How to shape a sustainable future in space through responsible action

The future of space is not guaranteed. As space becomes more congested and critical to modern life, sustainability is no longer optional – it’s an imperative. Every satellite launch, orbital manoeuvre, or neglected fragment of debris shapes the future of access to space and sustainable operations there.

Without decisive action today, we risk compromising the long-term viability of space as a shared resource, with consequences that extend beyond the space sector into global economies, security and innovation.

Guidelines alone are not enough. While regulation plays a role, waiting for perfect legal architectures will only delay progress. Space actors must act now, building on best practices and sharing proven solutions with others across the industry.

We need platforms where sustainable behaviours can be developed, shared and refined, using AI and machine learning to accelerate this knowledge exchange and drive continuous improvement.

Sustainability is critical to preserving long-term operational access to space and it has significant implications for the growth of the space economy and the well-being of current and future generations.

The foundation of space sustainability lies in the forward-looking behaviour of space actors. How we design and conduct our activities defines the impact they generate on the state of the space environment.

For example, while we cannot reverse the accumulation of the 170 million space debris objects already in orbit, every space actor – whether actively operating or planning future activities – plays a crucial role in mitigating the space debris effect.

Our responsibility goes beyond managing debris and extends to building resilient in-space infrastructure. However, a major challenge lies in the absence of accessible, proven frameworks that space actors can use to guide sustainable practices.

This knowledge gap is especially problematic for new entrants, who often lack the experience and resources to adopt sustainable behaviours from the outset.

While some actors take advantage of regulatory loopholes by choosing jurisdictions with minimal sustainability requirements, others are pursuing a paradigm shift. They’re embracing intentional, voluntary actions that go beyond compliance.

Over the past few years, several initiatives have emerged to promote sustainability through non-regulatory pathways. One such initiative, the Space Sustainability Rating, originated within the World Economic Forum Global Future Council on the Future Space.

This rating system encourages space actors to design and implement sustainable space missions and operations by recognizing those who champion space sustainability on a global scale.

Building on this, the same council also conceptualized the Space Sustainability Monitor, a tool to track how states implement international frameworks and best practices to ensure safe and sustainable space activities.

For new space entrants, navigating the complex regulatory and technological landscape can be overwhelming. The Secure World Foundation created the Handbook for New Actors in Space to support them, serving as a roadmap for emerging players.

The UN Office for Outer Space Affairs has also launched the Space Law for New Space Actors project, providing technical advisory missions to help countries develop the legal frameworks necessary for safe space operations.

Additionally, the private sector is undergoing a mindset shift. Many companies have restructured to include dedicated teams for ESG (environment, sustainability and governance) or CSR (corporate social responsibility), driving sustainable and ethical business practices.

Increasingly, organizations rely on integrated sustainability metrics and indicators to guide strategic environmental decision-making and assess the environmental impact of their technologies.

Some have even adopted game theory as a tool to manage risks and improve environmental performance through informed, data- and knowledge-driven decision-making.

Despite the growing conversation and awareness around sustainability, clear, actionable frameworks for practical implementation remain elusive. What does sustainability in space look like in practice? What benchmarks must be met to achieve meaningful progress?

We cannot wait for perfect regulatory frameworks to define these answers. Instead, the industry must focus on building platforms for pattern-sharing and knowledge exchange, supported by AI and machine learning, to ensure that best practices can evolve and spread quickly.

Responsible leadership means demonstrating foresight and innovation. Space actors must adopt sustainable technologies and behaviours today, paving the way for long-term solutions.

While multistakeholder collaboration remains essential, progress can come from individually developed practices amplified by advanced technologies.

By sharing patterns and developing legal frameworks in tandem, we can minimize the risks posed by space activities and accelerate the transition toward sustainable operations.

By advancing along this course, we move closer to the vision and ambition outlined in the Pact for the Future and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, bringing us closer to a safer and more sustainable space future.

With the right combination of voluntary action, collaboration and technological support, we can empower the next generation of space actors to preserve space as a shared resource for years to come.