Space for Safety and Security

In an era where natural disasters and emergencies are becoming increasingly frequent and severe, ESA is taking a significant step forward in enhancing Europe’s crisis management capabilities.

This week, at the International Aeronautics Congress in Milan, ESA officially kicked off a new project called Ciseres, a small satellite mission designed to significantly improve crisis response times using artificial intelligence (AI).

Twelve nations have signed the Zero Debris Charter at the ESA/EU Space Council today, solidifying their commitment to the long-term sustainability of human activities in Earth orbit. In addition to the 12 countries, the European Space Agency also signed the Zero Debris Charter as an International Organisation (IGO).

This is a question ESA is often asked since both endeavours have been introduced. “Zero debris approach “ is a term which can be used by any space organisation that seeks to reduce its debris footprint drastically – in science or business, public or private.

More satellites were launched in the last few years than the entire six decades of space exploration. 130 million pieces of space debris larger than a millimetre orbit Earth, threatening satellites now and in the future. Once a week, a satellite or rocket body reenters uncontrolled through our atmosphere. Behaviours in space have to change.

On 4 September, the 1st Zero Debris Charter Co-Development Workshop was held at ESA Headquarters in Paris, in the presence of numerous established and emerging space actors in Europe and beyond. Facilitated by the PROTECT Accelerator, the Zero Debris Charter initiative embodies ESA’s ambition to drive major commitments on space debris prevention, mitigation and remediation.

The European Space Agency (ESA), Airbus Defence and Space, OHB SE and Thales Alenia Space share a strong commitment to promoting the safety and long-term sustainability of space operations.

Keeping information and infrastructure secure is essential in a proposed rapid and resilient space-based system that will enable European governments to respond to crises caused by climate change as well as malicious attacks on power supplies and other vital services.