Is there a Sustainable Development Goal focused on space?

January 9, 2025 – Researchers are advocating for the establishment of a new United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) focused on the conservation and sustainable utilization of Earth's orbit, as well as the prevention of space debris accumulation.

As of now, there are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that were established by United Nations member states in 2015. These goals serve as a global initiative aimed at eradicating poverty, safeguarding the environment for future generations, and guaranteeing that everyone can experience peace and prosperity.

As the number of satellites and various objects in orbit around our planet continues to rise, there is an increasing worry that, without a unified global agreement, yet another of Earth’s previously untouched environments may face irreversible alterations.

Writing in the journal A Single Planet, an international collaboration of experts – in fields including satellite technology and ocean plastic pollution – have proposed an 18^th SDG dedicated to the protection of Earth’s orbit.

The research indicates that approximately 100 countries are currently engaged in different degrees of space exploration, and since the 1950s, nearly 20,000 satellites have been sent into orbit around the Earth.

These satellites offer significant advantages to society, including the observation of ecosystems, enhancing global communication, and enabling services utilized by billions worldwide, such as satellite television and contactless payment methods with bank cards.

Experts indicate that when satellites, launch stages, and debris from explosions or collisions reach the end of their operational lifespan, they can become abandoned and contribute to the growing issue of orbital debris. This accumulation heightens the risk of collisions with operational satellites, potentially disrupting their functionality and leading to an even greater proliferation of debris in space.

Although several organizations have started to acknowledge the urgency of taking action on this matter, the authors suggest that introducing an additional Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) could foster the global agreement and necessary enforcement mechanisms to effectively tackle the issue.

There is a belief that a potential SDG18 could take direct cues from an existing goal, specifically SDG14: Life Below Water. Insights gained from managing marine debris could be applied to avert another global crisis before it becomes critical.

They further emphasize that it would enhance the current Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which mention space technology for its role in fostering a better comprehension of global challenges, yet do not acknowledge its capacity to signify a future concern in its own right.

The article was collaboratively written by a team of researchers from various institutions, including the University of Plymouth, PBL Works, Arribada Initiative, University of Auckland, The University of Texas at Austin, Anturus Ltd, University of Maine, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Spaceport Cornwall, Slingshot Aerospace Ltd, and the Zoological Society of Lo