WASHINGTON - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced it has released the first part of its integrated Space Sustainability Strategy which aims to address a rapidly changing space operating environment and ensure its preservation for generations to come.
NASA is taking proactive steps to ensure responsible and sustainable practices in the cosmos. Various divisions within the agency have developed tools and technologies widely adopted by global operators. Now, NASA aims to streamline these efforts with a comprehensive strategy, consolidating resources to address critical challenges.
As part of this strategy, NASA will appoint a new director of space sustainability to oversee coordination across the agency. The initiative emphasizes global leadership in space sustainability, promoting equitable access to space and ensuring that NASA's missions contribute positively to sustainability goals.
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The evolving landscape of space includes a surge in commercial capabilities, many of which have been nurtured by NASA. However, this growth has brought about challenges such as increased congestion and debris in Earth's orbit. Understanding these risks and benefits is crucial for long-term sustainability.
Developed with input from a cross-agency advisory board, NASA's space sustainability strategy focuses on measuring and assessing sustainability, identifying cost-effective solutions, promoting sustainable practices, and facilitating information exchange within the global space community.
The strategy identifies four operational domains: Earth, Earth orbit, cislunar space (the area around the Moon), and deep space. Initial efforts will concentrate on sustainability in Earth orbit, with plans for subsequent volumes to address other domains.
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"The release of this strategy marks true progress for NASA on space sustainability," said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. "Space is busy – and only getting busier. If we want to make sure that critical parts of space are preserved so that our children and grandchildren can continue to use them for the benefit of humanity, the time to act is now. NASA is making sure that we're aligning our resources to support sustainable activity for us and for all."
Learn more about the NASA's Space Sustainability Strategy at https://www.nasa.gov/spacesustainability.
