Stand up, Space Greta
With a new era of space exploration upon us, it's evident that the call for a 'Space Greta' isn't just about finding a singular voice, but about amplifying the many passionate voices that already exist in the space sector.
In 2018, the impassioned voice of a young girl from Sweden echoed across the world, causing ripples of change in the sphere of climate activism. Greta Thunberg, with her fervent plea at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, stirred millions into action, urging world leaders to treat climate change as the crisis it is.
Such is her profound impact that speakers at the Summit for Space Sustainability in June found themselves wondering if the realm of space needs its own 'Greta'. "We saw what Greta Thunberg did for the climate change debate," remarked Rebecca Everden, space director in the U.K. Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, at the summit held in New York. "We need a Greta for space sustainability. If somebody out there wants to be Greta, please stand up.”
The space sector is vast, its nuances distinct from that of environmental activism. Finding a replica of Thunberg, a 15-year-old who initiated weekly protests outside the Swedish parliament, may be a tall order. As Luc Piquet, CEO of Swiss orbital debris removal startup ClearSpace, aptly puts it, Thunberg’s focus on collective responsibility, coupled with her sharp intellect, makes her stand out.
However, the space industry isn't bereft of impassioned young voices. There’s a surge of young professionals and enthusiasts eager to ensure the sustainability of space. As Charles Beames, chairman of the SmallSat Alliance, puts it, they recognize the potential of space as an environment and are motivated to shape it responsibly.
A Passion for Sustainability
For Rebeca Griego, the journey into space sustainability began in high school. Inspired by a short video on space debris and the story of Mexican-American astronaut José Hernández, she realized space was a domain where she could make an impact. Griego's dedication to the field has since been unwavering, now working as a systems engineer at Astroscale U.S.
Taking it to the Ground
Emily Cox, a systems and mechanical associate engineer with ClearSpace, stresses the importance of holistic sustainability, emphasizing not just on space but also on terrestrial facets like manufacturing and launch emissions.
Equitable Resource Management
Erin Dale, a senior business analyst at LeoLabs, elucidates the intertwined nature of Earth and space sustainability. She speaks of the significant surge in space activity and the dire need to learn from terrestrial resource management for sustainable space exploration.
Creating a Forum
Taking a more legal perspective on the matter are Leonardo López Marcos and Yéléna Esslinger, founders of the International Legal Center for Space Sustainability. Based in Paris, they seek to raise awareness on space sustainability issues and provide legal counsel for disputes.
A Thorny Problem
Zaria Serfontein, a product strategy engineer at Astroscale UK, underlines the potential and significance of low-Earth orbit. She warns of the repercussions of not addressing the debris in space and believes in proactive measures to prevent possible catastrophic events in the future.
With a new era of space exploration upon us, it's evident that the call for a 'Space Greta' isn't just about finding a singular voice, but about amplifying the many passionate voices that already exist in the space sector. It's about collective responsibility, vision, and action to ensure the vast expanse of space remains an avenue of exploration, innovation, and inspiration for future generations.