The report calls for collaboration with the World Economic Forum and the Saudi Space Agency to address the needs of the space community across a range of stakeholders, including service users, providers, policy makers, and academia.
It warns that the space industry could suffer losses of between $25.8 billion and $42.3 billion over the next decade if the current space debris situation is not effectively addressed, highlighting the urgent need for a healthier space environment that benefits everyone.
Debris problem and its financial constraints
Space debris is made up of millions of pieces, ranging from defunct satellites to tiny paint chips, orbiting the Earth at speeds of up to 28,000 kilometers per hour.
At these speeds, objects the size of a marble can transmit as much kinetic energy as a grenade, making debris fields a minefield for the modern space economy.
The economic burden on the industry is enormous for the following reasons:
Operational action
Satellite operators must constantly monitor linked alerts. Performing evasive maneuvers consumes valuable onboard fuel, directly shortening the satellite’s operational life and reducing lifetime revenue.
shield and design
Manufacturers must add a strong Whipple shield to withstand small untraceable debris. This significantly increases mass and can add millions of dollars to launch costs per mission.
insurance risk
The higher the chance of a collision, the higher the insurance premium. For missions in high-density regions such as low Earth orbit (LEO), debris-related costs can account for 5-10% of the total mission budget.
The threat of Kessler syndrome
The final cost is the potential loss of the entire orbital surface. A chain reaction of collisions could render certain altitudes unusable, threatening more than $190 billion worth of global satellite infrastructure that we rely on for GPS, communications, and climate monitoring.
Economic costs of space debris highlight urgent need for orbital sustainability
This report is the result of a series of community consultations aimed at assessing the risks and economic costs of space debris over the coming years.
It quantitatively assesses the potential economic impact of space debris on the global space economy.
Publication of these insights represents an important step in shaping future conversations on trajectory sustainability.
Combining the mission-driven focus of the Center for the Future of Space with the global network and influence of the World Economic Forum, this report aims to provide the global space community with valuable guidance to meet current and future challenges.
Developing joint solutions to improve the orbital environment
This report aligns with the mission of contributing organizations such as the Saudi Space Agency, LeoLabs, and Novaspace.
The report’s authors called on the international space community to share their perspectives and feedback as part of an ongoing collaboration to develop joint solutions that ensure a safer and more sustainable orbital environment.
The call was supported by Mishal Al Shemimri, Chief Executive Officer of the Center for the Future of Space, and Helen Burt, Head of Planetary Solutions at the World Economic Forum’s Center for Innovation and Frontiers.
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