Canada and space sustainability
Abstract space sunrise.
Over the last decades, sustainable development initiatives have multiplied on Earth. Did you know that a similar movement is currently taking root in space?
Space sustainability takes into account the impact of human activities on space. It aims to develop measures to ensure that space remains usable and that future generations have the opportunity to explore and enjoy the wonders of space.
Canada is actively involved in many such initiatives, and collaborates with other spacefaring nations on norms and guidelines to foster space sustainability.
Space debris
Among the key aspects of space sustainability is space debris, which includes all human-made objects in space that no longer serve any useful purpose. Old satellites, rocket parts, fragments from previous collisions, and other objects floating around in space create a hazard to active satellites and structures hosting humans in space.
With the NEOSSat and Sapphire space telescopes, Canada is contributing to the international efforts to track and monitor space objects, including space debris, which helps keep the space environment safe and sustainable for present and future generations.
The Canadian Space Agency has developed a service called Conjunction Risk Assessment and Mitigation System (CRAMS) to help manage space debris by assessing collision risks with other objects and computing avoidance manoeuvres when appropriate. CRAMS provides important data that allows satellite operators to quickly react to possible danger. The service is also shared with many satellite operators worldwide.
Canada's involvement in space sustainability
Canada's involvement in space sustainability is not new. Canada was an early member of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, right from its creation in 1959. This Committee was established to govern the exploration and use of space for the benefit of all humanity. Now with 102 members, it remains the only UN committee dealing exclusively with international cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space.
In 1967, Canada was one of the first signatories of the Outer Space Treaty, which set out basic principles for the peaceful and sustainable exploration and use of space. More recently, Canada has played an important role in developing the Guidelines for the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities, which cover safety of space operations; international cooperation, capacity-building and awareness; and scientific and technical research and development.
Canada is also involved in the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee, which helps find ways to reduce space debris by working with other countries. Since our involvement, Canadian regulations have been adapted to help Canada contribute to the sustainability of space by requiring that newly proposed satellites have disposal plans for the end of their mission.
In 2020, Canada signed the Artemis Accords, joining other international partners committed to conducting deep-space exploration missions in a safe, sustainable and transparent manner and in full compliance with the Outer Space Treaty.