Under the magnifying glass: How sustainable is space travel?

When you think of sustainability and space travel, you probably first think of the 130 million small parts that orbit the earth as space debris. Or the 640 tons of CO2 that end up in the atmosphere per (attempted) rocket launch. The theme of the Science Year 2023 is "Our Universe" and asks, among other things, the question: "What does the future of our planet look like and how can we protect our habitat?". The answer: by paying attention to sustainability in all areas, including when exploring this universe.

Space travel is currently not particularly sustainable in many areas, as it causes a large number of environmental pollution. Here are some reasons why:

• Greenhouse gas emissions: The rocket launches and landings cause large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, the rocket kerosene used as fuel releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, soot particles and other pollutants when burned.
• Resource Consumption: Crafting rockets and spacecraft requires a variety of materials and resources. Rare earths and other metals in particular are required for the manufacture of electronics and other components used in space travel. Mining and quarrying these materials can lead to environmental degradation and social problems.
• space junk: Space travel has also contributed to the fact that more and more junk is being created in space. Obsolete satellites and rocket parts are often left in orbit and can cause collisions, which in turn create more debris.

However, there are also efforts to make space travel more sustainable. An example is the development of reusable rockets and spacecraft to reduce resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. There are also initiatives to clean up space debris and promote responsible use of space.

Sustainability - more than just environmental protection

At first glance, space travel is not yet particularly sustainable. However, the work of researchers in space organizations is what makes many sustainable developments possible in the first place: from observing the atmosphere and climate to access to the internet in rural regions to the development of new materials and better energy storage. We need space travel to become more sustainable in many areas.

In terms of social justice, sustainability means that all people should have access to basic needs such as food, water, health care, education and decent housing. It is about making sure that nobody is disadvantaged because of their origin, their gender or their economic situation.

In terms of economic stability, sustainability means that we should create an economy that is viable over the long term. This means that we should build economies that are geared not only to short-term gains, but also to long-term sustainability and stability.

An important aspect of sustainability is also the promotion of cultural diversity and cultural heritage. This includes recognizing and valuing different cultures and traditions and promoting respectful interaction with them.

The SDGs exist to achieve sustainability at all these levels and to measure progress.

ESA and sustainability

The aspects in which space travel can very well be sustainable are illustrated using the example of the European Space Agency (ESA) clearly. She has listed all her projects that contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. We took a closer look at four of the 17 goals. zdi.NRW can also identify with these goals and would like to contribute to achieving them.

4. Quality education: Promote equitable and quality education for all.

The ESA has with esa kids created a platform where the youngest can deal with topics related to space. Videos, mini-games and experiments explain in a playful way and in six languages ​​how astronauts keep fit in the space station, what a black hole is, or how to collect space debris. In Germany, the ESA and the DLR (German Aerospace Center) are cooperating ESERO Germany bringing space into the classroom.

The zdi community is also committed to equal education. An example of this is the zdi-BSO-MINT courses, which are offered by zdi actors throughout NRW and via the zdi community platform can be booked. Among other things, this carries Breaking down language barriers contribute to educational equity.

5. Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower women and girls.

Physics, engineering, chemistry, medicine - becoming an astronaut means being an all-round scientist. Those who do not want to travel into space themselves can contribute the relevant MINT expertise in researching black holes or in the development of systems that filter CO2 from the air. It is precisely this interdisciplinarity and application orientation that makes space travel so interesting for many young women. They explain why women at ESA chose STEM here .

While zdi courses have a stable proportion of girls at around 45 percent, women are still underrepresented in STEM courses at 34,5 percent (as of 2021). In order to change that and to strengthen girls' enthusiasm for STEM, every year in October we focus on girls and young women with the zdi heroines October. Together with schoolgirls we also last year 6 tips for STEM girls work

9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Promote infrastructure and innovation to achieve sustainable industrialization.

ESA is very active here, especially in the area of ​​infrastructure. With various satellites, she monitors and measures the space weather in order to be able to make predictions – for example solar storms. Space weather can cause damage and disruption to power distribution networks, increased corrosion of pipelines, and disruption to radio communications. It also uses the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) to monitor rail traffic in Europe and, together with its partners, enables people in the most remote corners of Africa to transfer or withdraw money in small financial offices that are connected via satellite.

zdi stands for "future through innovation". So it is obvious which area of ​​the zdi community is very important. The latest technologies and research topics such as quantum computers, hydrogen drives, genetic engineering, nanotechnology, AI or VR are taken up in the offers of the zdi networks and student laboratories. Each year there is also a new focus topic. This year it is Sustainable energy management.

17. Partnerships to achieve the Goals: Achieving the Goals requires global partnerships and collaboration between governments, civil society and the private sector.

ESA would not exist without strong partnerships. In addition to the 22 member states and the five associated member states, ESA cooperates with four other countries on numerous projects and works with other space organizations such as NASA, and with various universities, research institutes and companies.

Without partnerships, the zdi community would never have grown as big as it is today. With over 5.000 partnerships with stakeholders such as universities, business development agencies, companies, clubs, schools and ministries, zdi.NRW is Europe's largest network for promoting young STEM students. The exchange of experience and knowledge transfer between the zdi actors is an important part of the zdi community. You can find out more about the zdi networks and student laboratories here:

More sustainability in space travel

Of course, the work of the ESA also contributes to the achievement of the other SDGs. Here is a small selection of the SDGs with the associated subject areas with which they ensure more sustainability.

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Sources

More on how ESA is contributing to the achievement of the SDGs: ESA and the Sustainable Development Goals

More information about the SDGs in general can be found here: THE 17 GOALS and Goals for Sustainable Development – ​​Agenda 2030 of the UN (17TARGETS.de)

Science Year 2023 - Our Universe - BMBF