European Space Agency and SpaceX Join Forces to Address Space Debris Crisis

Space Debris Crisis

The European Space Agency (ESA) is currently engaged in discussions with Elon Musk’s SpaceX about potentially joining a global initiative aimed at reducing space debris, according to ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher.

This international charter, which includes contributions from over 110 countries and entities, seeks to mitigate the growing problem of space junk by setting a goal to stop the generation of new orbital debris by 2030.

As one of the leading space agencies, ESA is at the forefront of efforts to manage the increasing mass of space debris, which poses significant risks to active satellites and future missions.

The 22-member agency is pushing for the adoption of responsible practices in space, with the Zero Debris charter forming a critical part of this strategy.

The charter encourages countries and private entities to commit to responsible behavior in space, particularly by preventing the creation of more orbital debris.

Aschbacher revealed that while SpaceX has not yet signed the charter, the two organizations are in discussions. “Not yet, but we are in discussion with them,” Aschbacher noted, underscoring the importance of evolving the charter and addressing space debris as a “fundamental” issue.

SpaceX’s role in this conversation is crucial, as the company’s satellites now account for approximately two-thirds of all active spacecraft in low Earth orbit.

According to the U.S. Space Force, of the roughly 10,300 active satellites currently in orbit, about 6,300 are part of SpaceX’s rapidly expanding Starlink constellation.

Other companies, such as Amazon, which plans to launch over 3,000 satellites for its Kuiper constellation, and China, which is developing its own satellite networks to compete with Starlink, are also key players in this expanding sector. Amazon has already signed up for ESA’s Zero Debris charter, demonstrating its commitment to addressing space debris.

Harvard astronomer Jonathan McDowell, who tracks space debris, estimates there are 18,897 pieces of trackable space junk in orbit. Space debris consists of various objects, including inactive satellites, rocket bodies, and fragments from past collisions.

Although there are currently no binding international laws governing the issue, countries and space agencies have begun developing proposals and regulations to tackle the growing threat.

Despite the lack of binding global regulations, many space organizations are pushing for responsible practices. ESA’s charter serves as a step in this direction by uniting international partners in a collaborative effort.

SpaceX, while not yet a signatory, is subject to orbital debris regulations from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). For instance, Starlink satellites are required to deorbit, or burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, within five years of the end of their operational life.

McDowell expressed optimism about SpaceX’s potential involvement, noting the importance of industry commitment to initiatives like the Zero Debris charter. “I think it’s very important to have industry publicly commit to this sort of initiative, so I’m glad to know SpaceX is considering it,” he remarked.

As discussions between ESA and SpaceX continue, the collaboration could mark a significant milestone in global efforts to reduce space debris and ensure the sustainability of Earth’s orbital environment for future generations.