Space is an enabler for green economies and the time to act is now.
Putting the spotlight on sustainability, the Australian Space Agency has renewed its oath to protect and preserve our planet, orbits and the space in between.
The commitment was made at the recent Space Economy Leader’s Meeting (SELM), an annual meeting to create more space awareness among the G20 community. SELM’s fifth edition was held in Brazil and its theme year was “The space economy and climate change: Challenges and opportunities.”
The Agency’s Chris Hewett, General Manager - Space Policy, joined his international counterparts to discuss the theme in detail. Mr. Hewett had delivered Australia’s national statement and highlighted the role the space sector and governments play in mitigating global environmental and social impacts.
Like many G20 countries, Australia is strengthening its domestic policy that will support the long-term viability of its national space sector.
Aussie tech supporting climate change initiatives
Space-enabled technologies are not only delivering essential services on Earth but are demonstrating the ability to shape new frontiers.
In his speech at SELM, Mr Hewett highlighted how data from space is helping understand climate change and to develop national responses. He cited the impact of Digital Earth Australia (DEA) and its contribution on the international stage.
DEA’s open data cube platform uses over 30 years of satellite data and helps to detect and better understand changes in environment.
“We are proud that this capability also exists now through the pan-African initiative Digital Earth Africa, which is empowering decision-makers with actionable information to monitor environmental changes, manage resources, and implement effective climate policies across the African continent,” Mr Hewett shared.
In a collaboration with the US, Australia has also been establishing a Digital Earth Antarctica as the continent is critical for world climate.
Australia to host major sustainability-themed events
In the coming months, Australia will be hosting two major upcoming space conferences where it will continue this conversation on the long-term sustainability of outer space.
In November this year, the Agency and JAXA will co-host the 30th annual Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-30) in Perth, with special support from the Western Australian Government. The theme is ‘Collaborating to build a sustainable and responsible regional space sector’.
And in 2025, Australia will host the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney with the theme of ‘Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth’.
“We look forward to welcoming Asia-Pacific space agencies in Perth this year and the entire international space community in Sydney next year.
We are excited for the contributions of all nations at these conferences and progressing the international approach to the sustainable use of space to the benefit of all humanity,” said Mr. Hewett.
Sustainability of space activities
Conducting space activities sustainably supports Australia in meeting its international obligations and commitments regarding the peaceful use of outer space.
Main image credit: Brazilian Space Agency