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Commercial companies are increasingly becoming involved in transporting astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), as well as other activities in orbit. Some, such as Houston-based Axiom Space, eventually want to build their own space stations in orbit, where commercial astronauts could make extended stays.

Safety Concerns and Space Junk

This increased commercialization of space raises a host of safety concerns, particularly regarding the issue of space junk. The addition of more rockets and spacecraft in low Earth orbit further contributes to the already troublesome problem of space debris. Additionally, rockets produce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, which has implications for the environment.

Axiom Space and the UK Space Agency

Founded in 2016, Axiom Space was the first company to conduct privately funded missions to the ISS. Through its Space Access Program, Axiom offers different countries the opportunity to design customized missions to orbit aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft. Recently, Axiom signed an agreement with the UK Space Agency for an all-UK astronaut mission to the ISS.

NASA and Private Companies

NASA is increasingly partnering with private companies to accomplish its space missions. Collaborations such as the one with Axiom to fly multiple tourist missions to the ISS mark a new kind of commercialization of space.

Axiom’s Commercial Space Station

Axiom’s planned commercial space station will initially be built as an add-on to the ISS. It will eventually be detached to become an independent space station. Space tourism is a key aspect of Axiom’s business model.

Other Companies and Space Station Designs

Axiom is not the only company with plans to build its own space station. Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, aerospace giant Northrop Grumman, and smaller companies such as Nanoracks and Sierra Space are also developing their own space station designs. These stations are intended to operate in low Earth orbit within the next decade.

NASA’s Low Earth Economy Strategy

Under NASA’s Low Earth Economy strategy, Blue Origin, Northrop Grumman, and Nanoracks have been awarded $415 million to develop their space station concepts. This strategy uses public money to enable private companies to bring in commercial investments. The private investment helps provide the necessary infrastructure for science and operations in low Earth orbit.

The Scientific Case for Human Space Missions

The scientific case for human space missions has historically been weak, although not non-existent. Modern robotics and remote-control systems have advanced to the point where human space missions are even less justified today. While there are benefits in terms of public engagement and inspiration, many scientists view human space missions as vanity projects driven by national prestige. Fully costed experiments related to human space missions may not receive funding from science funding agencies.

Space Junk Concerns

One major concern with the increase in space missions is the risk posed by space junk. Space debris is already a significant problem in low Earth orbit. The “Kessler syndrome,” described by Nasa scientist Donald J Kessler in 1978, refers to a potential runaway effect where a collision in space could trigger more debris impacts, leading to the destruction of multiple spacecraft. The ISS has had to maneuver 32 times since 1999 to avoid large pieces of space junk. The risk has increased due to the large number of craft in low Earth orbit, including the tens of thousands of satellites launched by companies like SpaceX, OneWeb, and Amazon Kuiper for internet access.

Environmental Concerns

The environmental impact of sending more people to space is another area of concern. It would significantly increase the climate impacts of space activities, exacerbating existing problems. Currently, the richest 1% of humans emit about 100 times more CO₂ than the poorest 10%. Policymakers are increasingly aware of the unequal impact of climate change on different populations and the pressures caused by mass migration resulting from climate change. Space tourism further contributes to this inequality. Launches, particularly with solid rocket boosters, contribute to stratospheric ozone depletion, and there are concerns about atmospheric pollution caused by metals from launches and re-entering debris.

The Importance of Low Earth Orbit

Activities in low Earth orbit provide valuable resources such as environmental and disaster monitoring systems, weather and climate monitoring, vegetation and crop growth measurements, geolocation and navigation (such as GPS), and communications. Despite the primary rationale for space stations not being scientific, the ISS and other space stations have facilitated unique opportunities for research in zero gravity. There have been significant impacts in medical and materials research, among other fields.

The Need to Protect Low Earth Orbit

Preserving low Earth orbit as a vital resource is crucial. The issue of space junk must be addressed to prevent the destruction of valuable infrastructure in space. The implications for climate change and environmental justice cannot be ignored. While the excitement and wonder of space travel can drive funding for science and technology development, it is essential to carefully consider the potential consequences of increased commercialization and human space missions. The financial model of commercial human spaceflight is vulnerable to a single failure, as demonstrated by the recent Titan submersible implosion. Moreover, the vulnerability of activities in low Earth orbit highlights the need for responsible and sustainable practices to ensure the continued benefits provided by this resource.

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