NASA Supports Space Sustainability Research…Exploring Solutions for Lunar Surface and Orbital Debris

NASA has decided to support five studies focused on the sustainability of space usage. This research support initiative is part of NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy, through which NASA aims to confirm the direction of “sustainable use of space.”

Ellen Gertsen, Deputy Administrator of NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy (OTPS), stated in a July 23 announcement, “Sustainable use of space is crucial for current and future space exploration,” emphasizing the importance of mitigating the risk of orbital debris and enabling future generations to utilize the lunar surface.

Additionally, Deputy Administrator Gertsen mentioned that the selected studies will “explore economic, policy, and social issues that must be understood for the sustainable use of space.” The studies, which will receive a total of $550,000 in funding, are as follows:

Lunar Surface Sustainability Studies

• “A RAD Framework for the Moon: Applying Resist-Accept-Direct Decision-Making” – Dr. Caitlin Ahrens from the University of Maryland, College Park
• “Synthesizing Frameworks of Sustainability for Futures on the Moon” – Research Scientist Afreen Siddiqi from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Orbital Debris and Space Sustainability Studies

• “Integrated Economic-Debris Modeling of Active Debris Removal to Inform Space Sustainability and Policy” – Researcher Mark Moretto from the University of Colorado Boulder
• “Avoiding the Kessler Syndrome Through Policy Intervention” – Aerospace Researcher Richard Linares from MIT
• “Analysis of Cislunar Space Environment Scenarios, Enabling Deterrence and Incentive-Based Policy” – Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Researcher Ryne Beeson from Princeton University

These studies are considered crucial steps towards ensuring the sustainability of outer space. Through them, NASA plans to seek solutions to the space debris problem, explore ways to utilize lunar surface resources, and establish a policy foundation for future space exploration and use.

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