A sustainable development goal for space: Applying lessons from marine debris to manage space debris

Earth’s oceans and orbits face a shared challenge: the growing accumulation of debris in our planet’s global commons. Marine debris, especially plastic, has long been a pervasive issue, and the rise of orbital debris from satellites presents a similar threat. This paper explores how insights from marine debris management can inform strategies to tackle the emerging problem of orbital debris. Here we propose strategies based on the waste hierarchy and implementing policies that ensure that applications are essential, safe, and sustainable for both marine and orbital environments. We also discuss how effective enforcement is crucial to protect these global commons. To bolster these efforts, we propose a new United Nations Sustainable Development Goal focused on safeguarding Earth's orbits, drawing inspiration from Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water). By applying such lessons from marine debris management, we suggest frameworks to guide policymakers and stakeholders in mitigating the impact of orbital debris. Lessons from managing marine debris can guide solutions for orbital debris. This paper advocates for improvements to extended producer responsibility, international legislation, innovative mitigation measures, and a proposed UN Sustainable Development Goal to ensure the safe and sustainable use of Earth’s orbits, protecting this vital global commons.