Remote, quiet radio observatory sites will soon cease to exist because of these satellites. Internationally, protected radio quiet zones are needed, and satellites must be designed to avoid emitting at unwanted radio frequencies or in the wrong directions. Space agencies are developing techniques at least to reduce the rate of growth of space debris. However, significant technology development may be needed to design spacecraft that create a minimum of debris or unwanted radio emissions, and implementing such measures may increase mission costs. Action Needed Man-made degradation of the space environment is global in cause and effect.
Mitigation requires cooperation among nations.
We need internationally recognized emission standards and environmental traffic rules in space as on Earth, to secure a sustainable future for business and science in space. It will also be necessary to monitor the environmental impact of all space activities. Our governments are responsible for defining such rules, as well as establishing and coordinating monitoring in a timely way. The symposium and the conference brought together members of several relevant communities who discussed problems and solutions for space pollution. This moral support must be turned into action.