ESA Lines Up Initial Signatories for Zero Debris Charter
The European Space Agency (ESA) has successfully lined up a dozen countries to sign the Zero Debris Charter. This initiative aims to limit the creation of orbital debris. Specifically, ESA announced the national signatories on 22 May 2024, marking a significant step toward achieving sustainable space operations. Additionally, the initiative sought wider support from companies.
Participating Countries
Twelve countries, along with ESA, have signed the Zero Debris Charter: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Nine of these countries are full ESA members. Meanwhile, Lithuania and Slovakia are associate members, and Cyprus has a cooperation agreement with ESA.
Zero Debris Charter Goals
The Zero Debris Charter is a non-binding agreement developed in response to a call from ESA member states at the 2022 ESA ministerial meeting. The goal is to adopt a “zero debris” approach to missions, aiming for no net addition of debris in orbit by 2030. Consequently, ESA released the charter for review at a European space summit in Seville, Spain, in November 2023.
For example, the charter outlines specific targets to be met by 2030, including:
- Reducing the risk of satellite collisions or breakups to no greater than 1-in-1,000.
- Keeping the risk of casualties from reentering satellite debris significantly lower than 1-in-10,000.
- Ensuring the timely removal of satellites from low Earth orbit and the geostationary belt with a success probability of at least 99%.
Europe’s Commitment
Quentin Verspieren, ESA’s space safety program coordinator, emphasized the charter’s importance. He described the initiative as a sign of Europe’s commitment to tackling orbital debris. Moreover, he highlighted the collective action of space actors worldwide as crucial for the sustainability of future space activities.
Industry Participation in the Zero Debris Charter
Subsequently, dozens of companies, institutions and NGOs signed at the ILA Berlin ceremony on 6 June 2024. Therefore, the initiative extended beyond its first national signatories. Josef Aschbacher, ESA director general, mentioned that there are about 100 expressions of interest from companies. He hinted at significant industry participation but did not disclose specific names.
The Role of the European Union
At the time, the charter signing coincided with the European Union’s consideration of its first space law, which may include space sustainability provisions. Anna Christmann, German federal aerospace coordinator and ESA ministerial council chair, reassured that both the Zero Debris Charter and the proposed EU space law aim for the same goal. Therefore, she sees the charter as complementary to potential EU regulations.
Collaboration
In addition, Josef Aschbacher highlighted the complementary roles of the European Commission and ESA. The commission focuses on regulation, while ESA advances technology and raises awareness. As a result, he has instructed ESA project managers to align new missions with the Zero Debris Charter’s goals, underscoring ESA’s commitment to the initiative.
Aschbacher could not comment on the details of the proposed EU space law, as it had not yet been published. However, he acknowledged that ESA member states are keen for the agency’s help in interpreting the law to understand its impact on national space activities.
International and Industry support
The Zero Debris Charter represents a pivotal move toward sustainable space operations. With significant international and industry support, ESA’s leadership in mitigating space debris will be crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of space exploration and operations.
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