Commercial satellite operations: measuring their overall sustainability

The growth of the space economy is an indisputable phenomenon, and at present, it is necessary in some respects as it is a sector that provides essential services for the ‘classic’ economy. However, the current situation is characterised not only by the coexistence of private and institutional operators, but also by the intensive use of orbits. This article aims to analyse the environmental and social sustainability of the space economy, proposing hypotheses to measure its intensity and highlight the associated social and legal risks. In particular, the contribution deals not only with the already known hypotheses of environmental damage (maritime and terrestrial pollution after controlled re-entry) or the already known risks (overcrowding of orbits and production of space debris) but also with new cases that could drastically affect the sustainability of space activities, to the point of risking the thwarting of long-standing economic and political efforts. The objective of this paper is to propose a hypothesis for measuring sustainability. This hypothesis will serve two primary functions: first, it will provide a benchmark for the licensing activities imposed by Article VI of the Outer Space Treaty, and second, it will inform the allocation of liability for damages and the planning of future space activities.