It seems that everywhere you look these days, someone is discussing Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos and the triumph of the space sector. The recent achievements of the so-called ‘space tourism’ missions, which managed to put civilians into orbit, has sparked hope that even normal people could walk among the stars. Once in a while, though, you hear someone brings up the topic of climate change and the effects that each space rocket launch has on the environment. It’s true, every successful launch comes with drawbacks. So, is space sustainability a utopia or a goal to look up to?
Eco awareness and sustainability: more than just trends
It’s become a recent trend to quote ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘sustainable’ when referring to a brand or a product. Why is sustainability on everyone’s agenda, and why have young consumers turned towards sustainability in space as humanity’s saving grace?
Well, it seems Generation Z’s experience with the Pandemic is similar to what Millennials experienced with the Great Recession in 2008. The Pandemic forced everyone to adapt to a new way of life. But unlike the Great Recession of 2008, which took a while to ramp up, the events of 2019 developed much faster. People of the world were forced to self-isolate and adapt to a new at-home style of living. Factories in China closed their doors and stopped bellowing toxic pollution into the air, turning the usually grey skies over Beijing into a deep blue. CO2 emissions from transportation vehicles were reduced by 80% for the 2019-2020 period, marking a historically low rate of pollution across the globe.
For the first time since the Great Depression of 1930, people adapted and learned to live with much less than they had before. It would seem that Generation Z’s experience with the Coronavirus Pandemic restrictions has profoundly influenced the way they see the global industry.
Gen Z wants to make a change for the environment, and they will go a long way around to achieve it. A 2020 report from First Insight states that 73% of Gen Z consumers are more likely to pay more for items sold by sustainable brands rather than shop at cheaper retail stores. This study suggests that the youngest generation has a more forward way of thinking than the rest of the world.
Top environment-friendly space startups
With Gen Z’s demands for sustainable brands and eco-friendly business practices, it seems natural that the space industry will land under fire. Even though the space industry managed to put people into space, they still got blasted on social media for the unethical treatment of the environment, reasonably doubting the concept of sustainable space tourism. Gen Z members of the community were outraged at the sheer grandeur of financing a private ‘joyride’ into space for the privileged 1%.
This wanton waste of funds opens the question: what if some of that money went towards researching sustainable and green alternatives to rocket fuel rather than fulfilling the fantasy of the ultra-rich?
It seems that some space industry players have taken the hint and are actively trying to develop tech that is both functional and will not destroy the planet. Here are five aerospace companies that use sustainable technology.
- Skyrora
Skyrora recently addressed the growing concern that the development of rocket launchers is far too expensive, and the resulting waste material ends up polluting the environment. The company has shifted research towards developing alternative fuel sources obtained from recycling plastic waste.
2. SpaceX
Elon Musk has been the space industry’s face and voice for the longest time. It just so happens that he is a very environmentally conscious person who advocates space sustainability and alternative fuel sources. The company is currently researching a reusable launch system that will drastically reduce construction costs for future launch vehicles.
3. Satellite VU
Satellite VU is a UK space startup that is evaluating thermal imagery trying to reduce carbon footprint worldwide.
4. Bellatrix Aerospace
Bellatrix Aerospace is an Indian space startup that is researching an electric propulsion system that runs on water. This new-age engine could allow for nearly no-cost rocket launches in the future.
5. LyteLoop Technologies
A US space startup that is exploring energy conservation.
Sustainable space – utopia or nearest future?
We’ve already made steps towards a new type of space exploration – one not relying on old vestments of a bygone age. What people are calling ‘New Space’ is just the advancement of technology that far surpasses the old way of thinking. New Space focuses on alternative energy sources, lowering spending costs of materials, and respecting the environment. It is the natural progression of ‘Old Space.’
Old Space is the collected term of the early years of space exploration, where space agencies were commissioned by governmental bodies to achieve goals at any cost. When Old Space originated, people had little to no concept of conserving energy, alternative thinking, and sustainability. It is an archaic way of thinking that does not care for the impact it has on the environment as long as the mission is fulfilled.
Achieving a fully-eco space industry is impossible at the current level of technology. Demanding alternative fuel sources and lowering carbon emissions is a good thing, but dreaming of a green and friendly world where there is no pollution is a pipe dream that borders on sociopathy rather than normal thinking. Space and sustainability is a good combination, but it needs time for the technology to advance to become a viable alternative to current fuel sources.
Final thoughts
Space sustainability and forward-thinking are essential for the space industry and the world as a whole. Certain changes need to be put into place so that pollution and damage from years of neglect and waste can begin to heal. However, going too extreme in a certain direction is not the right way to achieve this. While Gen Z’s efforts to build a greener and healthier world are admirable and have a lot of merits, some of their tactics, such as ‘cancel culture’ and boycotts, are unnecessary and harmful. For true space sustainability to occur, people need to want to change, not be forced to change due to oppression.
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