'Zero Debris Charter': European Space Agency unites 100 global partners to combat cosmic garbage
'Zero Debris Charter': European Space Agency unites 100 global partners to combat cosmic garbage
Produced by: Tarun Mishra
ESA's Zero Debris Initiative
The European Space Agency (ESA) is advancing space safety through the Zero Debris Charter, which aims to reduce space junk and promote sustainable space practices. The initiative emphasizes collaborative international efforts in tackling space debris.
Global Signatories Join
Over 100 organizations, including companies, research centers, and government agencies, have signed the charter since its launch at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan on October 14.
First Non-European Countries
Mexico and New Zealand joined as the first non-European nations to sign the charter, reflecting the global appeal and significance of the effort. Leaders from both countries emphasized the alignment of the charter’s goals with their own national values on space sustainability.
ESA’s Guiding Principles
The Zero Debris Charter outlines principles like preventing intentional debris creation, mitigating adverse effects, and removing end-of-mission spacecraft from orbit in a timely manner.
Charter Goals and Targets
While the charter is not legally binding, it aims to establish clear, voluntary goals for space debris mitigation, including safe re-entry practices and data sharing.
Space Debris Statistics
ESA estimates that more than 1 million pieces of debris larger than 1 centimetre orbit Earth, posing threats to satellites, space missions, and future human exploration.
Broad Support for Action
ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano highlighted the importance of voluntary action in space debris mitigation, describing the charter as a “moral commitment” for organizations to take responsibility for a sustainable future in space.
Future of Space Safety
ESA Director-General Josef Aschbacher noted that the voluntary support from a diverse range of organizations reflects strong global interest in sustainable space practices. New technologies will be crucial for achieving the charter’s objectives in keeping space clean for future generations.
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