Photo: Astroscale

Astroscale has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a professor at Northumbria University Newcastle in England to investigate end-of-life standards and practices from industries like oil and nuclear energy. The MOU is with Professor of Space Law and Policy Chris Newman and the first working paper is scheduled to be published later this year.

Astroscale said in a Monday release that the satellite industry, which has no regulations or standardization for end-of-life practices, can learn from oil and nuclear industries, which have legal and regulatory frameworks in many countries that  focus on returning the environment to its natural state.

“This project is a call to action for collaboration across sectors and it is a natural fit for Astroscale to represent the satellite industry. As we are leading the market in the development of the innovative technology necessary for end-of-life solutions, we also want to lead the development of the other aspects required for a sustainable space ecosystem,” said Harriet Brettle, head of Business Analysis at Astroscale. “Through this collaboration, we seek to identify innovative legal frameworks, policies and business models that can move the satellite industry towards a more sustainable future.”