Astra Carta – Lift off for a sustainable space industry?
Space is increasingly within reach. It plays a vital role in shaping our future existence and is now more accessible than ever thanks to developing science and cutting-edge technology.
At present, the space domain is governed by international treaties that were primarily written at a time when only a few nation states had access to space. Today, over 70 nations have a space agency and the private sector is playing an increasingly significant role in space exploration and development. Over a third of orbital launches in 2022 were commercial spacecraft carried by commercial vehicles, while an additional 18% of orbital launches were conducted by companies serving government clients.[1]
This growth trajectory (especially in respect of private companies) brings with it challenges as well as opportunities, in particular how to ensure that the orbits around earth (as well as those beyond) remain accessible. The risks need to be well-understood and, where possible, mitigated.
The increased focus on space sustainability has an important role in the management of risk – encouraging responsible access to, and use of, space. The Astra Carta (unveiled by King Charles on 28 June 2023 at Buckingham Palace) is targeted at this issue. It complements the UK’s National Space Strategy, launched in 2021, which emphasises the importance of ensuring that the space environment remains safe, secure and sustainable.
The Astra Carta aims to provide a framework to accelerate sustainable practices across the global space industry – creating markets that reward sustainable practices in order to incentivise sustainable growth. The expectation (amongst others) is that by aligning private sector, governments and international organisations in a shared endeavour this will deliver more effective regulation of, and greater accountability for, the use we make of space.
The Charter’s overarching aim is to “care for the infinite wonders of the universe”. It is a collective call to action for the responsible and sustainable use of outer space. Amongst other things, it highlights the importance of investing in the technology and infrastructure that enable on-orbit activity (repairs, refuelling and upgrading of satellites) along with enhanced tracking and monitoring capabilities (including automated collision avoidance systems). As well as reducing the need for new launches and minimising space debris, such technology should extend asset life and minimise downtime – providing investors with greater returns.
Enhanced capability is however only part of the solution.
Communication and cooperation between operators is also necessary, for example to enable safe operations as orbits become increasingly crowded and to better address emerging threats and vulnerabilities. The Astra Carta recognises, for example, the importance of a collective approach to space traffic management, with common standards, definitions, languages and modes of interoperability. International cooperation between the UK and other nations across the globe in relation to the exchange of data, information and best practices should enhance the overall safety and sustainability of space activities.
The Astra Carta also emphasises the importance of developing international standards, protocols and guidelines for responsible space operations. This includes standards for satellite operations, orbital debris mitigation and space traffic management. It encourages comprehensive space policies for the private sector that align with such international norms, principles and guidelines, to ensure coherence, consistency and compatibility in space activities. It also identifies the benefit of developing sustainable insurance policies that incentivise safe and responsible space operations.
These and other mechanisms envisaged by the Astra Carta would go a long way for space operators in terms of risk mitigation. Private space companies are exposed to risks on various fronts, including space debris collisions and exposure to insurance risks. Compliance with a set of internationally agreed standards would allow private companies to assess, quantify and reduce such risks. Legal liability for such risks is currently governed by the domestic laws of each country. These were often introduced to discharge that nation’s responsibilities under international treaties concluded in the 1970-80s, which are currently not fit for purpose and expose companies to legal uncertainty. The Astra Carta explicitly recognises this issue and aims to facilitate “the peaceful resolution of disputes related to space activities through diplomatic negotiations, mediation and adherence to international law, including the United Nations Charter and relevant treaties.”
More robust and effective regulation, with broad international support (including a focus on developing international law) will provide for effective and standardised mechanisms for the resolution of disputes. It will also enhance certainty for private sector companies, improve access to finance and encourage investment in development and deployment of new space technologies and services.
The UK is already implementing policies to realise the ambitions of the Astra Carta. For example, the government is working with industry to develop a new Space Sustainability Standard, which aims to reward responsible and sustainable space activities. By working with and through international fora, actively supporting sustainable space policies and initiatives and seeking to establish global leadership in space sustainability, the UK is at the forefront of efforts to promote a safe, secure and sustainable space environment.
You can find out more about Linklaters' work on space and satellites by clicking here.
techUK – Unleashing UK Tech and Innovation
The UK is home to emerging technologies that have the power to revolutionise entire industries. From quantum to semiconductors; from gaming to the New Space Economy, they all have the unique opportunity to help prepare for what comes next.
techUK members lead the development of these technologies. Together we are working with Government and other stakeholders to address tech innovation priorities and build an innovation ecosystem that will benefit people, society, economy and the planet - and unleash the UK as a global leader in tech and innovation.
For more information, or to get in touch, please visit our Innovation Hub and click ‘contact us’.
Tech and Innovation Summit, 6 Nov (rescheduled date)
Emerging technologies will be debated and explored at our annual Tech and Innovation Summit, taking place on 6 November. This campaign week will directly feed into the themes discussed at the Summit.
techUK’s flagship Tech and Innovation Summit returns to traverse the extraordinary and ground-breaking discoveries made possible by the application of emerging and transformative technologies.
Upcoming events:
Gaming & Esports Technologies of the Future
National Videogame Museum, Sheffield Panel discussion
A Black Lens: Exploring Representation In The Future of Extended Reality (XR)
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Sprint Campaigns
techUK's sprint campaigns explore how emerging and transformative technologies are developed, applied and commercialised across the UK's innovation ecosystem.
Activity includes workshops, roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and flagship reports (setting out recommendations for Government and industry).
Each campaign runs for 4-6 months and features regular collaborations with programmes across techUK.
This campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of space technologies and ultimately realise the benefits of the New Space Economy.
These technologies include AI, quantum, lasers, robotics & automation, advanced propulsion and materials, and semiconductors.
Activity has taken the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report.
Get in touch below to find out more about techUK's ongoing work in this area.
Event round-ups
Report
Insights
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
This campaign has explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of the technologies set to underpin the Gaming & Esports sector of the future.
These include AI, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, haptics, cloud & edge computing, semiconductors, and advanced connectivity (5/6G).
Activity has taken the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and thought leadership pieces. A report featuring member case studies and policy recommendations is currently being produced (to be launched in September 2024).
Get in touch below to find out more about contributing to or collaborating on this campaign.
Upcoming events
Gaming & Esports Technologies of the Future
National Videogame Museum, Sheffield Panel discussionEvent round-ups
Insights
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Running from July to December 2024, this campaign will explore how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of web3 and immersive technologies.
These include blockchain, smart contracts, digital assets, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, spatial computing, haptics and holograms.
Activity will take the form of roundtables, workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, tech demos, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and reports.
Get in touch below to find out more about contributing to or collaborating on this campaign.
Upcoming events
Event round-ups
Guest insights
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Campaign Weeks
Our annual Campaign Weeks enable techUK members to explore how the UK can lead on the development and application of emerging and transformative technologies.
Members do this by contributing blogs or vlogs, speaking at events, and highlighting examples of best practice within the UK's tech sector.
Summits
Tech and Innovation Summit 2023
Tech and Innovation Summit 2024
[1] Source: Bryce Tech “2022 Orbital Launches Year in Review” (February 2023)
Authors
Akshay Sewlikar
