Three months after unveiling a new space sustainability strategy, NASA’s deputy administrator says the agency is making good progress on implementing key aspects of it.
Unveiling of the Space Sustainability Strategy
On July 12, at the Secure World Foundation’s Summit for Space Sustainability, NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy highlighted the agency’s advancements on the Space Sustainability Strategy announced in April. This strategy aims to address the increasing risks posed by space debris and proposes methods to mitigate these threats.
Developing a Framework for Space Sustainability
A critical component of this strategy is the creation of a “widely accepted framework” to assess space sustainability. Melroy stated that since April, NASA has been reviewing existing frameworks and gathering information on relevant metrics and models from complex Earth science and heliophysics environments. A draft of this framework is expected by November.
Simultaneous Efforts on Multiple Fronts
While the framework development was the primary goal, Melroy noted that NASA is concurrently working on other strategy elements. This includes analyzing uncertainties in collision risk assessments, polling the workforce on sustainable mission practices, and publishing a report on the economic analysis of debris tracking and remediation.
Investment in Debris Management Technologies
NASA’s strategy emphasizes completing the framework and uncertainty analysis before investing in debris removal technologies. Melroy mentioned a broader technology shortfall analysis to guide future investments. These investments will likely focus on early-stage orbital debris management, enhanced space situational awareness, traffic coordination, and environmental understanding.
Transitioning Capabilities to Other Users
A significant aspect of these efforts is ensuring that the capabilities developed by NASA can be transferred to other users. “Everything that we do has to have a transition partner,” Melroy explained, emphasizing the importance of practical application outside NASA.
Interagency and International Coordination
NASA is also working on interagency and international coordination to achieve the strategy’s goals. The agency is in the process of hiring a director of space sustainability to lead the implementation of the strategy. Trudy Kortes, an official in NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, will serve as interim director.
Future Focus on Cislunar Space
The initial strategy focuses on Earth orbit, but NASA has already started working on a second volume dedicated to cislunar space. Melroy pointed out the unique challenges of cislunar space compared to the well-studied Earth environment, emphasizing the need for further research and understanding.
Link to the Artemis Accords
Melroy highlighted the connection between NASA’s space sustainability efforts and the Artemis Accords, which include provisions on orbital debris mitigation and space activity deconfliction. Discussions among Accord signatories about non-interference and space sustainability will directly influence the cislunar strategy.
NASA’s ongoing efforts in space sustainability highlight the agency’s commitment to ensuring the long-term viability of space activities, balancing innovation with environmental responsibility.