At the opening of the Forum, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin said that satellites had become critical infrastructure supporting sustainable life on Earth, while space had been playing a major role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At least 40% of the SDGs rely on remote sensing systems, navigation and other space technologies. Only a sustainable space will allow humanity to avoid jeopardizing the progress satellites are making and, first and foremost, the universal connectivity of the Earth's population. So, it is now extremely important to take steps to ensure a sustainable space environment – free from radio interference and debris. The 2023 ITU Radiocommunication Assembly adopted a resolution on the sustainable use of outer space, which instructed the ITU Radiocommunication Sector to develop guidelines for effective de-orbiting and disposal strategies for end-of-life satellites.

“What kind of space environments are we leaving for future generations?” Ms. Bogdan-Martin raised the key question of today.

ITU Radiocommunication Bureau Director Mario Maniewicz noted that the problem had transcended national boundaries. It is therefore necessary for each national administration to undertake the development of appropriate strategies, which should be coordinated on a common open platform.

Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), in her speech specifically focused on the necessity to create a new global treaty based on a common understanding of the need to preserve sustainable outer space. And all players must join this treaty, including private companies that operate multi-satellite constellations.

Ms. Holla-Maini also noted the need for an adequate assessment of the market for de-orbiting retired objects. This will, in turn, allow us to assess the required volume of investment and begin to resolve the issue of financing, creating and building the necessary mechanisms.

Intersputnik’s Executive Director Elina Morozova stated that the Organization supported the initiatives of international organisations to create and preserve sustainable outer space and was actively working in this direction. As one of such initiatives, Intersputnik proposed the concept of joint use of satellites for communications and television broadcasting networks. This cooperative model will reduce the load on both the orbital frequency spectrum and outer space.

The very existence of the industry, according to Elina Morozova, depends on maintaining sustainable space, so it is extremely important that all players can coordinate their efforts to address critical issues.

In 2021, Intersputnik joined the Space Industry Debris Statement made in 2021 at the World Economic Forum. In 2022, the Organization participated in the preparation of the report of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs on the implementation of the Guidelines for the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities. Intersputnik also continues to work as part of the Working Group on the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities convened at the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

Photo’s © ITU/D.Woldu