A Growing Global Movement 

Since its publication in November 2023, the Zero Debris Charter has attracted remarkable attention across the space sector. Today, more than 205 organisations from 34 countries have signed the Zero Debris Charter, joining a global effort to achieve Zero Debris by 2030. But what does signing really mean? 

More Than Just a Signature 

Becoming a member of the Zero Debris Community goes far beyond signing a document. While the Zero Debris Charter itself is non-binding, it represents a strong collective ambition.  

By signing, organisations acknowledge the importance of the Zero Debris challenge and express their willingness to contribute to achieving its targets by 2030, both within their organisation and across the broader space community.  

Participation and Opportunities 

The natural and most direct way to get involved in the Zero Debris Community is through the Zero Debris Technical Booklet. This is a crowd-sourced portfolio of technical needs, solutions, and key enablers required to meet the 2030 targets.  

It addresses practical, technical Zero Debris matters and is developed collaboratively across seven technical domains: 

  1. Prevent release of debris 
  2. Guarantee timely and successful clearance 
  3. Prevent debris generation through break-ups or collisions 
  4. Improve space traffic surveillance and coordination 
  5. Prevent casualties on ground 
  6. Understand and mitigate adverse consequences of space objects and debris 
  7. From Zero Debris to a circular economy in space

All organisations and experts worldwide are welcome to contribute to the Zero Debris Technical Booklet through the Technical Working Groups (TWGs) and the Technical Steering Committee. Participation is open regardless of whether an organisation has signed the Zero Debris Charter, ensuring innovation and expertise can come from every corner of the global space community. 

However, while technical contributions are open, only Zero Debris Community members can take part in the Coordination Group. Composed of elected representatives from Zero Debris Charter signatory organisations, it plays a key role in: 

  • Overseeing the production and publication of the Zero Debris Technical Booklet,  
  • Facilitating logistical and operational matters to support the Technical Working Groups 
  • Coordinating outreach and engagement activities to strengthen stakeholder involvement and expand the initiative’s impact

Beyond technical collaboration, signing the Zero Debris Charter and joining the Zero Debris Community members provides access to broader commercial, legal and policy-related Zero Debris discussions. Signatories benefit notably from:

  • Community events, such as conferences, webinars, and the annual Zero Debris Future Symposium during the Zero Debris Week. 
  • Networking opportunities with other organisations committed to sustainability in space. 
  • Strategic influence, including participation in the Coordination Group and other community activities shaping the future of Zero Debris. 

Call to action 

Signing the Charter is just the beginning. We invite every organisation to go beyond a paper commitment and actively help shape the future of space sustainability. 

This means sharing your technical expertise across one or more of the seven domains, engaging in discussions that drive innovation, and participating in community events and working groups to influence the broader agenda.  

The Zero Debris Community thrives on proactive engagement. our ideas, actions, and leadership can make the difference in achieving Zero Debris targets by 2030.

For additional details, please consult the slides below. Should you have any questions, please contact us at Protect@esa.int

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