Sustainable Development of the Space Environment: A Pragmatic Approach to Policy Formulation

The published works described in this thesis commentary form the basis of a submission for a PhD degree in Space Policy. The body of work represents an original and coherent contribution to the space profession in the general subject areas of space policy and environmental sustainability. At its most fundamental level, the research embodied within the published works is designed to address the question of whether it is possible to establish an optimal balance between expansion of activity in space and protection of the fragile space environment. The texts submitted in support of this thesis represent a body of peer-reviewed work centred on a monograph entitled “Space: The Fragile Frontier”, which is the first academic text to draw together the recognised issues of Earth orbital debris and planetary protection, set them in the context of space law and ethical policies, and encourage a sustainable and environmentally-friendly approach to space exploration and development. The published works described here cover a two-decade period of research surrounding this ‘Central Work’ and are based on a systematic acquisition and understanding of a body of knowledge at the forefront of an area of professional practice – specifically at the interface between space technology and space policy. This commentary describes the aims of the research and the central themes that coalesce to form the connective thread that ties the Submitted Works together: a pragmatic approach to developing a policy for sustainable development of the space environment. An analysis of citations shows that the work has been widely cited within and beyond the space community and has made a significant impact and coherent contribution to the field. The body of work continues to feature in academic publications and, because of the long-term nature of space-related developments, is expected to guide and influence workers in the field for the foreseeable future