Sustainable access to space requires regulatory practices that support launch activities while limiting environmental impact and encouraging responsible use of materials, infrastructure and resources. For European spaceports, sustainability is not only an environmental objective: it is part of building trusted, resilient and future-ready launch operations.

Why it matters

Spaceport and launch activities can involve significant environmental and operational pressures, including land use, energy demand, emissions, propellant and material lifecycles, waste management and the long-term handling of space-related objects. As Europe develops a more competitive launch ecosystem, sustainability requirements need to be clear and credible, but also proportionate and workable for operators, launch providers and new market entrants.

What AEAAS is looking at

AEAAS examines how sustainability can be reflected in common regulatory practices for European spaceports. The project looks at sustainable operational practices, environmental performance, responsible resource management, recyclable materials, propellant and materials lifecycle, waste reduction, and approaches to decommissioning and debris management.

Key questions for stakeholders

• Which sustainability requirements are already practical for spaceport and launch operations?
• Where do environmental obligations create uncertainty, delay or duplication?
• How should propellant and materials lifecycle considerations be reflected in future regulatory practices?
• Which sustainability indicators would be useful for operators, regulators and industry stakeholders?
• How can regulation encourage responsible operations without discouraging innovation or market entry?

Stakeholder input

AEAAS invites stakeholders to share practical experience on environmental requirements, sustainable operations, materials lifecycle, resource management and waste reduction. This input will help identify sustainability practices that are ambitious, technically realistic and workable for European spaceport and launch operations.