The challenges of space use: satellites, environmental damage and global interests

The challenges of space use: satellites, environmental damage and global interests

Space usage carries both opportunities and risks. While satellites allow us to use useful services such as navigation systems and weather forecasts in everyday life, challenges such as space waste and possible environmental damage caused by collisions or falling parts are also created. 70 states worldwide are currently active in space, in addition to private companies that take on state tasks and pursue economic interests.

Austria is also interested in space and primarily pursues economic and scientific goals. The Austrian space strategy 2030+ provides for strengthening domestic companies and research institutions in key technologies. Another goal is to promote sustainability both on earth and in space.

The beginnings of space use go back to 1957 when the Soviet Union sent the first satellite, Sputnik 1, to the earth orbit. Just twelve years later, in 1969, Neil Armstrong was the first person to enter the moon. Austria entered the space race a little later. The first two Austrian satellites were only started in 2013. Most recently, a company of the TU Graz sent a satellite to measure the ice cover of the earth into space.

Despite the progress, there are still many challenges to cope with. There are no binding rules for space use, especially in view of the growing military activities in space. Austria could play an important role in this because the United Nations' office issues is based in Vienna. The representatives of 102 Member States meet every year to promote peaceful cooperation in space.

Space use is therefore an exciting and promising area that not only offers economic and scientific opportunities, but also requires global cooperation to overcome the associated challenges.