European Space Efforts Aim for Zero Debris and Stronger Space Law

The European Space Agency (ESA) and three European satellite manufacturers, Airbus Defence and Space, OHB and Thales Alenia Space, have announced plans to develop a "Zero Debris Charter" to prevent the creation of new debris, particularly in low Earth orbit. The charter will include "ambitious and meaningful targets to be achieved by 2030" and will be nonbinding, but advocates hope it could be incorporated into future regulations. The goal is that, by 2030, those who agree to abide by the charter will deorbit their satellites at the end of their lives or contract with companies that provide active debris removal services to deorbit them.