NASA Making Strides towards Space Sustainability Strategy

NASA's progressing implementation of its space sustainability strategy, as reported by Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy at the Secure World Foundation's Summit for Space Sustainability in Tokyo. The strategy, announced in April, focuses on understanding and mitigating risks associated with debris in Earth orbit. One key aspect is the development of a widely accepted framework for assessing space sustainability, with a draft expected in November. NASA has also been analyzing uncertainties in collision risk assessments, seeking input from its workforce on making missions more sustainable, and conducting an economic analysis of debris tracking remediation.

While completion of the framework and analysis of uncertainties are prerequisites before investing in debris removal technologies, NASA's broader technology shortfall analysis along with early-stage orbital debris management, enhanced space situation awareness and traffic coordination, and environmental understanding will shape investment decisions. Additionally, NASA plans to facilitate technology transfer to other users, emphasizing the importance of having transition partners to maximize utility.

International and interagency coordination are crucial to meet the strategy's goals, and the search for a director of space sustainability is underway. In the interim, NASA's Trudy Kortes from the Space Technology Mission Directorate will assume the role. NASA has started working on the second volume of the strategy, dedicated to cislunar space, recognizing the challenges in understanding the relatively unexplored region. Connections also exist between NASA's space sustainability efforts and the provisions of the Artemis Accords, particularly regarding orbital debris mitigation and deconfliction of space activities.

The ongoing progress reflects NASA's commitment to proactively addressing the growing risks in Earth orbit, fostering coordination among international partners, and ensuring long-term sustainability in space.