The Strathclyde space systems database : a new life cycle sustainability assessment tool for the design of next generation green space systems

Life Cycle Assessment is an important environmental management technique that is increasingly being applied within the space industry to assess the environmental impacts of products over their life cycles. However, with a renewed focus on sustainability issues, the space sector may need to move to a more encompassing sustainability assessment. In this regard, the new open source Strathclyde Space Systems Database is the first Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment tool for space systems. The use of this database is demonstrated by comparing different monopropellants in two separate scenarios. From this it is clear that the added sustainability dimensions can dramatically assist decision-makers to select more sustainable products