Posted by Once upon a time, there was space and its mystery.
The space economy is a concept that embraces the entire production chain, starting from Earth, through Space, and back again. Not many years ago, the idea that non-governmental companies could launch satellites seemed pure fantasy. For a while, it was so. However, the increasing digitalization of information, goods, and services over the last three decades has propelled the New Space Economy (NES), which has created infrastructure in Earth’s orbit to provide rapid access to accurate and reliable information from space. In the past, access to space was the prerogative of governments. Today, thanks to the NES, it is possible to reach space by working for oneself or for a start-up. The NES has opened up opportunities for investment, creation, growth, and exploration by private entities. But what exactly is the new space economy and what benefits does it bring to Earth? The new space economy is the growing commercialization of space exploration. Private investors, companies, and start-ups are investing in and contributing to space exploration. The difference from traditional space exploration is that government involvement is no longer an indispensable requirement.
Professor Olivier de Weck of MIT states that:
“We expect that the global space economy will rapidly expand in the coming decade and beyond. Investments in the space sector have been made since the 1950s, but what’s changing is who these investors are and what form those investments really take.”
With the advent of the NES, the distribution of products in space is becoming increasingly accessible. Many, too many, have their own satellite, and there are satellites of all sizes:
- Microsatellites: Usually have a mass between 10 and 100 kilograms.
- Nanosatellites: Have a mass of less than 10 kilograms.
- Picosatellites: Have a mass of less than 1 kilogram.
- Minisatellites: Have a mass between 100 and 500 kilograms.
- Standard-sized satellites: Have a mass of more than 500 kilograms.
All these satellites obviously need a ride to get into space, a kind of ‘bus’ known as launchers. Currently, there are various types of active space launchers worldwide, each designed for specific payload requirements and mission criteria. Like a true bus, they gather payloads from different companies to send them together, sometimes with more than 49 satellites on a single launch. It is predicted that the number of satellites in orbit could quadruple in the next decade.
Over 80 countries have already launched at least one satellite, while the political and economic capital invested in the space sector by governments and commercial entities is at record levels. With an increasing number of public and private actors involved in the development and provision of space infrastructure and related products and services, the global space economy is a constant source of growth, surpassing $400 billion for the first time in 2019. Therefore, there are many companies of various sizes working in the space field, and as a result, competition is fierce, with patents to conceal, algorithms not to reveal, and on this point, SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has once again stood out for his unconventional views on patents, stating that patents:
“serve merely to stifle progress, entrench the positions of giant corporations and enrich those in the legal profession, rather than the actual inventors”
Indeed, in 2014, Musk announced that Tesla would “open source” its patents, allowing anyone to use its technology in good faith. But the main challenge is not only to launch satellites but also to keep Earth’s orbit clean and safe. A question at this point might arise spontaneously: How do you think the space industry can address challenges and adopt eco-friendly practices within the growing space economy?
How would you respond?
Here are various possible points:
EcoDesign:
Embracing eco-design principles in the design of spacecraft and mission planning, considering sustainability throughout the entire lifecycle of space activities. This approach aims to minimize resource consumption, reduce emissions, and mitigate negative impacts on human health and the environment. By integrating eco-friendly technologies and methodologies, such as lifecycle assessments, we can make informed decisions to create a more sustainable space ecosystem.
End-of-Life Management:
With the increasing number of satellites and space debris, managing end-of-life scenarios is crucial to mitigate environmental risks. Initiatives like the European Space Agency’s Zero Debris Approach aim to prevent debris generation in critical orbits by implementing responsible disposal practices and active debris removal techniques. Proper disposal of non-operational satellites and the development of debris mitigation technologies can contribute to preserving the space environment for future generations.
Ecological Propellants:
Traditional spacecraft propellants can be hazardous and contribute to space debris. Exploring alternative propulsion technologies, such as ecological propellants, offers a promising solution to mitigate environmental impacts. Ecological propellants, which are non-toxic and environmentally friendly, have the potential to reduce the risks associated with spacecraft propulsion while promoting sustainability in space exploration.
Additional Solutions:
Complementary solutions include the use of materials that melt at lower temperatures to avoid leaving debris upon reentry. Additionally, reducing the risk of collisions in orbit is achieved through AI-based traffic management services or automatic alert systems in case of spacecraft fragmentation.
Global Regulation:
Global regulations should address crucial issues such as debris mitigation, sustainable resource utilization, and responsible space exploration practices.
The commitment to eco-friendly practices and ethically correct behaviors by all companies involved in the New Space Economy is crucial to ensuring a sustainable future in space. Only through this awareness and responsible action can we protect our now fragile planet Earth and allow future generations to continue exploring and enjoying the wonders of the universe without compromising its health.
