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As part of NASA\u2019s commitment to foster responsible exploration of the universe for the benefit of humanity, the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy (OTPS) is funding space sustainability research proposals from five university-based teams to analyze critical economic, social, and policy issues related to Earth\u2019s orbit and cislunar space.<\/p>\n
The new research awards reflect the agency\u2019s commitment identified in NASA\u2019s Space Sustainability Strategy to ensure safe, peaceful, and responsible space exploration for future generations, and encourage sustainable behaviors in cislunar space and on the lunar surface by ensuring that current operations do not impact those yet to come.<\/p>\n
Three of the five awards will fund research that addresses the growing problem of orbital debris, human-made objects in Earth\u2019s orbit that no longer serve a purpose. This debris can endanger spacecraft, jeopardize access to space, and impede the development of a low-Earth orbit economy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The remaining two awards focus on lunar surface sustainability and will address key policy questions such as the protection of valuable locations and human heritage sites as well as other technical, economic, or cultural considerations that may factor into mission planning.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe sustainable use of space is critical to current and future space exploration,\u201d said Ellen Gertsen, deputy associate administrator for the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy (OTPS) at NASA Headquarters in Washington. \u201cMitigating the risks of orbital debris and ensuring future generations can utilize the lunar surface are of paramount importance. These awards will fund research to help us understand the economics, the policy considerations, and the social elements of sustainability, generating new tools and evidence so we can make better-informed decisions.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
A panel of NASA experts selected the following proposals, awarding a total of about $550,000 to fund them:\u00a0<\/p>\n