Analysts are forecasting the global space sector to be worth a staggering $1.4 trillion dollars by the end of this decade. This phenomenal growth is largely attributed to a new privately-fuelled space race dominated by billionaires including Elon Musk, Richard Branson and Amazon owner, Jeff Bezos along with an increasing demand for space-based products and services.
While the approaches and ambitions of these individuals differ significantly, the huge spike in space sector activity is undoubtedly set to benefit Scotland’s economy.
The SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland, the first of its kind in the UK, is set to create upwards of 200 jobs and generate around £10m to the economy per year. Meanwhile, the new Sutherland spaceport is forecast to deliver almost £1bn in gross value added (GVA) for Scotland’s economy over the next three decades.
While the advancement in knowledge and economic benefits are all extremely welcome, the rise in space exploration adversely impacts our planet.
Academics at the Arctic University of Norway claim that falling space debris pose an environmental risk and may contain harmful chemical substances and radioactive materials. This was initially highlighted in 1978 when the crash of the Soviet nuclear-powered surveillance satellite COSMOS 954 scattered large fragments and radioactive materials over northern Canada. Fatalities, injuries and property damage were negligible in this incident only because it occurred in such a remote region.
The legal framework that regulates environmental risks of space debris falling to Earth has now been brought firmly into the spotlight due to the increase in space activity and growing research on its environmental effects.
The Outer Space Treaty, drafted in the 1960s, now seems generic and outdated while the 2007 UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines acknowledge the space debris problem but come with no means of legally imposing enforcement action in the event of infringements.
Rania Djojosugito, a Law PhD candidate from University of Edinburgh, has helped put greater scrutiny on the sustainability of space activities. Her research has so far highlighted that the existing international legal framework and practices do focus on reducing the risk of harm to people and property, which remain of paramount importance, as well as serving to protect the economic interests of countries through the clean-up of the highly sought after orbital environment. However, these old rules fail to consider the environmental impact of space debris on our oceans and wider planet.
Rania’s research aims to show that there is a growing need for countries to work together to cooperate, coordinate, and communicate sustainable solutions to develop the space sector but also address the environmental impact of space debris re-entry. Further research is required to understand the long-term effects of increasing space activities.
Rather than viewing the re-entry of space debris as solely a space issue, we need greater collaboration between relevant agencies, including maritime, aviation, climate, and other authorities to suitably address the problem. This will ultimately need to be underpinned by updated global legal frameworks to limit, monitor and control any harmful effects of re-entry.
Claire Wilson is an Of Counsel and space sector specialist at law firm CMS
Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@theherald.co.uk
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