Space activities have been exponentially growing for the last few years re-enforcing the need to ensure the long-term usability of space for future generations, while also minimizing the impact of human activities on the space environment and the Earth. Space Sustainability encompasses various aspects, including reducing space debris, improving space object tracking, minimizing the environmental impact of launches and operations, and promoting responsible space exploration practices.

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The increasing amount of space debris in Earth's orbit poses a significant threat to operational satellites and future space missions. Addressing this includes promoting the design of spacecraft that can be safely and reliably deorbited and developing technologies and operational conditions for active debris removal.

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Launching rockets and spacecraft into orbit can have safety and environmental consequences on Earth and in space. Avenues toward sustainability include developing cleaner rocket fuels, exploring reusable launch systems, and minimizing the environmental impact of launch sites and the particles that get released into the stratosphere during reentry.

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Building space stations and other infrastructure in space can also have sustainability implications. Space sustainability issues are global in nature and require international cooperation to develop and implement effective solutions. Sharing best practices, fostering dialogue, and establishing international norms for responsible space behavior are essential.

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Sustainability efforts are crucial for preserving long-term operational access to space and for supporting the continued development of the space economy. By promoting responsible practices, we can ensure that future generations can also benefit from the knowledge and resources that space provides.

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This panel will address the elements above through the perspectives of  government and industry, in the context of civilian, commercial, scientific and military usage of space.

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The following are topics and questions that will be discussed and answered during this panel:

1. What are science goals and objectives, overview highlights and Canadian contributions?

2. How to plan to achieve the science goals and objectives?

3. How does the Onboard Event Driven operation approach to execute the observations plan work? 

4. What are flight operations?   

5. JWST Observatory pointing performance and Canadian contributions.

6. Northrop Grumman Factory Team’s role in supporting JWST Observatory operations including pointing performance improvements.