The green path to space sustainability: Twenty years of research | Intellect Skip to content
1981
Volume 22, Issue 3
  • ISSN: 1474-2748
  • E-ISSN: 2040-0551

Abstract

The outer space environment is in a critical circumstance. This can cause severe impact on humanity. The main issue is an increasing space debris population in Earth’s orbit. To ensure the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, the relevant stakeholders need to collaborate with each other to solve challenging issues and find meaningful solutions. This article aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis to provide information and insights to guide the alignment of all stakeholders towards space sustainability in the context of near-Earth outer space. The software VOSviewer is chosen to analyse the selected 205 journal articles from Scopus database during 2003–22. The results show the publication trends, the leading sources of publications and the country collaboration network. The discussion based on the selected articles can inform emerging theories that can underpin the development of the space sustainability concept. In conclusion, this analysis reveals the current scientific research and proposes meaningful theories for further research and recommendations.

Funding
This study was supported by the:
  • The SIRIUS Chair in Toulouse, France (Award SIRIUS-2023-01)
Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/10.1386/tmsd_00079_1
2024-01-23
2024-04-28
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

References

  1. Abashidze, A., Chernykh, I. and Mednikova, M. (2022), ‘Satellite constellations: International legal and technical aspects’, Acta Astronautica, 196, pp. 17685.
    [Google Scholar]
  2. Ansell, C. and Torfing, J. (2022), The Handbook on Theories of Governance, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing.
    [Google Scholar]
  3. Avvduto, R. (2019), ‘Past, present, and future of intellectual property in space: Old answers to new questions’, Washington International Law Journal, 29:1, pp. 20346.
    [Google Scholar]
  4. Bennet, A. and Bennet, D. (2003), Organizational Survival in the New World: The Intelligent Complex Adaptive System, London and New York: Routledge.
    [Google Scholar]
  5. Bernhard, P., Deschamps, M. and Zaccour, G. (2023), ‘Large satellite constellations and space debris: Exploratory analysis of strategic management of the space commons’, European Journal of Operational Research, 304:3, pp. 114057.
    [Google Scholar]
  6. Birdsall, S. (2014), ‘Measuring student teachers’ understandings and self-awareness of sustainability’, Environmental Education Research, 20:6, pp. 81435.
    [Google Scholar]
  7. Bradford, A. (2007), ‘Regime theory’, in Max Planck Encyclopedia of Public International Law, Heidelberg: Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and Rule of Law.
    [Google Scholar]
  8. Brundtland, G. H. (1987), Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future, Geneva: United Nations General Assembly Document A/42/427.
    [Google Scholar]
  9. Cloitre, A., Dos Santos Paulino, V. and Theodoraki, C. (2022), ‘The quadruple/quintuple helix model in entrepreneurial ecosystems: An institutional perspective on the space case study’, R&D Management, 53:4, pp. 67594.
    [Google Scholar]
  10. Clough, G. W., Chameau, J. L. and Carmichael, C. (2006), ‘Sustainability and the university’, The Presidency, 9:1, pp. 3032.
    [Google Scholar]
  11. COPUOS (2018), ‘Guidelines for the long-term sustainability of space activities’, Vienna: UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, 20–29 June, http://www.unoosa.org/res/oosadoc/data/documents/2018/aac_1052018crp/aac_1052018crp_20_0_html/AC105_2018_CRP20E.pdf. Accessed 7 January 2023.
    [Google Scholar]
  12. Denis, G., Alary, D., Pasco, X., Pisot, N., Texier, D. and Toulza, S. (2020), ‘From new space to big space: How commercial space dream is becoming a reality’, Acta Astronautica, 166, pp. 43143.
    [Google Scholar]
  13. Deva Prasad, M. (2019), ‘Relevance of the sustainable development concept for international space law: An analysis’, Space Policy, 47, pp. 16674.
    [Google Scholar]
  14. Di Pippo, S. (2019), ‘The contribution of space for a more sustainable earth: Leveraging space to achieve the sustainable development goals’, Global Sustainability, 2, pp. 13.
    [Google Scholar]
  15. Donthu, N., Kumar, S., Mukherjee, D., Pandey, N. and Lim, W. M. (2021), ‘How to conduct a bibliometric analysis: An overview and guideline’, Journal of Business Research, 133, pp. 28596.
    [Google Scholar]
  16. Dos Santos Paulino, V. (2020), Innovation Trends in the Space Industry, London: Wiley-ISTE.
    [Google Scholar]
  17. Dos Santos Paulino, V. and Pulsiri, N. (2022), ‘Safeguarding earth and space’s environment: Issues and trends towards sustainable development’, International Journal of Technology Management and Sustainable Development, 21:3, pp. 35376.
    [Google Scholar]
  18. Dos Santos Paulino, V. and Pulsiri, N. (2023), ‘How can we make the space sector more sustainable?’, The Conversation, 5 April, https://theconversation.com/how-can-we-make-the-space-sector-more-sustainable-202204. Accessed 6 April 2023.
  19. Duit, A. and Galaz, V. (2008), ‘Governance and complexity: Emerging issues for governance theory’, Governance, 21:3, pp. 31135.
    [Google Scholar]
  20. Dumez, H. (2011), ‘Qu’est-ce qu’un concept?’, AEGIS Le Libellio, 7:1, pp. 6779.
    [Google Scholar]
  21. Durose, C., Perry, B. and Richardson, L. (2022), ‘Is co-production a “good” concept? Three responses’, Futures, 142, pp. 111.
    [Google Scholar]
  22. Ekins, P., Domenech, T., Drummond, P., Bleischwitz, R., Hughes, N. and Lotti, L. (2019), The Circular Economy: What, Why, How and Where, London: University College London.
    [Google Scholar]
  23. Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2013), ‘Towards the circular economy Vol. 1: An economic and business rationale for an accelerated transition’, https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/towards-the-circular-economy-vol-1-an-economic-and-business-rationale-for-an. Accessed 5 January 2023.
  24. Erickson, S. and Ortega, A. A. (2023), To Space Security and Beyond: Exploring Space Security, Safety, and Sustainability Governance and Implementation Efforts, Geneva: UNIDR.
    [Google Scholar]
  25. ESA (2021), ‘ESA’s space environment report 2021’, ESA, 27 May, https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Space_Debris/ESA_s_Space_Environment_Report_2021. Accessed 14 February 2023.
  26. ESA (2022), ‘Recycling in space: Wannabe or reality?’, ESA, 10 January, https://blogs.esa.int/cleanspace/. Accessed 11 January 2023.
  27. ESA (2023), ‘ESA’s annual space environment report 2023’, ESA Space Debris Office, 10 August, https://www.sdo.esoc.esa.int/environment_report/Space_Environment_Report_latest.pdf. Accessed 12 August 2023.
    [Google Scholar]
  28. European Commission (2022), ‘Space traffic management’, European Commission, 6 October, https://ec.europa.eu/commission/. Accessed 1 January 2023.
  29. European Parliament (2023), Towards EU Leadership in the Space Sector through Open Strategic Autonomy, Brussels: European Parliament Research Service.
    [Google Scholar]
  30. Ferreira, M. P., Santos, J. C., de Almeida, M. I. R. and Reis, N. R. (2014), ‘Mergers & Acquisitions research: A bibliometric study of top strategy and international business journals, 1980–2020’, Journal of Business Research, 67, pp. 255058.
    [Google Scholar]
  31. Fosso-Wamba, S., Anand, A. and Carter, L. (2013), ‘A literature review of RFID-enabled healthcare applications and issues’, International Journal of Information Management, 33, pp. 87591.
    [Google Scholar]
  32. Galloway, J. F. (2004), ‘Game theory and the law and policy of outer space’, Space Policy, 20:2, pp. 8790.
    [Google Scholar]
  33. Garcia, D. (2016), ‘Future arms, technologies, and international law: Preventive security governance’, European Journal of International Security, 1:1, pp. 94111.
    [Google Scholar]
  34. Gastaldi, L. and Corso, M. (2014), ‘Academics as orchestrators of innovation ecosystems: The role of knowledge management’, International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management, 13:05, pp. 1–24.
    [Google Scholar]
  35. Gerdsri, N., Kongthon, A. and Vatananan, R. S. (2013), ‘Mapping the knowledge evolution and professional network in the field of technology roadmapping: A bibliometric analysis’, Technology Analysis and Strategic Management, 25:4, pp. 40322.
    [Google Scholar]
  36. Gerring, J. (1999), ‘What make a concept good? A critical framework for understanding concept formation in the social sciences’, Polity, 31:3, pp. 35793.
    [Google Scholar]
  37. Gruen, R. L., Elliott, J. H., Nolan, M. L., Lawton, P. D., Parkhill, A., McLaren, C. J. and Lavis, J. N. (2008), ‘Sustainability science: An Integrated approach for health-programme planning’, The Lancet, 372:9649, pp. 157989.
    [Google Scholar]
  38. Harrington, A. (2020), ‘Insurance as governance for outer space activities’, The International Journal of Space Politics and Policy, 18:2, pp. 99121.
    [Google Scholar]
  39. Hertzfeld, H. R. (2007), ‘Globalization, commercial space and spacepower in the USA’, Space Policy, 23:4, pp. 21020.
    [Google Scholar]
  40. IADC (2020), IADC Space Debris Mitigation Guideline (Revision 2), Vienna: IADC Steering Group and Working Group.
    [Google Scholar]
  41. Kessler, D. and Cour-Palais, B. G. (1978), ‘Collision frequency of artificial satellites: The creation of a debris belt’, Journal of Geophysical Research, 83:6, pp. 263746.
    [Google Scholar]
  42. Klinger, J. M. (2019), ‘Environmental geopolitics and outer space’, Geopolitics, 26:3, pp. 666703.
    [Google Scholar]
  43. Kooiman, J. (2003), ‘Societal governance’, in I. Katenhusen and W. Lamping (eds), Demokratien in Europa,  Wiesbaden:  VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften.
    [Google Scholar]
  44. Lawrence, A., Rawls, M. L., Jah, M., Boley, A., Di Vruno, F., Garrington, S., Kramer, M., Lawler, S., Lowenthal, J., McDowell, J. and McCaughrean, M. (2022), ‘The case for space environmentalism’, Nature Astronomy, 6:4, pp. 42835.
    [Google Scholar]
  45. Leonard, R. and Williams, I. D. (2023), ‘Viability of a circular economy for space debris’, Waste Management, 155, pp. 1928.
    [Google Scholar]
  46. Lucas-Rhimbassen, M. (2022), ‘The COST of joining legal forces on a celestial body of law and beyond: Anticipating future clashes between corpus juris spatialis, lex mercatoria, antitrust and ethics’, Space Policy, 59, pp. 129.
    [Google Scholar]
  47. Luinaud, M. and Salmon, V. (2023), ‘The contribution of space objects insurance regulations to space traffic management’, Journal of Space Safety Engineering, 10:1, pp. 11221.
    [Google Scholar]
  48. Mazower, M. (2012), Governing the World: The History of an Idea, London: Penguin Press HC.
    [Google Scholar]
  49. McElroy, M. W. (2022), The Space Industry of the Future: Capitalism and Sustainability in Outer Space, Oxford: Taylor & Francis.
    [Google Scholar]
  50. Meiches, B. and Hopkins, R. (2012), ‘Regime theory’, in Oxford Research Encyclopedia of International Studies, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
    [Google Scholar]
  51. Merkert, R. and Bushell, J. (2020), ‘Managing the drone revolution: A systematic literature review into the current use of airborne drones and future strategic directions for their effective control’, Journal of Air Transport Management, 89, pp. 110.
    [Google Scholar]
  52. Miles, M. B. and Huberman, A. M. (1994), Qualitative Data Analysis, Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
    [Google Scholar]
  53. Morin, J.-F. and Richard, B. (2021), ‘Astro-environmentalism: Towards a polycentric governance of space debris’, Global Policy, 12:4, pp. 56873.
    [Google Scholar]
  54. OECD (2017), The Next Production Revolution, Paris: Éditions OCDE.
    [Google Scholar]
  55. OECD (2019), What Works in Innovation Policy? New Insights for Regions and Cities: Developing Strategies for Industrial Transition, Paris: Éditions OCDE.
    [Google Scholar]
  56. OECD (2020), Space Sustainability: The Economics of Space Debris in Perspective, Paris: Éditions OCDE.
    [Google Scholar]
  57. OECD (2021), Space Economy for People, Planet and Prosperity, Paris: Éditions OCDE.
    [Google Scholar]
  58. OECD (2022), Earth’s Orbits at Risk: The Economics of Space Sustainability, Paris: Éditions OCDE.
    [Google Scholar]
  59. Ostrom, E. (1990), Governing the Commons: The Evolution of Institutions for Collective Action, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
    [Google Scholar]
  60. Ostrom, E. (2010), ‘Beyond markets and states: Polycentric governance of complex economic systems’, The American Economic Review, 100:3, pp. 64172.
    [Google Scholar]
  61. Outer Space Treaty (1967), ‘Treaty on principles governing the activities of states in the exploration and use of outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies’, UNOOSA, http://www.oosa.unvienna.org/oosa/en/SpaceLaw/outerspt.html. Accessed 11 January 2023.
  62. Pace, S. (2023), ‘U.S. space policy and theories of international relations: The case for analytical eclecticism’, Space Policy, 65, pp. 113.
    [Google Scholar]
  63. Padhy, A. K. and Padhy, A. K. (2021), ‘Legal conundrums of space tourism’, Acta Astronautica, 184, pp. 26973.
    [Google Scholar]
  64. Paladini, S., Saha, K. and Pierron, X. (2021), ‘Sustainable space for a sustainable earth? Circular economy insights from the space sector’, Journal of Environmental Management, 289, pp. 111.
    [Google Scholar]
  65. Palmroth, M., Tapio, J., Soucek, A., Perrels, A., Jah, M., Lönnqvist, M., Nikulainen, M., Piaulokaite, V., Seppälä, T. and Virtanen, J. (2021), ‘Toward sustainable use of space: Economic, technological, and legal perspectives’, Space Policy, 57, pp. 112.
    [Google Scholar]
  66. Peeters, W. (2002), ‘Effects of commercialization in the European space sector’, Space Policy, 18:3, pp. 199204.
    [Google Scholar]
  67. Pranckute, R. (2021), ‘Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus: The titans of bibliographic information in today’s academic world’, Publications, 9:1, pp. 1259.
    [Google Scholar]
  68. Pulsiri, N. (2020), ‘Integrating emerging technology identification into scenario-based technology roadmapping: A case of Thailand’s ambulance technologies’, Ph.D. thesis, Bangkok: Bangkok University.
    [Google Scholar]
  69. Pulsiri, N. and Vatananan-Thesenvitz, R. (2021), ‘Triangle relationship: A review of dynamic capabilities, strategic foresight and organizational learning’, The International Journal of Business Management and Technology, 5:3, pp. 110.
    [Google Scholar]
  70. PwC (2020), ‘Main trends and challenges in the space sectors’, December, https://www.pwc.fr/fr/assets/files/pdf/2020/12/en-france-pwc-main-trends-and-challenges-in-the-space-sector.pdf. Accessed 15 January 2023.
  71. Rementeria, S. (2022), ‘Power dynamics in the age of space commercialisation’, Space Policy, 60, pp. 113.
    [Google Scholar]
  72. Ruggie, J. G. (1975), ‘International responses to technology: Concept and trends’, International Organization, 29:3, pp. 55783.
    [Google Scholar]
  73. Shabbir, Z., Sarosh, A. and Nasir, S. I. (2021), ‘Policy considerations for Nascent space powers’, Space Policy, 56, pp. 110.
    [Google Scholar]
  74. Sharifi, A., Simangan, D. and Kaneko, S. (2021), ‘Three decades of research on climate change and peace: A bibliometric analysis’, Sustainability Science, 16:4, pp. 107995.
    [Google Scholar]
  75. SWF (2018), ‘Space sustainability: A practical guide’, Secure World Foundation, https://swfound.org/media/206407/swf_space_sustainability_booklet_2018_web.pdf. Accessed 18 February 2023.
  76. Toivonen, A. (2022), ‘Sustainability dimensions in space tourism: The case of Finland’, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 30:9, pp. 222339.
    [Google Scholar]
  77. Toussaint, C. and Dumez, H. (2022), On the Emergence of an Active Debris Removal Market, Paris: Éditions OCDE.
    [Google Scholar]
  78. Trur, A. (2021), ‘Governance aspects of space sustainability: The role of epistemic actors as enablers of progress’, Acta Astronautica, 180, pp. 45159.
    [Google Scholar]
  79. Van Eck, N. J. and Waltmann, L. (2022), ‘VOSviewer manual’, Leiden: Univeristeit Leiden, 24 January, http://www.vosviewer.com/documentation/Manual_VOSviewer_1.6.18.pdf. Accessed 12 August 2022.
    [Google Scholar]
  80. Vatananan-Thesenvitz, R., Schaller, A.-A. and Shannon, R. (2019), ‘A bibliometric review of the knowledge base for innovation in sustainable development’, Sustainability, 11:20, pp. 122.
    [Google Scholar]
  81. Weeden, B. C. and Chow, T. (2012), ‘Taking a common-pool resources approach to space sustainability: A framework and potential policies’, Space Policy, 28:3, pp. 16672.
    [Google Scholar]
  82. Wijen, F. and Ansari, S. (2006), ‘Overcoming inaction through collective institutional entrepreneurship: Insights from regime theory’, Organization Studies, 28:7, pp. 1079100.
    [Google Scholar]
http://instance.metastore.ingenta.com/content/journals/10.1386/tmsd_00079_1
Loading
/content/journals/10.1386/tmsd_00079_1
Loading

Data & Media loading...

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a success
Invalid data
An error occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error