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Sustainability In Space

Championing responsible orbital use — debris mitigation, traffic management, and extending satellite lifetimes with servicing and reuse.

Maintaining a Safe and Sustainable Orbital Environment

The growing number of satellites and space missions increases congestion in Earth's orbit. Without careful management, collisions and debris proliferation threaten the long-term viability of space operations. Responsible orbital practices are critical to ensure continued access to these environments for science, communication, and exploration.

Green Orbit supports organisations in adopting best-practice guidelines for debris mitigation, satellite end-of-life planning, and in-orbit servicing. Our work ensures operational efficiency and sustainability are balanced with safety and regulatory compliance.

Key Insight: Over 34,000 objects larger than 10 cm currently orbit Earth, highlighting the need for active debris management and collision avoidance strategies.

Key Practices for Responsible Orbital Use

Maintaining long-term orbital sustainability requires rigorous procedures at every mission stage, including careful orbit selection, reliable end-of-life disposal, and avoidance of unnecessary fragmentation. Emerging technologies like on-orbit servicing and in-space refueling extend satellite lifetimes, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

International cooperation and adherence to frameworks like the UN COPUOS Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines are essential. Green Orbit guides clients through compliance, ensuring operational decisions align with safety and sustainability objectives.

Our Approach

We help space operators integrate responsible orbital practices into mission planning, from launch through end-of-life. Services include orbital debris risk assessment, mission design optimisation, and sustainable servicing solutions.

By combining technical expertise with advanced software and simulations, we model collision risks, evaluate debris mitigation strategies, and quantify environmental impact. This empowers clients to operate safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

Our Services Include: Orbital risk modelling | End-of-life & deorbit planning | Satellite servicing strategy | Regulatory compliance support

Explore Themes in Space Sustainability

  • Image for In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing

    In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing

    Extending satellite lifespans through refueling, repair, and on-orbit manufacturing.

    #satellite servicing#space infrastructure#on-orbit manufacturing
    ESANASANorthrop Grumman
    SDG 09SDG 12SDG 13
  • Image for Space Environment

    Space Environment

    Monitoring radiation, debris, and geomagnetic activity for satellite safety.

    #space weather#satellite
    ESANASAJAXA
    SDG 09SDG 12
  • Image for Space Resource Utilisation

    Space Resource Utilisation

    Developing technologies for asteroid mining and in-space resource use.

    #asteroid mining#in-orbit resources
    ESANASAPlanetary Resources
    SDG 09SDG 12SDG 13
  • Image for Space Tourism

    Space Tourism

    Enabling human experiences and commercial activity in space.

    #commercial spaceflight#tourism
    SpaceXBlue OriginVirgin Galactic
    SDG 08SDG 09

Benefits and Impact

Adopting responsible orbital practices reduces collision risks, limits debris generation, and ensures continuity of space services. These measures safeguard investments, maintain access to critical orbital slots, and support long-term sustainability of commercial, civil, and scientific missions.

By operationalising sustainable practices in orbit, Green Orbit clients demonstrate leadership in space stewardship, contribute to safer global space operations, and advance international sustainability goals for the space environment.

Reference: Wilson, A. R., & Vasile, M. (2023). The space sustainability paradox. Journal of Cleaner Production. DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.138869

Explore other pillars: From Space | For Space