Inmarsat issues the action plan that calls for reducing anti-satellite missile tests, reducing orbital collisions, adopting new technical standards, implementing kitemarks, and evaluating mega-constellations for their potential economic benefits and sustainability obligations.
Global leader in mobile satellite communications, Inmarsat, has today released a comprehensive report on space sustainability that urges industry players, national governments, and regulators to work together to reduce space debris, improve safety, and better control the growth of mega constellations in low Earth orbit (LEO). The report, which was created in collaboration with the research firm AstroAnalytica, includes thorough suggestions for proposed standards to enhance space operations. In order to improve the disposal of end-of-life satellites, reduce anti-satellite missile testing, prevent orbital collisions, introduce points-based penalties to increase sustainability among satellite operators, and address monopolistic practices among new industry entrants or governments are a few of these measures.
Rajeev Suri, Chief Executive of Inmarsat, said: “The time has come to address sustainability in space with a coherent plan to address the growing problem of debris, satellite congestion and the absence of agreed international standards in our industry.” “We need a new mindset and a new approach to environmentalism in space, which will become increasingly important amid industry plans for a massive increase in satellite launches into Low Earth Orbit that will increase the risk of collisions and potential atmospheric contamination.”
Mr. Suri identified three key areas for focus on sustainability in his report introduction:
- To address the growing threat of catastrophic space debris-related events
- To improve knowledge of and response to environmental risks in space, and to recognize their potential impact on climate change
- To control and stop some commercial and governmental satellite operators’ predatory behavior
Additionally, the issued proposals call for the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to regulate LEO constellations and coordinate technical sustainability standards for satellite launches in addition to its current mandate of managing mobile network spectrum. A points-based punishment system for satellite operators tied to the licensing procedure for future launches and constellation management, including data exchange, is one of the other efforts.
Mr Suri added: “Robust and bold steps are needed to arrest the deteriorating state of the space environment. This report sets out measures and recommendations to ensure that space can be a domain that can sustain commercial, scientific, and national security activities for generations to come.”
References
Sinnatt , J. (2022, June 22). Inmarsat issues far-reaching report to enhance sustainability, reduce satellite debris and strengthen regulation in space. Inmarsat Corporate Website. Retrieved June 30, 2022, from https://www.inmarsat.com/en/news/latest-news/corporate/2022/space-sustainability-report-reduce-debris-strengthen-regulation.html