TY - JOUR
T1 - Integrating planetary boundaries into sustainable space exploration
T2 - An earth-outer space system design framework
AU - Cirkovic (Ćirković), Elena
AU - Wood, Danielle R.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Authors
PY - 2025/3
Y1 - 2025/3
N2 - This study proposes the integration of outer space, particularly orbital spaces, within the Earth Planetary Boundaries (EPB) framework, recognizing the increasing environmental implications of human activities beyond Earth's atmosphere. Through a transdisciplinary approach combining Socio-Ecological-Technical Systems (SETS) analysis, System Architecture methodologies, and legal theory, we examine how orbital activities affect both space and terrestrial environments. Our study incorporates recent developments in international law, particularly the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) Advisory Opinion on the Request submitted by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS) (Case No. 31). It argues for regime integration in outer space law in reference to the ITLOS interpretation of State obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (‘UNCLOS') to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment in relation to the deleterious effects that result or are likely to result from climate change for regime integration and a precautionary approach in outer space law. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for a transdisciplinary, cooperative approach to understand and manage the long-term consequences of anthropogenic activities in outer space and their impact on the Earth System.
AB - This study proposes the integration of outer space, particularly orbital spaces, within the Earth Planetary Boundaries (EPB) framework, recognizing the increasing environmental implications of human activities beyond Earth's atmosphere. Through a transdisciplinary approach combining Socio-Ecological-Technical Systems (SETS) analysis, System Architecture methodologies, and legal theory, we examine how orbital activities affect both space and terrestrial environments. Our study incorporates recent developments in international law, particularly the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) Advisory Opinion on the Request submitted by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS) (Case No. 31). It argues for regime integration in outer space law in reference to the ITLOS interpretation of State obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (‘UNCLOS') to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment in relation to the deleterious effects that result or are likely to result from climate change for regime integration and a precautionary approach in outer space law. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for a transdisciplinary, cooperative approach to understand and manage the long-term consequences of anthropogenic activities in outer space and their impact on the Earth System.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85214710907&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.037
DO - 10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.12.037
M3 - Journal article
AN - SCOPUS:85214710907
SN - 0094-5765
VL - 228
SP - 1088
EP - 1098
JO - Acta Astronautica
JF - Acta Astronautica
ER -