Going beyond to help keep space safe and sustainable

As a global company operating in space, Viasat believes that safety and sustainability need as much attention in space as on our planet. Just like our oceans, the space environment must be protected for the use of all. As more operators plan to launch hundreds of thousands of satellites into space — especially into the orbit closest to our planet (low-Earth orbit) — the need for new regulation and careful resource management is paramount. Without suitable new rules that we apply to the potential damage created by these mega-constellations, we’re at risk of creating problems that could take decades — or even centuries — to fix (if they are fixable at all). The potential issues include chain reaction collisions caused by exceeding LEO’s carrying capacity and a resulting loss of access to space, inequitable consumption of orbits and spectrum that blocks other countries from enjoying the benefits of space, the climate impact of massive numbers of satellites disintegrating in the upper atmosphere every year, and threats to optical and radio astronomy and enjoyment of the night sky.

The current rate of LEO satellite deployments is a new phenomenon, and we need to begin managing the size, mass, and number of what’s launched into space. The more satellites there are, the higher the risk — and it’s critical that regulations catch up with the way in which space now is being populated.

We’re encouraged by recent efforts in the UK to develop international standards and establish a globally recognized ESG benchmark for space sustainability in collaboration with other nations, and operators. Viasat is committed to continue to work with global partners, policymakers, and industry leaders to promote rules that bring the benefits of space to the world, responsibly and safely.

Now, more than ever, it’s vital that all of us be concerned about safe, sustainable, and equitable access to space and take action to protect it.