text transcript from the graphic:
. far future problem
. service for extending life is needed
. not an urgent priority
. large rocket body
. almost null risk of collision
. very few satellites and debris
. multi-orbit constellations will start using it with no regulation
. few active satellites here due to charged particles risk
. also used as a graveyard orbit
. needs urgent protection
10km: aircraft
. The unequal distribution of benefits from space activities can exacerbate social and economic inequalities among different populations and nations.
Space Sustainability challenges in other celestial bodies:
. New regulation for responsible practices on Lunar exploration is needed.
Mars:
. Altering the trajectory of an asteroid, even for scientific research, could potentially lead to unintended consequences including a new path that intersects with Earth or other celestial bodies.
.For both landers and orbiters, spacecraft trajectories should be designed so that if communications are lost, they will miss the target to prevent unintended impacts.