Human utilisation of space : trend analysis of opportunities and risks for the environment / publisher: German Environment Agency, Section I 1.1: Fundamental Issues, Sustainability Strategies and Scenarios, Resource Conservation ; authors: Gideon Hussels, Ulrike Knörzer, Benno Keppner, Lena Domröse (adelphi research gGmbH, Berlin), Stephan Richter, Tobias Hungerland (Institute for Innovation and Techology [iit] at VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH, Berlin) ; contribution by: Helin Aras, Karina Rudi, Tobias Andreas Stolz (adelphi research gGmbH, Berlin) ; editor: Sylvia Veenhoff, Section I 1.1: Fundamental Issues, Sustainability Strategies and Scenarios, Resource Conservation

Abstract

With space activities expanding rapidly, environmental challenges in orbit and on Earth are increasing as well. The trend report highlights how satellite-based applications can support climate action and environmental monitoring, while also showing how rising launch numbers, new actors, expanding satellite constellations, and less visible developments such as new launch sites or planned in-orbit resource extraction contribute to environmental pressures and space debris. The study analyses key developments and identifies action areas for a sustainable use of outer space.