National Aeronautics and

Space Administration

NASA’s 

Space 

Sustainability 

Strategy 

Volume 1: Earth Orbit 
NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

About 

NASA’s Organizations Involved in Space Sustainability 

NASA has multiple organizations with responsibilities in space sustainability. 

Mission Directorates conduct spaceflight missions and develop related 

technologies. The Office of the Chief Engineer and the Office of Safety and 

Mission Assurance are technical authorities and own policies related to debris 

mitigation. The Conjunction Assessment Risk Analysis Program Office and the 

Multimission Automated Deepspace Conjunction Assessment Process work 

to prevent NASA’s uncrewed spacecraft from colliding with tracked space 

objects. The Trajectory Operations Officers in the Flight Operations Directorate 

at the Johnson Space Center work to prevent NASA’s crewed spacecraft 

from colliding with tracked space objects. The Orbital Debris Program Office 

characterizes the orbital debris environment and supports debris mitigation. 

The Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy conducts analyses to inform 

decisions on policies and technology investments for space sustainability. The 

Launch Services Office procures launch vehicles and assesses their associated 

orbital debris risks. Additionally, the Launch Services Office coordinates NASA’s 

review and advice on all orbital-class Federal licensing from the Federal Aviation 

Administration, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, 

Federal Communications Commission, and National Telecommunications and 

Information Administration. The Office of the General Counsel provides legal 

advice. The Office of International and Interagency Relations coordinates 

international and interagency partnerships, White House policy development, 

and United Nations activities.

The Space Environment Sustainability Advisory Board 

The Space Environment Sustainability Advisory Board (SESAB) serves as the 

integrated body that advises the NASA Associate Administrator on sustainability 

in the space environment. The SESAB was established to develop and maintain 

a joint perspective on the state of the space environment, the effectiveness of 

mitigation efforts, and the risks that the current and future orbital environment 

pose to spaceflight. The SESAB seeks to integrate and align NASA’s approaches 

and related capabilities, standards, and processes to address risks related to 

space sustainability. Additionally, the SESAB identifies best practices and shares 

lessons learned. The SESAB seeks to find consensus, promotes efficient conflict 

resolution across organizations, and helps interpret and recommend strategic 

guidance and expectations. The SESAB is cochaired by the Office of Safety and 

Mission Assurance and the Office of the Chief Engineer.

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NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

This Document 

NASA’s Deputy Administrator established a cross-directorate team in the 

SESAB to create this Space Sustainability Strategy. The team was composed 

of representatives from the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance; Office of 

the Chief Engineer; Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy; Science Mission 

Directorate; Space Technology Mission Directorate; and Space Operations 

Mission Directorate. The strategy has been coordinated with the SESAB and 

NASA Directorates and Offices for final approval by the NASA Administrator. 

Acronyms 

ISAM In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing

LEO Low Earth Orbit

OSMA Office of Safety and Mission Assurance

OTPS Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy

SESAB Space Environment Sustainability Advisory Board

SMD Science Mission Directorate 

SSA Space Situational Awareness 

SSN Space Surveillance System

STC Space Traffic Coordination

STMD Space Technology Mission Directorate 

Glossary 

Framework 

An entity-relationship model that describes all quantities 

of interest and their interdependencies and that can be 

operationalized through measurements, modeling, and 

assessments using defined figures of merit.

Orbital debris 

All human-made objects, including fragments and elements

thereof, that are in Earth’s orbit or re-entering the atmosphere 

and that are nonfunctional. 

Space situational 

awareness 

The knowledge and characterization of space objects and 

their operational environment that are needed to support safe,

stable, and sustainable space activities.

Space 

sustainability 

The ability to maintain the conduct of space activities 

indefinitely into the future in a manner that is safe, peaceful, 

and responsible to meet the needs of the present generations 

while preserving the outer space environment for future

activities and limiting harm to terrestrial life.

Space traffic 

coordination 

The planning, coordinating, and synchronizing of on-orbit 

activities to enhance the safety, stability, and sustainability of

operations in space. 

Artwork by Phil Smith ii 
NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

Executive 

Summary

iii 
NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

NASA defines space sustainability as the ability to maintain the conduct of 

space activities indefinitely into the future in a manner that is safe, peaceful, and 

responsible to meet the needs of the present generations while preserving the 

outer space environment for future activities and limiting harm to terrestrial life.

Throughout NASA’s history, the organization has consistently led in operating 

responsibly and sustainably in space. TheAgency has developed best practices, 

analytic studies, models, technologies, and operations that have been widely 

adopted. However,the space operating environment has changed rapidly and will 

continue to evolve as new commercial capabilities create a more dynamic spaceoperational environment. The rapid increase in operational satellites in low Earth 

orbit (LEO) has made space more crowded with spacecraft and contributes to 

increased debris. New space capabilities are emerging quickly; examples include 

satellite constellations for LEO communications, autonomously maneuvering 

spacecraft, satellite servicing, in-space assembly and manufacturing, and 

commercial LEO destinations for science and tourism.Additionally, the projected 

number of governmental and commercial lunar and Mars missions is increasing, 

which will make sustainable operations around these bodies more challenging. 

The space community has yet to fully understand the potential benefits and risks 

these activities create for space sustainability.

Clearly, much work is needed to ensure that decisions made today do not 

cause unsustainable long-term effects in the space operating environment. 

Sustainability work is critical to NASA because the risks posed by the continual 

increase in micrometeoroids and orbital debris are a driving threat to human 

spaceflight, including the International Space Station and theArtemis Campaign, 

critical science and robotic missions in Earth’s orbit, and missions to other planets 

in the solar system. 

The purpose of this strategy is to focus on advancements the Agency can make 

that address the mounting space sustainability challenges posed by the rapidly 

changing space environment and that are aligned with NASA’s mission as a 

science and technology organization. The Agency will increase its role as a 

global leader in space sustainability by fulfilling the following key responsibilities:

• Provide science and technology leadership in the United States and the

global space community on space sustainability topics.

• Support equitable access to and use of space now and in the future.

• Ensure that NASA’s missions and operations—including those it undertakes

with non-NASA entities—maintain or enhance space sustainability.

There are four domains in which NASA’s operations must reflect its space 

sustainability goals: on Earth; in Earth’s orbit; in cislunar space, including the 

Lagrange points and the lunar surface; and in deep space, including other 

celestial bodies. This volume of the strategy is focused on sustainability in Earth’s 

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NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

orbit. Although the other three domains are not covered in this document, NASA

commits to release similar Agency-wide strategies regarding these domains.

NASA has identified five challenges that inhibit rapid action regarding space 

sustainability in Earth’s orbit:

1. A single framework for space sustainability has not been accepted 

by the space community. The presence of differing frameworks leads to 

confusion when trying to identify space sustainability problems and solutions. 

2. Current metrics and modeling are not sufficient to support holistic 

frameworks. Existing models do not holistically account for connections 

among tracked and untracked orbital debris, the growing number and 

diversity of active spacecraft, how and when such spacecraft maneuver, 

other hazards posed by the highly variable space environment, and methods 

to reduce the risks of space operations.

3. Uncertainties in the space environment and space operations are a 

main driver of risks to space sustainability. Operators, mission planners, 

and policymakers base mission-critical decisions on information and 

assumptions that are often limited, incomplete, or inconsistent. A challenge 

is to determine how much various uncertainties must be reduced to enable 

breakthroughs in the space community’s understanding and actions related 

to space sustainability. 

4. Space sustainability may be in tension with other mission interests. To 

meet cost and schedule constraints, organizations prioritize actions that are 

essential to mission success. Actions taken to improve sustainability may be 

perceived as detracting from missions.

5. Space sustainability is a global issue that requires a coordinated, 

multilateral response. The U.S. Government is in the early stages of 

coordinating unified policies and guidance that support space sustainability. 

There are still gaps in the policies and guidance. 

To address these challenges, NASA commits to pursuing the following goals 

for space sustainability in Earth’s orbit. Each goal is followed by objectives that 

will guide NASA’s achievement of the goals. The goals logically build upon each 

other; however, their implementation can begin in parallel.

Goal 1. Develop a framework for assessing space 

sustainability at NASA 

For the purposes of this strategy, a framework is an entity-relationship model 

that describes all quantities of interest and their interdependencies and that can 

be operationalized through measurements, modeling, and assessments using 

defined figures of merit. NASA will work with the domestic and international 

space community to define an Agency view of the current space traffic and debris 

environment in Earth’s orbit, a consistent set of parameters identifying the future 

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NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

state of debris and space traffic, one or more metrics to assess the sustainability 

of orbital activities, and target values for these metrics that—if met—will lead to a 

sustainable space operating environment. NASA will use the framework to make 

investment decisions and to publicly report on the sustainability of the Agency’s 

operations in Earth’s orbit. The objectives for this goal are as follows:

1.1 Define a framework, metrics, and models for assessing sustainability in 

Earth’s orbit.

1.2 Determine tolerable and desirable levels of risk associated with the future 

operational environment.

1.3 Annually publish NASA’s effect on the sustainability of space.

Goal 2. Prioritize the most efficient ways to minimize

uncertainties about orbital debris and operations in the 

space environment 

Using the framework, NASA will identify the critical uncertainties that drive 

the risks to human spaceflight and robotics spacecraft, understand the effects 

that orbiting anthropogenic objects have on scientific measurements of the 

space environment, and clarify the most cost-effective ways to reduce these 

uncertainties. The objectives for this goal are as follows:

2.1 Identify opportunities for breakthrough improvements in the ability to 

sense and predict the operating environment.

2.2 Investigate the feasibility of new approaches to operating in the space 

environment.

2.3 Identify cost-effective methods to reduce the creation of new debris.

2.4 Develop prioritized approaches to managing the risks posed by existing debris.

Goal 3. Lower barriers to space sustainability through 

developing and transfering technology 

Informed by the results of Goal 2, NASA will invest in technologies that support 

key elements of space sustainability. These investments will focus on advancing 

capabilities that NASA needs in order to support the sustainable operation of its 

missions in Earth’s orbit and capabilities that other U.S. space operators need, 

provided there is a clear transition plan. The objectives for this goal are as follows:

3.1 Continue investing in early-stage orbital debris management.

3.2 Identify opportunities to increase investments in space situational awareness,

space traffic coordination, and space environmental understanding.

3.3 Identify potential transition partners, and support demonstrations of 

debris-related technology.

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NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

 

Goal 4. Update or develop policies that provide incentives 

to support space sustainability 

NASA will develop or update policies that enhance space sustainability. The

objectives for this goal are as follows:

4.1 Update NASA’s policies and standards to reflect the results of the previous goals.

4.2 Update NASA’s policy related to debris-remediation.

4.3 Support economic and policy research related to space sustainability. 

4.4 Advance consideration of international issues related to remediating 

orbital debris. 

Goal 5. Continue and improve coordination and 

collaboration outside of NASA 

NASA will continue its strong leadership role domestically and internationally. 

Further, NASA will identify opportunities to better share and receive information 

from academic institutions, industry, interagency partners, and the international 

space community. The objectives for this goal are as follows:

5.1 Continue to collaborate with interagency partners on space sustainability.

5.2 Engage with communities that prioritize space sustainability.

5.3 Improve the sharing of best practices, procedures, models, data, and 

tools with the international space community. 

5.4 Improve NASA’s ability to incorporate technical advancements made by 

the broader space community. 

Goal 6. Improve NASA’s internal organization to support 

space sustainability 

NASA will design and implement an entity to focus on day-to-day coordination of

the Agency’s space sustainability efforts. This entity will create accountability to

ensure that NASAmeets its aspirations for space sustainability, will enable Agencylevel prioritization of relevant efforts and budgets, and will allow NASA to maintain

a consistent voice when speaking about space sustainability. The objective for this

goal is as follows:

6.1 Evaluate the design and implementation of an empowered organizational

entity to focus on day-to-day coordination and accountability of NASA’s

space sustainability efforts. 

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NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

Contents 

About .......................................................................................................................i 

Executive Summary...............................................................................................iii 

Introduction............................................................................................................ 1 

Background Regarding Sustainability in the Earth’s Orbit..................................... 7 

Challenges to Sustainability in Earth’s Orbit.........................................................11 

Goals and Objectives .......................................................................................... 14 

Goal 1: Develop a Framework for Assessing Space

Sustainability at NASA.................................................................................. 15 

Goal 2: Prioritize the Most Efficient Ways to Minimize Uncertainties

About Orbital Debris and Operations in the Space Environment.................. 17 

Goal 3: Lower Barriers to Space Sustainability Through Developing

and Transferring Technology ........................................................................ 19 

Goal 4: Update or Develop Policies That Provide Incentives to

Support Space Sustainability........................................................................ 20

Goal 5: Continue and Improve Coordination and Collaboration

Outside of NASA........................................................................................... 21

Goal 6: Improve NASA-internal Organization to Support

Space Sustainability ..................................................................................... 23

Suggested Way Ahead for Strategy Implementation........................................... 25

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NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

Introduction

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NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

Purpose 

NASA defines space sustainability as the ability to maintain the conduct 

of space activities indefinitely into the future in a manner that is safe, 

peaceful, and responsible to meet the needs of the present generations while 

preserving the outer space environment for future activities and limiting harm to 

terrestrial life. This definition is based on the United Nations Long-Term 

Sustainability Guidelines and incorporates a slight change to align the definition 

with the U.S. National Space Policy of 2020.

For decades, NASA has been a global leader in space sustainability. The Agency 

has identified best practices, conducted studies, developed models, advanced 

technologies, and performed operations that enhance space sustainability and 

improve understanding of the space environment. The purpose of this strategy is 

to focus on advancements the Agency can make that address the mounting space 

sustainability challenges posed by the rapidly changing space environment and 

that are aligned with NASA’s mission as a science and technology organization. 

The Agency will increase its role as a global leader in space sustainability by 

fulfilling the following key responsibilities:

• Provide science and technology leadership in the United States and the

global space community on space sustainability topics.

• Support equitable access to and use of space now and in the future.

• Ensure that NASA’s missions and operations—including those it

undertakes with non-NASA entities—maintain or enhance space

sustainability.

What NASA Has Done and Is Doing 

The following are examples of NASA’s leadership in the national and international

communities in space sustainability:

NASA’s Orbital Debris Program Office is a global leader in understanding the

orbital debris environment. The Office measures the orbital debris environment by

using ground-based radars and optical telescopes, space-based sensors, analysis

of the surfaces of spacecraft that have returned from space, and ground-based

laboratory experiments. These debris measurements inform the development of

models that characterize the current and future debris environment. Hypervelocity

impact tests assess the risks that orbital debris pose to operating spacecraft. The

information on the debris environment and risks to spacecraft is used to support

the development of debris mitigation recommendations for spacecraft design and

operations. The Office also studies how removing debris, whether large or small,

affects the long-term debris environment.

To ensure safe operations on orbit, the Conjunction Assessment Program

Officer in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) oversees the Conjunction

Assessment and Risk Analysis program, which provides conjunction analysis

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NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

and mitigation services for NASA’s uncrewed spaceflight missions operating in

Earth’s orbit. The officer also oversees the Multimission Deepspace Conjunction

Assessment Process team, which provides conjunction analysis and mitigation

services for NASA’s uncrewed-spaceflight missions operating in libration orbits

and orbits around other celestial bodies. The Trajectory Operations Officers and

Flight Dynamics Officer in the Johnson Space Center Flight Operations Directorate

provide collision avoidance capabilities for NASA’s human spaceflight missions.

NASA conducts the fundamental heliophysics science needed to develop models

of the space environment that are critical for space operations. The Heliophysics

Division in the SMD plans to collect on-orbit data to validate NASA’s models of

millimeter-sized debris by funding a hosted payload mission called Light- Sheet

Anomaly Resolution and Debris Observation, which will use a sheet of laser light to

count orbital debris two centimeters and smaller as it passes through the light. The 

Heliophysics Division is also funding other efforts to measure small orbital debris.

NASA supports the early-stage development of technologies directly applicable 

to orbital debris mitigation, tracking, characterization, and remediation. NASA

also supports technology-demonstration missions that include in-space servicing 

assembly and manufacturing (ISAM) capabilities. The Agency’s longer-term 

objectives for Moon-to-Mars infrastructure and sustainment needs are supported 

through developments in advanced manufacturing, autonomous construction, 

and in-situ resource use capabilities. NASA also recently established the 

Consortium for Space Mobility and ISAM to provide an opportunity for U.S. 

Government, industry, nonprofit research institutions, and academic institutions 

to coordinate and collaborate on ISAM capability development, business cases, 

and mission applications. 

NASA provides strong support to its U.S. Government partners. NASA

coordinates and collaborates with the Departments of Defense and Commerce 

on various orbital debris radar, telescope, and laboratory measurement projects 

and conjunction assessment efforts. Likewise, NASAregularly provides technical 

expertise to other regulatory agencies by reviewing proposed rules and providing 

feedback on license reviews. NASA also provides expertise to Congress during 

the process of drafting legislation. The Agency has been a key contributor to 

national-level policies, such as the National Orbital Debris Research and 

Development Plan, the National Orbital Debris Implementation Plan, and the 

National Cislunar Science and Technology Strategy.

The Agency shares its expertise with the world. NASA’s orbital debris mitigation 

and risk assessment models have been shared with hundreds of industry operators 

around the world. NASA hosts the International Orbital Debris Conference 

and regularly attends a variety of conferences and technical exchanges, both 

domestically and internationally, that cover various space sustainability topics.

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NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

Additionally, NASApublishes the Orbital Debris Quarterly News, which has close

to 2,000 subscribers globally. NASAalso developed and published the Handbook

for Limiting Orbital Debris, NASA Procedural Requirements for Limiting Orbital

Debris and Evaluating the Meteoroid and Orbital Debris Environments (NPR

8715.6), and the NASA technical standard Process for Limiting Orbital Debris

(NASA-STD-8719.14). NASA has also published the Spacecraft Conjunction

Assessment and Collision Avoidance Best Practices Handbook, followed by

procedural requirements for implementing the best practices (NPR 8079.1), to

share insight from NASA’s 30-year history of developing and implementing the

conjunction assessment process used today.

Internationally, NASA led the U.S. Government delegation to establish the

Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines for the United Nations Committee on the

Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and supported the development of the LongTerm Sustainability Guidelines for the committee. NASA was a founding

member of the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee and led

the committee to establish the first consensus-based international guidelines

for mitigating orbital debris. NASA also promotes the committee’s adoption

of the Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices, which NASA led the U.S.

Government in developing in 2001 and in updating in 2019. These standard

practices serve as the foundation for the space sustainability practices of 

NASA and other operators around the world. 

Domains Regarding Space Sustainability 

NASA has identified four domains in which space sustainability is important

to consider: Earth’s orbit; the Earth; cislunar space, including the Lagrange

points and the lunar surface; and deep space, including other celestial bodies.

The issues identified in these domains are not in the scope of NASA’s 2022

Sustainability Plan.1 The challenges related to space sustainability may 

differ depending on the domain, and these challenges need to be identified,

understood, and solved. The resulting space sustainability strategies for each

domain may be updated as the concept of space sustainability evolves. In

response to these strategies, NASA commits to make informed improvements

to its operations. Ultimately, the strategies must be implemented by much of the

space community for effective space sustainability to be achieved.

Domain Covered in Volume 1 of This Strategy 

So that NASA can rapidly progress in addressing the most pressing issues, 

volume 1 of NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy focuses on the sustainability 

of operations in Earth’s orbit. 

Earth orbit. Operations in Earth’s orbit, especially in LEO, present highly visible 

challenges to space sustainability. This domain includes topics such as space 

1

 See NASA, 2022 NASA Sustainability Plan, 7 Oct. 2022, https://www.sustainability.gov/pdfs/nasa2022-sustainability-plan.pdf.

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NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

situational awareness, space traffic coordination, space environment (weather) 

awareness, orbital debris management, and spacecraft servicing. The domain 

emphasizes the health and safety of human spaceflight. S pace situational 

awareness refers to the knowledge and characterization of space objects and 

their operational environment to support safe, stable, and sustainable space 

activities. Space traffic coordination refers to planning, coordinating, and 

synchronizing on-orbit activities to enhance the safety, stability, and sustainability 

of operations in space. NASA views orbital debris management as the ability to 

mitigate the creation of new debris through design and operations, to implement 

operational procedures for spacecraft to avoid collisions with debris, to protect 

missions from damage due to strikes of orbital debris, to limit reentry casualty 

risks, to characterize the populations of debris that are not currently tracked, 

and to clean up debris through various remediation methods. Space weather 

awareness regards obtaining knowledge of and predicting the varying natural 

environment in response to changing solar conditions.

Domains Not Covered in Volume 1 of this Strategy 

The three other domains (the Earth, cislunar space, and deep space) are not

covered in this volume of the strategy. NASAcommits to release similarAgencywide strategies for the other three domains. These domains are described in 

the following paragraphs. 

The Earth. Access to space and capabilities from space can affect life on Earth.

For example, increased space launches cause closures in air traffic corridors. The

chemicals used during launch raise concerns about atmospheric impacts. Launch 

operations can be deleterious to nearby wildlife, terrestrial and aquatic habitats,

and communities. The increased use of LEO satellites also raises concerns. For

instance, reentering satellites that burn up in the atmosphere could cause harmful

material to be deposited or catalyzed in the upper atmosphere. Satellite pieces 

that do not fully burn up and return to the Earth’s surface could harm people

or damage property. While in orbit, spacecraft may reflect sufficient sunlight to

degrade the dark sky environment, affecting astronomers, sky photographers, and

other cultural users of dark skies. Future efforts to address these issues should be

coordinated with the teams that are implementing NASA’s 2022 Sustainability Plan

and NASA’s 2023 Climate Strategy.

2

Cislunar space, including the lunar surface. Many of the challenges regarding 

sustainability in cislunar space (including the Earth-Moon Lagrange points) and 

the lunar surface are similar to those regarding sustainability in Earth’s orbit. 

However, the challenges regarding cislunar space and the lunar surface are 

magnified because there are fewer historical precedents and norms to follow. 

Also, the world may not yet have the operational capabilities needed to support 

sustainable operations. For example, capabilities for situational navigation 

2

 See NASA, Advancing NASA’s Climate Strategy, 2023, https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/

uploads/2023/04/advancing-nasas-climate-strategy-2023.pdf.

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NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

awareness, navigation, and communications are currently insufficient to support 

robust space traffic coordination and to monitor the sustainability of the operating 

environment. Similarly, when the mission of lunar surface assets ends, they must 

be properly disposed of to reduce the risks to other space operators; however, 

there are no guidelines for performing this disposal. Postmission disposal of 

orbiting assets is complicated by the Moon’s lack of an atmosphere to accelerate 

the reentry of debris and the chaotic nature of cislunar orbits. Further, preserving 

scientifically or culturally valuable sites is an important consideration.

Deep space, including other celestial bodies. For the purposes of this strategy,

deep space comprises everything beyond cislunar space. Sustainably operating

at the Sun-Earth Lagrange points, Mars, other celestial bodies, and beyond may

present unique challenges that require considerations and solutions not addressed

in the previous domains. For example, planetary protection is a greater concern

in deep space than on the Moon; human and robotic spaceflight missions to

deep space bodies could introduce terrestrial organisms and other environmental

disturbances to these environments. These disturbances could compromise

scientific studies, the search for life, and the preservation of heritage sites.

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NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

Background Regarding 

Sustainability in

Earth’s Orbit

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NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

As humanity’s activities in Earth’s orbit have flourished, our awareness of the 

risks posed by space operations have not kept pace. The importance of tracking 

active spacecraft has been recognized since the dawn of the space age, but until 

more recently, relatively little consideration has been given to collisions involving 

active spacecraft. Orbital debris has been present since the beginning of the 

space age and the first known fragmentation event occurred in 1961; however, 

the importance of orbital debris did not become clear until decades later, when 

efforts to mitigate debris began in the late 1970s. As space traffic and orbital debris 

have increased, the importance of coordinating space traffic has emerged as a 

significant issue since the mid-2000s. Only in the 2020s is humanity beginning 

to recognize the effects of space operations on scientific measurements, such as 

of Earth’s ionosphere and exoplanets. This section briefly describes the history 

of four facets of space sustainability in Earth’s orbit: space situational awareness 

(SSA), orbital debris, space traffic coordination (STC), and science.

SSA 

The first step in achieving sustainable operations in Earth’s orbit is to have

SSA. This term is defined as the knowledge and characterization of space

objects and their operational environment that are needed to support safe,

stable, and sustainable space activities. The U.S. Government’s collection

of 30+ telescopes and radars—known as the Space Surveillance System

(SSN)—tracks and maintains a catalog of over 25,000 objects. However, the

SSN reliably tracks only objects larger than 10 centimeters in LEO and 1 meter

in geosynchronous equatorial orbit; spacecraft operators are flying blind with

respect to smaller debris. Predicted conjunctions between tracked objects are

uncertain because of the fidelity of positional observations and the variability in

orbit propagation caused by space weather. Despite these limitations, current

SSA capabilities not only enable operators to avoid collisions but also provide

crucial information on the space environment.

Orbital Debris 

Orbital debris is defined as all human-made objects, including fragments and 

elements thereof, that are in Earth’s orbit or re-entering the atmosphere and that 

are nonfunctional. About 25 percent of tracked objects are debris from nominal 

space operations; these objects include defunct spacecraft, rocket bodies, 

and items intentionally released during missions. About 50 percent of tracked 

objects were created during fragmentation events, such as antisatellite tests 

and self- sabotage, explosion of propulsion systems or batteries, and accidental 

collisions. The first-known satellite fragmentation occurred in 1961, when the 

Ablestar upper stage exploded and produced nearly 300 trackable pieces of 

debris. In total, about 75 percent of tracked objects are debris.

Using SSAcapabilities, satellite operators can maneuver to avoid large, tracked

debris. However, most debris are not tracked. NASA estimates that around 100

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NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

Figure 1. Distribution of orbital debris with key events identified.

Source: NASA ODPO 

million pieces of small debris are not currently tracked or avoided by spacecraft

yet are large enough to degrade or destroy spacecraft. These small, humanderived debris are the source of most of the risks the space environment poses

to spacecraft. The risks may increase, as the volume of debris, tracked and

untracked, is projected to increase.

STC 

Just as the creation of debris needs to be reduced and collisions with debris need 

to be avoided, the activities among spacecraft need to be coordinated. STC is 

defined as the planning, coordination, and on-orbit synchronization of activities 

to enhance the safety, stability, and sustainability of operations in space.

In recent years, satellite deployments have increased. In each quarter of

2021–2023, nearly 1,000 trackable objects were added to Earth’s orbit; more

than 50 percent of these objects were spacecraft. In addition to this increase

in orbit’s use, new space capabilities are emerging quickly; examples include

satellite constellations for LEO communications, autonomously maneuvering

spacecraft, satellite servicing, in-space assembly and manufacturing, and

commercial LEO destinations for science and tourism. The space community

has yet to fully understand the potential benefits and risks these activities

create in terms of space sustainability. To help mitigate the potential risks,

proper coordination among spacecraft is critical. 

To ensure sustainability, a major emerging trend that deserves attention is

more dynamic space operations. Many new spacecraft use electric propulsion,

which enables frequent and long-duration maneuvers. As the option of onorbit refueling emerges, spacecraft with chemical propulsion may make larger

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NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

and more frequent maneuvers. Further, an increasing share of spacecraft

may use automated maneuvering capabilities. These systems may enhance

sustainability by allowing for more frequent maneuvers to avoid collisions and

by rapidly deorbiting defunct spacecraft. 

More dynamic space operations may also challenge space sustainability by 

decreasing the predictability of space operations. During and after a spacecraft’s

maneuver, its orbit and potential conjunctions with other space objects are

currently not predicted reliably by the SSN or other external observers. As

maneuvers become longer in duration, larger in magnitude, more frequent, and

increasingly automated, the complexity and uncertainty of space operations

may increase. 

Science 

The proliferation of satellites and debris may also affect how science is conducted 

in space. Space-based telescopes, such as Hubble and CHEOPS, are

increasingly observing “streaks” from active satellites and small debris passing

through the telescopes’ field of view. Beyond optical measurements, there

may be disturbances to measurements of the space environment itself. Space

objects that pick up electronic charges may cause ripples in the ionosphere

while traveling through it. These anthropogenic ripples may be confused with

natural sources of ionospheric variability. These disturbances may also present

an opportunity to detect and track small debris. More research is needed to

determine whether and, if so, how well debris-related scientific disturbances

can be separated from background noise.

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NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

Challenges to 

Sustainability in 

Earth’s Orbit

11 
NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

 

A Single Framework for Space Sustainability Has Not 

Been Accepted by the Space Community 

The topic of space sustainability is complex and challenging to fully break

down into an accepted conceptual framework that can subsequently be

measured and modeled. For the purposes of this strategy, a framework is an

entity-relationship model that describes all the quantities of interest, including

their interdependencies, that can be operationalized through measurements,

modeling, and assessments using defined figures of merit. Some effective

models are available for parts of the space environment, but the space

community lacks a comprehensive, widely accepted framework for space

sustainability that recognizes the interconnectivity of the actions taken to

protect space vehicles from colliding with orbital debris, colliding with other

space vehicles, and becoming orbital debris. Without such a framework, NASA

and the space community cannot robustly assess the sustainability of their risk

approach, investment decisions, and future flight opportunities.

Current Metrics and Modeling Are Not Sufficient to 

Support Holistic Frameworks 

NASA and the space community lack a holistic set of interoperable models that

addresses the interdependencies among risks posed by launch vehicles, upper

stages, active spacecraft, debris, the space environment, operational maneuvering

abilities, space situational awareness, and other hazards. Actions taken to reduce

one source of risk may have knock-on effects regarding other sources of risk,

but such interactions are generally left unmodeled. Without such a set of models,

NASA cannot effectively determine what type and level of space operations are

sustainable and cannot assess the effectiveness of proposed actions to enhance

space sustainability. The interrelated population dynamics of operational spacecraft 

and orbital debris create a problem for policymakers who seek to ensure the longterm sustainability of orbital environments. The size, structure, and distribution of

spacecraft and orbital debris change over time because of factors such as orbit

use rates, spacecraft decommissioning and disposal rates, technology evolution

(and revolution), and natural environment fluctuations; these dynamics make the

problem even harder to address because solutions tend to be identified based on

highly uncertain assumptions about the future. 

Uncertainties in the Space Environment and Space 

Operations Are a Main Driver of Risks to Space 

Sustainability 

If space operators, safety service providers, and policymakers could significantly

reduce the uncertainties regarding operating in space, the necessary actions

would become clearer. For example, if operators knew the precise trajectories and

physical characteristics of all orbital debris, then operators could greatly reduce

12 
NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

risks from debris by using evasive maneuvers for debris that can be avoided and by

shielding spacecraft to withstand strikes from debris that cannot be avoided. Another

source of uncertainty is natural changes in the background plasma and radiation

environment since these changes affect the survivability of spacecraft operations.

Conversely, spacecraft and orbital debris may affect scientific measurements of

the space environment. Merely reducing uncertainties somewhat is not sufficient.

A challenge is to determine which uncertainties are most important to address 

and how much those uncertainties must be reduced to enable breakthroughs in

NASA’s understanding and actions related to space sustainability.

Space Sustainability May Be in Tension with Other 

Mission Interests 

Space endeavors are complex and often require decades of coordinated effort. To

meet cost and schedule constraints, organizations prioritize actions that are essential

to mission success. This prioritization can lead to the moral hazard of a mission 

maximizing its success and transferring the negative consequences of its operations

to other space operators. This result is partially due to a lack of appreciation for the

downstream effects on other operators and the added complexity of mitigating actions. 

When the incentives for near-term mission success and long-term sustainability in

the Earth’s orbit do not naturally align, the latter receives less attention.

Space Sustainability Is a Global Issue That Requires a 

Coordinated, Multilateral Response 

The U.S. Government is in the early stages of coordinating unified policies and 

guidance that support space sustainability; however, there are still gaps in the 

policies and guidance. For example, agencies do not have clearly defined roles 

and operational responsibilities related to debris remediation. Further, NASA

lacks a coordinated, Agency-wide approach to identify new space sustainability 

capabilities and then prioritize them, fund them, create them, and infuse them 

into missions to address the challenges previously discussed. NASA is also 

insufficiently transparent with the public and the broader space community 

regarding occasional decisions that reduce space sustainability in order to 

increase mission benefits; satellite operators and the public do not always learn 

how the risk environment has changed or why the added risk was considered 

tolerable. More broadly, NASA alone cannot address space sustainability. As 

much as possible, the global space community must work from a shared baseline 

understanding and toward a common vision of a sustainable future. Achieving 

this multilateral, global coordination is a challenge for many government and 

private sector space operators because of legal, procedural, and cultural hurdles 

to sharing with and meaningfully receiving from the space community relevant 

data, models, analyses, and potential policies. 

13 
NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

Goals and 

Objectives

14 
NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

 

NASA recognizes that space sustainability is an investment in the Agency’s 

mission, by protecting our future ability to use and benefit from space. NASA

is now at the point that the ability to conduct space activities for the benefit 

of humankind is being challenged by degradations in the space operating 

environment. We must ensure that space is used sustainably so that it is 

safe for astronauts to do science in LEO and to explore the Moon and Mars. 

Further, space sustainability is needed so that NASA’s robotic science missions 

can monitor Earth’s changes and probe the secrets of the universe without 

interruption. Space sustainability is a global concern, and the world is watching 

NASA for guidance. NASA can support the world in creating a sustainable space 

operating environment by leading in science and technology and collaborating 

and partnering with industry and space agencies around the globe. The following 

goals address the challenges to achieving space sustainability in Earth’s orbit. 

By pursuing the objectives for each goal, NASA will lay the technical foundations 

and provide the operational leadership that will enable everyone to operate 

sustainably in space. 

The goals logically build upon each other; however, their implementation can begin 

in parallel. Goal 1 provides a foundational framework and metrics to holistically 

assess space sustainability in Earth’s orbit. Goal 2 utilizes this framework to 

identify highly effective actions for enhancing space sustainability. Goals 3 and 4 

use technology development and policy changes to create incentives for space 

operators to adopt the highly effective actions. Goal 5 ensures that NASA’s 

implementation of the previous goals is informed by and coordinated with the 

domestic and international space community. Goal 6 calls for an organizational 

change within NASA to provide day-to-day coordination and accountability within 

the Agency for our space sustainability actions. The products of these goals will 

be periodically reevaluated to ensure they are effective and to stay aligned with 

the ever-changing space operating environment.

1. Develop a Framework for Assessing Space 

Sustainability at NASA 

Why This Goal Is Important Goal 1 addresses challenges 

1 and 2: 

“A single framework for 

space sustainability has not

been accepted by the space

community.” 

“Current metrics and modeling 

are not sufficient to support 

holistic frameworks.”

NASA Policy Directive 1000.0 challenges NASA to address

the question of how safe is safe enough? In the context of

space sustainability, it is important to establish a framework

of technical parameters that are accepted by a diverse set of

constituents so that competent decisions can be made that 

ensure the long-term viability of assets in Earth’s orbit that

add value to human safety, economic prosperity, and scientific

discovery. The space sustainability framework will address

challenges 1 and 2. It will also provide a basis for the analyses

defined in goal 2.

15 
NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

 

Objectives 

NASA will work with the domestic and international space community to

define an Agency view of the current space traffic and debris environment

in Earth’s orbit, a consistent set of parameters identifying the future state

of debris and space traffic, one or more metrics to assess the sustainability

of orbital activities, and target values for these metrics that—if met—will

lead to a sustainable space operating environment. NASA will use the

framework to make investment decisions and to publicly report on the

sustainability of the Agency’s operations in Earth’s orbit. The objectives

for this goal are as follows:

1.1 Define a framework, metrics, and associated models for assessing 

sustainability in Earth’s orbit. 

Working with the domestic and international space community,

NASA will define what it views as the key parameters that affect the

sustainability of Earth’s orbit, identify the prioritized interdependencies

between the key parameters, integrate existing models or develop

new ones to support the framework, and choose one or more metrics

with which the Agency will measure sustainability. Of particular 

importance are the feedback mechanisms between the use of orbits;

the societal benefits created by space operations; policies for space

traffic coordination and orbital debris; and the evolution of technical

capabilities for launching inexpensively into orbit, sensing debris

and the space environment, maneuvering spacecraft, protecting

spacecraft from hazards, and remediating debris. Appropriate metrics

may be related to risks measured in monetary terms, carrying capacity,

Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices compliance, and other

concepts with operational significance. The framework and models

should be updated biennially to incorporate major changes in the

space operating environment.

1.2 Determine tolerable and desirable levels of risk associated with 

the future operational environment. 

Every space operation imposes some level of risk on other operators

in space; a risk-free operating environment is not possible. Efforts

to minimize the imposed risks may do more harm than good if the

efforts stifle the benefits created by robustly using space. NASA

will identify a level of imposed risk that is judged to be tolerable

and sustainable, then lead the space community toward this level.

The tolerable level of risk will be based on the previously developed

framework and metrics.

16 
NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

1.3 Annually publish NASA’s effect on the sustainability of space. 

This product should include a list of upper stages, spacecraft, and any

other objects for which NASA has some responsibility; any changes

in the risks posed by these objects; the risks associated with newly

launched upper stages and spacecraft; the risk-reducing activities

undertaken to offset any intolerable risks; and an estimate of NASA’s

net contribution to risk that year. This product also will address

NASA’s compliance with the guidelines in the Orbital Debris Mitigation

Standard Practices.

2. Prioritize the Most Efficient Ways to Minimize 

Uncertainties About Orbital Debris and Operations in 

the Space Environment 

Why This Goal Is Important 

Operating in the space environment requires time-critical

decision-making. Operators make decisions based on the

information available at the time of the event. Improving

operational data and processes can improve confidence in the

intended outcomes and can minimize the effects on operations. 

Minimizing the uncertainty of the information used to make

decisions addresses Challenge 3. This goal also provides

direction for the technology development and policy updates

that will be undertaken in goals 3 and 4.

Goal 2 addresses challenge 3:

“Uncertainties in the space 

environment and space 

operations are a main driver of 

risks to space sustainability.”

Uncertainties related to space traffic coordination and orbital debris are the

main drivers of the perceived risk to operators in the space environment.

The current debris environment is poorly understood with respect to debris

smaller than 10 centimeters; this debris is not tracked and thus cannot

be actively avoided. There is a lag in debris-related statistics, making it

difficult to connect debris trends to current events. For example, objects

that have accidentally exploded on orbit typically were launched a decade

ago, complicating the ability to estimate the explosion potential of systems

launching now and the future impact on the space environment. Likewise,

the characteristics of small debris are highly uncertain because of a lack

of observational measurements and operational capabilities to track the

debris. Even the current and predicted locations of active spacecraft are

uncertain, preventing accurate predictions of close approaches, a situation

that will likely become more challenging as autonomous maneuvering in

LEO increases. The rates at which the numbers of active spacecraft and

orbital debris are growing are difficult to predict and thus difficult to plan for.

These uncertainties can lead spacecraft operators to over- or underestimate

the risks operators face and impose on others. In turn, these uncertainties

hinder the space community’s ability to identify the most effective methods

for mitigating and remediating these risks.

17 
NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

Objectives 

Using the framework, NASA will identify the critical uncertainties that drive

the risks to human spaceflight and robotic spacecraft, understand the effects

that orbiting anthropogenic objects have on scientific measurements of

the space environment, and clarify the most cost-effective ways to reduce

these uncertainties. The objectives for this goal are as follows:

Spacecraft Operations:

2.1 Identify opportunities for breakthrough improvements in the 

ability to sense and predict the operating environment. 

This effort should consider improvements to orbital position covariance, 

dynamic predictive atmospheric drag models, solar flux predictions, 

GPS beacons, laser reflectors, data fusion, new sensors, and so forth. 

When considering improvements in each area, the point of diminishing 

returns will be estimated. 

2.2 Investigate the feasibility of new approaches to operating in the 

space environment. 

This investigation may include future autonomous collision avoidance 

systems, interactions between autonomous and manual collision 

avoidance systems, the trustworthiness of ephemerides provided by 

spacecraft operators, and coordination with spacecraft that do not fly 

Keplerian orbits or thrust constantly. Although these approaches may 

reduce the risks of operating in space, advancements are also needed 

in the ability to avoid collisions safely and efficiently during launch. The 

ability to manage collision risks during this highly dynamic portion of 

space operations could be improved through advancing launch vehicle 

technologies, researching approaches to better predict launch vehicle 

position, quantifying more accurately the uncertainties in the on-orbit 

catalog, and investigating new approaches to quantifying probabilities 

for collision avoidance during launch.

Orbital Debris:

2.3 Identify cost-effective methods to reduce the creation of debris. 

The creation of debris can be mitigated by making certain choices when 

designing, operating, servicing, and disposing of spacecraft and upper 

stages. NASA will assess and identify for potential future development 

the most cost-effective technologies, capabilities, and policies that will 

limit the creation of orbital debris. NASA currently prioritizes improving 

the design and testing of batteries, which are prone to accidental 

explosion, and measuring millimeter-sized debris to understand its 

shape and material composition. NASA will continue to assess the 

costs and benefits of debris mitigation methods, and the priorities may 

be updated as analyses evolve.

18 
NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

 

 

2.4 Develop prioritized approaches to managing the risks posed by 

existing debris. 

Most of the debris in space was created prior to this strategy or by 

non-U.S. entities and is beyond NASA’s control. Even if all countries 

stopped launching new spacecraft, the amount of debris in space would 

continue to grow. NASA’s current approach to remediating the risks 

posed by debris is to prioritize just-in-time collision avoidance, remove 

small debris, and develop scalable capabilities for controlled reentry 

of very large objects. For each of these priorities, NASA will develop 

technology roadmaps to guide development efforts. These priorities are 

based on a recent NASA analysis of the most cost-effective methods 

for remediation; however, NASA will continue to analyze the costs and 

benefits of remediation options, and these priorities may be updated as 

analyses evolve.

3. Lower Barriers to Space Sustainability Through 

Developing and Transferring Technology 

Why This Goal Is Important 

NASA’s investment in technologies that enhance space sustainability

can incentivize missions and potential transition partners to adopt

the technologies. Such investments reduce the costs and risks

associated with incorporating these technologies into missions. 

Reducing costs and risks can increase adoption of sustainable

practices throughout the space enterprise. Further, the technologies

Goal 3 addresses challenge 4:

“Space sustainability may 

not align with other mission 

interests.”

that NASAinvests in signal to the world what the Agency’s priorities

are in space sustainability, and the levels of investment are a potential signal of

the importance of space sustainability to the Agency. Because other U.S. Federal

agencies, Congress, industry, and international entities pay attention to NASA’s

efforts, NASAwill be able to focus attention on the most effective capabilities and

encourage greater national and global investment in the identified priority areas.

Objectives 

NASAwill invest in technologies that support key elements of space sustainability,

informed by the results of goal 2. These investments will focus on advancing

capabilities that NASA needs in order to support the sustainable operation of its 

missions in Earth’s orbit and capabilities that other U.S. space operators need,

provided there is a clear transition plan. The objectives for this goal are as follows:

3.1 Continue investing in early-stage orbital debris management. 

NASA will support high-priority capabilities related to mitigation, 

tracking, and remediation. NASA will prioritize investments based on 

its published assessments of the capabilities’ impacts on future space 

sustainability and will balance investments appropriately across the 

scope of orbital debris management. 

19 
NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

3.2 Identify opportunities to increase investments in space situational 

awareness, space traffic coordination, and space environmental 

understanding. 

NASA will support high-priority capabilities related to detection, 

tracking, and collision avoidance. NASA’s investments should be 

prioritized considering the results from goal 2 and input from industry 

and interagency partners. 

3.3 Identify potential transition partners and support demonstrations 

of debris-related technology. 

Transition partners may include NASA missions and other space 

operators in the U.S. Government and in industry. After identifying 

these partners, NASA can help them adopt sustainability efforts by 

supporting demonstrations of commercial technology that meet the 

partners’ needs.

 Update or Develop Policies That Provide Incentives to

Support Space Sustainability

Why This Goal Is Important

Incentives for space sustainability can be improved by ensuring that space

policies reward enhanced sustainability. Such policies could involve providing

increased budgetary support to missions that are among the first to incorporate

best practices and publicly recognizing missions that do substantially more

than the minimum in terms of sustainability.

NASAis not a regulatory agency and has responsibility for only its own missions;

however, policymakers from other agencies, the White House, Congress, and

international entities routinely look to NASA for technical guidance on policy and

regulatory issues. NASAcan provide its partners with the best technical guidance

by proactively identifying and assessing policy issues rather than waiting until

action is imminent and there is insufficient time for rigorous consideration.

Objectives

NASA will develop or update policies that enhance space sustainability,

informed by the results of goal 2. The objectives for this goal are as follows:

4.1 Update NASA’s policies and standards to reflect the results of Goal 1.

The updates should include requirements, rewards, and penalties that 

incentivize space sustainability. Requirements related to developing and 

operating space systems will ensure that all missions NASA has some 

responsibility over will incorporate sustainability into their design from 

the beginning. Programs that go beyond the minimum requirements 

should be recognized and receive enhanced benefits or privileges. 

Programs that fail to meet the requirements should internalize the 

negative effects of their actions.

20 

4.
NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

 

4.2 Update NASA’s policy related to debris remediation. 

NASA’s previous policy on debris remediation is nearly a decade 

old and restricts the Agency’s ability to meaningfully support the 

development and use of remediation capabilities. NASA’s new policy 

on debris remediation is: 1) NASA may fund technology development 

efforts without constraints on the technology readiness level of the initial 

or resulting technologies. 2) NASA may, but is not required to, fund 

the development of operational capabilities for debris remediation. 3) 

NASA will not take an operational role in remediating debris on behalf 

of others; however, the Agency may remediate its own debris or debris 

that directly threatens NASA’s missions, ideally through partnerships or 

contracts with commercial domestic or international providers of debris 

remediation services.

4.3 Support economic and policy research related to space 

sustainability. 

The results of this research will support recommendations to regulatory 

agencies regarding policies that incentivize space sustainability and 

will inform the Agency’s policy updates.

4.4 Advance consideration of international issues related to 

remediating orbital debris. 

In coordination with the Department of State, NASA will assess legal 

and other issues related to remediating orbital debris; the nonlegal 

issues include ownership, return, and other significant issues that 

may arise in relation to the Outer Space Treaty and the other core 

space treaties. Although such situations may need to be resolved on 

a case-by-case basis, clarifying NASA’s approach to such issues, 

when possible and appropriate, may encourage the development of 

remediation options. 

5. Continue and Improve Coordination and Collaboration 

Outside of NASA 

Why This Goal Is Important 

Space sustainability is an inherently international challenge. 

Potential solutions are most likely to succeed through including

and cooperating with other U.S. Government agencies, the U.S.

commercial sector, academic institutions, and the international

space community. Fostering opportunities to address space

sustainability together and leverage each other’s efforts

will more efficiently lead to globally accepted solutions and

operational practices, thereby addressing Challenge 5.

Goal 5 addresses challenge 5: 

“Space sustainability is a 

global issue that requires 

a coordinated, multilateral 

response.”

21 
NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

 

Objectives 

NASA will continue its strong leadership role domestically and 

internationally. Further, NASA will identify opportunities to better share

and receive information from academic institutions, industry, interagency

partners, and the international space community. When implementing the

objectives, NASA and its partners should document the resources that

each entity will bring to the collaboration or coordination. The objectives

for this goal are as follows:

5.1 Continue to collaborate with interagency partners on space 

sustainability. 

This collaboration should include coordinating U.S. Government science 

and technology priorities, pursuing joint technology development and 

demonstrations, and maximizing the sharing of data and technologies. 

For orbital debris, NASA will continue to support the implementation 

of the National Orbital Debris Implementation Plan,3

 as appropriate. 

There is no current national-level coordination mechanism related to 

space traffic coordination; however, NASA will remain engaged with its 

interagency partners on this topic. 

5.2 Engage with communities that prioritize space sustainability 

Currently, gatherings of the space sustainability community are 

spread across many different conferences, consortia, and meetings 

of professional society committees, each of which focuses on only a 

portion of space sustainability. NASA will investigate mechanisms to 

foster space-sustainability-focused engagements involving the broader 

space community to allow for greater collaboration in prioritizing new 

science and technology efforts and in providing input on policy initiatives. 

NASA will investigate whether the scopes of existing consortia can 

be expanded to achieve the desired collaboration or whether a new 

organization is necessary. 

5.3 Improve the sharing of best practices, procedures, models, data, 

and tools with the international space community. 

NASA should investigate what additional data and information can 

be made available to the global community to enhance sustainable 

operations in Earth’s orbit. Likewise, the Agency should identify 

potential barriers to publicly distributing the results of NASA’s space 

sustainability efforts and recommend ways to reduce barriers that are 

prioritized to address. 

3

 See Orbital Debris Interagency Working Group Subcommittee on Space Weather, Security, and 

Hazards of the National Science and Technology Council, National Orbital Debris Implementation 

Plan, July 2022, https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/07-2022-NATIONALORBITAL-DEBRIS-IMPLEMENTATION-PLAN.pdf.

22 
NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

 

5.4 Improve NASA’s ability to incorporate technical advancements 

made by the broader space community. 

NASA could begin by making the source code for selected

environmental models available to interested academic and

commercial parties, enabling them to provide feedback. NASA could

develop a process for integrating non-NASA inputs into models,

data sets, and software, enabling submissions from scientists and

developers, regardless of origin, to be assessed as trustworthy or

authoritative, with the objective of achieving an open source and open

architecture modeling environment.

6. Improve NASA-internal Organization to Support Space 

Sustainability 

Why This Goal Is Important 

NASA is the recognized leader in space operations, science discovery,

and technology development. However, NASA is a large organization

that encourages researchers to independently discover and develop new

technologies. These independent approaches challenge the alignment of 

values and the resourcing of crosscutting capabilities. NASA needs to adopt

an organizational concept that encourages coordination across multiple 

Offices and Directorates without stifling innovation.

Objectives 

NASA will design and implement an entity to focus on day-to-day 

coordination of the Agency’s space sustainability efforts. This entity will 

create accountability to ensure that NASA meets its aspirations for space 

sustainability, will enable Agency-level prioritization of relevant efforts and 

budgets, and will allow NASA to maintain a consistent voice when speaking 

about space sustainability. The objective for this goal is as follows:

6.1 Evaluate the design and implementation of an empowered 

organizational entity to focus on day-to-day coordination and 

accountability of NASA’s space sustainability efforts. 

This entity should take a leadership role in implementing the current 

strategy in coordination with the other Directorates and Offices named 

in previous objectives. When designing this entity, consideration will be 

given to using or modifying existing organizations and boards in NASA

that can provide the following:

• Governance. The entity should have the authority to coordinate 

and adjudicate as needed to meet the goals of this strategy, 

including through overseeing a budget to sponsor implementing 

activities of Mission Directorates, Centers, mission support Offices, 

23 
NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

and external partners. The entity should not direct any activities 

related to the implementation and oversight of spaceflight missions; 

this oversight will remain the responsibility of programmatic and 

technical authorities. The entity should serve as the primary point of 

contact for external communications regarding space sustainability. 

• Implementation. The entity, in coordination with the SESAB,

will identify and define studies and early-stage science and

technology development that support this strategy. The entity

should have the ability to sponsor investments in the prioritized

studies, technical assessments, and early-stage science and

technology discoveries that will support this strategy. Later-stage

development and technology demonstrations will be approved and

budgeted through established processes. The entity should act 

as an impartial advocate for additional resourcing so members of

the SESAB can meet requirements for consolidated sustainability

programs and projects.

• Policy. TThe entity should be the focal point for coordinating internal 

and external space sustainability policy, working with subject matter 

experts and the principal Agency liaison to develop and coordinate 

national security and national space policy. The entity should 

facilitate consensus on space sustainability issues for the Agency, 

primarily through the SESAB. The entity will work with the SESAB 

to perform analyses related to space sustainability and annually 

publish space sustainability metrics for the Agency. Technical 

authorities will retain responsibility for procedural requirements and 

technical standards for flight programs and projects.

24 
NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy

Suggested Way Ahead for

Strategy Implementation 

This strategy provides a comprehensive set of goals and objectives that should 

be achieved to meet the challenges of space sustainability. The goals in this 

strategy build on each other and should not be considered in a strict order. Many 

of the objectives are overlapping and complementary and cannot necessarily 

be achieved in isolation. That being said, substantive progress should be made 

on the framework and metrics described in goal 1 because they will provide 

a foundation for many of the other actions. NASA will form an implementation 

team to address goals: 1–5 by 1) assessing current programs and lines of effort 

that are already fully or partially implementing some actions and 2) providing a 

prioritized action plan (including cost, schedule, and lead points of contact) to 

address the remaining actions. Collaboration across NASA should increase to 

create synergy when implementing the actions in the National Orbital Debris 

Implementation Plan. The collaboration team should use the National Orbital 

Debris Implementation Plan to provide inputs for the necessary cross-cutting 

budget. The objective for Goal 6 should be addressed within a year of this 

strategy’s approval, to enhance the collaboration across the Agency and provide 

continued leadership for space sustainability. 

First steps: 

• Establish the framework and metrics for assessing space 

sustainability. 

• Form an implementation team to address goals 1–5 by completing 

the following steps:

1. Assess current programs and lines of effort that are already 

fully or partially implementing some actions. 

2. Provide a prioritized action plan. 

3. Cross-reference this action plan with the National Orbital 

Debris Implementation Plan.

25 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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Washington, DC

www.nasa.gov