Produced by: Tarun Mishra
The European Space Agency (ESA) is advancing space safety through the Zero Debris Charter, which aims to reduce space junk and promote sustainable space practices. The initiative emphasizes collaborative international efforts in tackling space debris.
Over 100 organizations, including companies, research centers, and government agencies, have signed the charter since its launch at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan on October 14.
Mexico and New Zealand joined as the first non-European nations to sign the charter, reflecting the global appeal and significance of the effort. Leaders from both countries emphasized the alignment of the charter’s goals with their own national values on space sustainability.
The Zero Debris Charter outlines principles like preventing intentional debris creation, mitigating adverse effects, and removing end-of-mission spacecraft from orbit in a timely manner.
While the charter is not legally binding, it aims to establish clear, voluntary goals for space debris mitigation, including safe re-entry practices and data sharing.
ESA estimates that more than 1 million pieces of debris larger than 1 centimetre orbit Earth, posing threats to satellites, space missions, and future human exploration.
ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano highlighted the importance of voluntary action in space debris mitigation, describing the charter as a “moral commitment” for organizations to take responsibility for a sustainable future in space.
ESA Director-General Josef Aschbacher noted that the voluntary support from a diverse range of organizations reflects strong global interest in sustainable space practices. New technologies will be crucial for achieving the charter’s objectives in keeping space clean for future generations.