This article, written by Martin Wein, is based on our side event at the World Space Forum titled “Responsibility in Space for Sustainability on Earth.” At the event, ESA astronaut Gerhard Thiele delivered an insightful keynote on his experiences in space and beyond. Following this, our Fellows and members of the Outer Space Working Group—Chelsea Haramia, Raúl Gónzalez Muñoz, and Adam Bower—shared their research projects at AIA and engaged in discussions on sustainability in space.

The World Space Forum in Bonn, held from 3rd to 5th December 2024, addressed the urgent need for global space regulations as Earth’s orbit becomes increasingly congested. Over 19,000 Starlink satellites and 36,500 large pieces of debris pose collision risks, with no clean-up solutions currently in place. Private companies now dominate space exploration, with plans for solar power stations that could disrupt night skies, indigenous navigation systems, and astronomical research, warns Benjamin Winkel from the Max Planck Institute.

Ethical and geopolitical concerns are growing. Ukraine’s reliance on Elon Musk’s Starlink during conflict highlights the immense influence of private entities. US professor Chelsea Haramia calls for global discussions to regulate access to space and its use.

The article was published on 04.12.2024 in the General Anzeiger Bonn.