Human Utilisation of Space – Trend Analysis of Opportunities and Risks for the Environment

Abstract

With space activities expanding rapidly, environmental challenges in orbit and on Earth are increasing as well. The trend report highlights how satellite-based applications can support climate action and environmental monitoring, while also showing how rising launch numbers, new actors, expanding satellite constellations, and less visible developments such as new launch sites or planned in-orbit resource extraction contribute to environmental pressures and space debris. The study analyses key developments and identifies action areas for a sustainable use of outer space.