Access Alert: Launch of the Astra Carta and the Memorandum of Principles to promote space sustainability

Access Alert: Launch of the Astra Carta and the Memorandum of Principles to promote space sustainability

On 28 June 2023, one year after the UK government’s announcement of its Plan for Space Sustainability, His Majesty King Charles III unveiled the “Astra Carta” framework, giving this new space sustainability venture royal endorsement. The seal is meant to represent the UK’s call to action for public and private sectors to work together on responsible and sustainable use of outer space.

The Astra Carta aims to accelerate sustainable practices across the global space industry. It also recognises the unique role that space can play in creating a more sustainable future on Earth and the need for the space industry to consider environmental and sustainability impacts beyond our planet. Its ambition encourages a focus on placing sustainability at the core of space activity.

On the same day, the Space Sustainability Symposium took place in London under the leadership of UK Science Minister, George Freeman MP, who stressed the crucial importance of urgently tackling the mounting issue of space junk. Minister Freeman signed a Memorandum of Principles for Space Sustainability, together with more than 100 organisations and industry leaders across the space sector. The signatories to this Memorandum of Principles seek to promote and facilitate international engagement with, and understanding and management of, the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, and through these efforts establish transparent Space Sustainability Principles of responsible behaviour.

The Memorandum of Principles is not intended to create any legal obligations or legally enforceable rights, but, in the absence of a legally binding framework on space sustainability, it strengthens the UK’s position and commitment in leading the global effort to tackle space debris and keep safe the services citizens rely on every day.

Access Partnership is closely monitoring developments in space sustainability, as well as the regulatory environment surrounding all new space industries. For more information, please contact Chrystel Erotokritou at chrystel.erotokritou@accesspartnership.com.

Related Articles

Access Alert: Colombia opens consultation on updates to the satellite licensing regime

Access Alert: Colombia opens consultation on updates to the satellite licensing regime

On 3 February 2022, the Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT Ministry) issued Resolution 0376, establishing a new regime...

4 Oct 2023 Opinion
Access Alert: The growing role of HAPS and the need for regulatory clarity

Access Alert: The growing role of HAPS and the need for regulatory clarity

In July 2023, the UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Chloe Smith, announced GBP 20 million in...

4 Oct 2023 Opinion
TPX23: Keynote Speech by Gregory Francis

TPX23: Keynote Speech by Gregory Francis

In his keynote address at TPX23, Access Partnership’s CEO, Gregory Francis, outlined the organisation’s mission to enhance global access to...

3 Oct 2023 Opinion
The Key Policy Frameworks Governing AI in India

The Key Policy Frameworks Governing AI in India

India is in the process of formulating and implementing policy frameworks to govern various aspects of AI regulation. While comprehensive...

2 Oct 2023 AI policy Lab opinion