The 6th Summit for Space Sustainability was held in Tokyo in July, and the UK Space Agency funded several scholarships for young people in partnership with the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC).
You can read about the conference in a previous blog post, but below are reflections from two of the scholarship winners:
Ashley Sofocleous (UK)
From 11-12 July 2024, I had the privilege of attending the 6th Summit for Space Sustainability in Tokyo, co-hosted by the Secure World Foundation and the Government of Japan. I am immensely grateful to the Space Generation Advisory Council, the UK Space Agency, and the Secure World Foundation for awarding me a scholarship to participate in this important event.
My first trip to Japan was a memorable one and a fantastic opportunity to learn more about space sustainability.
The summit brought together a global community of experts from industry, academia and government, united by a common commitment to preserving outer space for future generations. The panels addressed a broad spectrum of critical issues, ranging from Asia-Pacific perspectives on space security to international space law and the pivotal role of sustainability in space venture capital activities. The diverse range of discussion topics and the variety of attendees at the summit highlighted the multidisciplinary nature of the space sustainability challenge. Addressing this complex issue requires the collective efforts of engineers, lawyers, economists, policymakers, and other space professionals and the summit excellently showcased this collaborative approach. I appreciated the organisers' efforts to ensure that voices from a wide array of nations were represented, not just those from the largest spacefaring countries. As stakeholders in a rapidly growing space industry, it is crucial that we all contribute to shaping a sustainable future in space.
I enjoyed the Japan-themed discussion titles. This one was entitled “Hello Kitty Goes To Space” and tackled important topics related to partnerships between public and private entities.
A standout moment from the summit was a keynote speech by Nobu Okada, founder and CEO of Astroscale. His presentation included an extraordinary timelapse of the recent ADRAS-J mission, featuring close-up images of a discarded upper stage. This reinforced my belief that successful technology demonstrations are vital for advancing a sustainable future in space.
In addition to the panels and keynote presentations, the summit provided invaluable networking opportunities. The Young Professional Mentoring Breakfast was particularly impactful, with inspiring speeches from Julie Black of the UK Space Agency and Muriel Hooghe of the Luxembourg Space Agency. Their insights highlighted the diverse career paths available within the space industry.
There were many opportunities for networking between panels. I hope our paths cross again in the future!
Another highlight for the scholarship winners was our meeting with Dr. Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency. He took the time to engage with each of us individually, inquiring about our interests and experiences and answering our questions about the UK’s role in the space sector. As I return to the UK to continue my career in space, I am excited to witness the industry's growth, including the upcoming openings of the first vertical launch sites at SaxaVord and Sutherland, and the prospect of an all-UK astronaut crewed mission with Axiom Space.
Finally, it was great to meet the other scholarship winners. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we were united by a shared commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability of space. I am optimistic about the future of the space industry and look forward to contributing to its ongoing development.
----------------------
Ruth Jebet Kipchumba (Kenya)
Introduction
As a young professional from Kenya, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the 6th Space Sustainability Summit in Tokyo. This experience was inspiring and crucial in shaping my understanding of the growing role that Africa—and emerging countries in general—must play in the future of space exploration. The UK Space Agency (UKSA), which supported my participation, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in space sustainability, highlighting their commitment to a future where all nations can contribute to and benefit from space activities.
A Deep Dive into Space Sustainability
The summit brought together a diverse group of industry experts, government representatives, students, and young professionals, all focused on one key issue: ensuring a sustainable future for space exploration. The discussions were both enriching and eye-opening, covering a wide range of topics from space situational awareness to orbital debris remediation. One of the most impactful sessions for me was the panel on enhancing space situational awareness. The panelists emphasized the urgent need for advanced monitoring systems to accurately track space activities. It became clear that no single nation could address the complexities of space sustainability on its own. International collaboration is essential to ensure comprehensive space monitoring and to mitigate potential risks. The importance of controlled satellite re-entry was also discussed, as space debris poses a growing threat to both current and future missions. The focus on global coordination and support for emerging countries was particularly inspiring, as it underscored the need for all nations to develop their space capabilities sustainably.
Collaboration Over Competition: The Key to Orbital Debris Remediation
Another highlight of the summit was the panel on orbital debris remediation. The panelists stressed that solving the issue of space debris requires a collective effort, rather than a competitive one. Nations and organizations must work together, sharing technologies and resources to develop comprehensive solutions. This collaborative approach is crucial for
managing the risks posed by orbital debris, ensuring a safe and sustainable space environment for future generations.
Engaging the Public: The Role of Education and Awareness
Beyond the technical discussions, the summit also highlighted the importance of public education and awareness in space sustainability. Ray Fielding from the UK Space Agency spoke passionately about their innovative efforts to educate the public on the relevance of space to everyday life. He discussed how public awareness can influence political decisions and budget allocations for space activities. The UK Space Agency’s creative initiatives, such as using animated concepts for Active Debris Removal (ADR) missions and interactive "catch the satellite" games, are excellent examples of how to make space sustainability accessible and engaging for people of all ages.
Linking Space Sustainability with Economic Benefits
A particularly powerful moment came when Joseph Koller from Amazon Kuiper spoke about the need for a narrative that ties economic benefits to space sustainability. His perspective resonated deeply with the broader theme of the summit, emphasizing that a compelling narrative linking space sustainability with economic growth could promote global access to space. This is especially important for emerging countries, which are working to build their space capabilities and secure their place in the global space community.
Reflecting on the Experience
The 6th Space Sustainability Summit was not just an event; it was a catalyst for ongoing dialogue and collaboration within the space community. It provided invaluable insights into the current state of space sustainability and the collective efforts needed to ensure its future. As I reflect on my experience, I am more convinced than ever of the importance of continued education, public engagement, and international collaboration in securing a sustainable future for space exploration.
This experience will undoubtedly serve as a strong foundation for my contributions to Africa's space capabilities. The focus on education, public engagement, and collaboration will be key in driving the continent’s role in ensuring a sustainable and equitable future in space exploration. Together, we can work towards a future where space is a resource for all of humanity, managed responsibly and sustainably.
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now