Planet Earth is unique. It is ours.
And it is a gift, vibrant and full of life that we must cherish.
Pushed by our human nature to explore the far boundaries of our Universe, we realise, looking back at Earth, just how fragile our world is and finite are its resources. There is only one planet that we may call home, and we must take care of it. Living within the limits of our planet is a global challenge that requires humankind to act as one in order to preserve our home for generations to come.
As such, our objective is to provide for a foundation for the sustainable, long-term economic development of the space sector and to increase the contribution of space activities to the sustainable development of society ¹.
We resolve to ensure that the principles and values put forward in this Statement guide our actions and activities, thus contributing and leading to sustainable development of society while protecting the natural environment and life on Earth and preserving the environment of outer space.
VISION
Thus, we intend to increase the contribution of projects led by the space sector to the sustainable development of society and work towards the socially and environmentally responsible management of all activities within the space sector, while fostering progress towards the principles and values set forth hereafter. Further, we intend to foster cooperation among European space actors, making best use of available resources and expertise, and avoiding duplication of efforts.
PRINCIPLES
For fair and responsible governance, we will adopt similar approaches to space use and exploration, coordinating knowledge and resources.
For the benefit to all of society, we will lead developments to further human progress in space sciences and technologies and use them with due care given to local communities as well as all actors in the space sector value chain of which we are a part.
For fair access to outer space, in the spirit of the Outer Space Treaty, we will endeavour to act by consensus on the basis of peaceful relations. Furthermore, we will apply best practices with respect to space debris mitigation. In addition, we will explore and use extra-terrestrial environments in a responsible and sustainable manner.
For the preservation of our natural environment on Earth and remediation of damages caused to our planet, we will develop space missions to increase awareness of and to monitor environmental issues on Earth, fighting climate change, protecting biodiversity and restoring ecosystems, while ensuring long- lasting and equitable access to natural resources. We will develop space missions and products for institutional and commercial use following the best available practices, minimise the environmental impact of the space sector and use of natural resources.
For a fair society and improved wellbeing of all, we will ensure that our activities have a social and economic impact that contributes to the welfare of human society. Moreover, we will aim to foster health, safety and security for all. We will respect and actively promote Human Rights and Children’s Rights and support diversity and inclusiveness, paying particular attention to groups marginalised on the basis of any kind of discrimination.
VALUES
Integrity
We build inclusive, respectful relations where each actor in the space community is valued.
Our efforts to be accountable to society for our actions and activities within the space sector enhance honesty and responsibility.
Identity and Inclusiveness
The space community relies on multiculturalism and harmonious international collaboration.
The considerable diversity of our backgrounds provides for a great strength that contributes to the versatility of the space sector.
Creativity and Curiosity
Our passion, imagination, creativity, competence and commitment allow us to overcome extraordinary challenges.
By pushing the boundaries of knowledge further, space can lead the way in inspiring ideas for the future.
Excellence
Our activities and projects are often characterised by their highly sensitive aspects and are extremely complex in nature.
Therefore, they require the right level of reliability that matches their purpose and which we ensure by carefully maintaining scientific, technical and industrial excellence.
ENGAGEMENT
To achieve our vision in accordance with the principles and values, set forth in this Statement, it is our intention to reinforce and further develop cooperation together with and among the European space actors. To this end we will endeavour to coordinate our efforts in areas of common interest.
¹ The Statement refers to Sustainable Development as denned through 150 26000