space environmentalism

As humanity ventures farther out into the universe, the vast expanse of orbital space, the region that spans from around 100 kilometers above the Earth’s surface to roughly 36,000 kilometers, presents itself not as an endless frontier but as a finite and delicately balanced ecosystem. This realization forms the foundation of space environmentalism, a concept that emphasizes the responsible stewardship of orbital resources to ensure their long-term sustainability. The space environmentalist principle of the circular economy, informed by the traditional ecological knowledge found within pockets of indigenous communities, enables us to manage orbital space with foresight and caution, ensuring the safety, sustainability, and long-term viability of space exploration. Only by doing so can we preserve orbital space as a valuable resource for generations to come.

Space Environmentalism: Toward a Circular Economy Approach for Orbital Space 2024