How can rocket missions be planned and executed sustainably?

2 Challenge 2: Managing rocket debris

Another environmental challenge of rocket missions is the generation and accumulation of rocket debris, or space junk, which consists of discarded rocket stages, satellites, and other objects that orbit the Earth. Rocket debris poses a threat to the safety and functionality of active satellites and spacecraft, as well as to the potential re-entry of hazardous materials to the Earth's surface. To manage rocket debris, aerospace engineers can implement measures such as designing rockets and satellites that can de-orbit or re-enter safely, using reusable or modular rocket components that can be recovered or reused, and developing technologies and techniques that can remove or mitigate existing space junk.

3 Challenge 3: Ensuring rocket safety

A third challenge of rocket missions is ensuring the safety of the rocket systems, the payloads, and the crew, especially as the demand and complexity of rocket missions increase. Rocket safety involves preventing and mitigating the risks of malfunctions, failures, accidents, and collisions that can result in loss of life, property, or mission objectives. To ensure rocket safety, aerospace engineers can apply rigorous standards and procedures for rocket design, testing, launch, operation, and disposal, as well as for payload integration, verification, and protection. They can also use advanced tools and methods, such as simulation, automation, and artificial intelligence, to enhance the reliability and resilience of rocket systems and to support decision making and contingency planning.

5 Opportunity 2: Expanding rocket applications

Another opportunity for sustainable rocket mission planning and execution is expanding the applications and benefits of rocket missions, which can create value and impact for various sectors and stakeholders. Expanding rocket applications can involve developing and launching new types of satellites and spacecraft, such as microsatellites, nanosatellites, and cubesats, that can provide more diverse and affordable services and solutions for communication, navigation, observation, exploration, and research. It can also involve enabling and supporting new forms of space activities and industries, such as space tourism, mining, manufacturing, and colonization, that can offer new opportunities and challenges for humanity.

6 Opportunity 3: Collaborating for rocket sustainability

A third opportunity for sustainable rocket mission planning and execution is collaborating for rocket sustainability, which can foster innovation and cooperation among different actors and entities involved in rocket missions. Collaborating for rocket sustainability can involve sharing and integrating data, information, knowledge, and best practices among rocket engineers, scientists, operators, and users, as well as among public and private organizations, institutions, and agencies, to improve the quality and efficiency of rocket missions. It can also involve engaging and involving the public, the media, the educators, and the policymakers in the awareness, education, and regulation of rocket missions, to promote the ethical, social, and environmental aspects of rocket sustainability.