A sustainable development goal for space Applying lessons from marine debris to manage space debris

Earth's oceans and orbits face a shared challenge: the growing accumulation of debris in our planet's global commons. Marine debris, especially plastic, has long been a pervasive issue, and the rise of orbital debris from satellites presents a similar threat. This paper explores how insights from marine debris management can inform strategies to tackle the emerging problem of orbital debris. Here we propose strategies based on the waste hierarchy and implementing policies that ensure that applications are essential, safe, and sustainable for both marine and orbital environments. We also discuss how effective enforcement is crucial to opment Goal focused on safeguarding Earth's orbits, drawing inspiration from Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water). By applying such lessons from marine debris management, we suggest frameworks to guide policymakers and stakeholders in mitigating the impact of orbital debris.