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CLIMATE IMPACT

Estimating the CO2 intensity of the space sector

Nature Astronomy volume 6, pages 417–418 (2022)Cite this article

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Conflicting methodologies for estimating the CO2 intensity of the space sector are beginning to emerge because of a lack of publicly available data, resulting in extensive variations that undermine the credibility of reported results.

To calculate the footprint, the authors derived emission factors from available published literature and space LCA studies, using this information as part of an economic input–output (EIO) analysis to calculate the total carbon footprint. Although marginally more justifiable for the ground-based observatories, this approach goes against ESA guidance as the EIO method is not particularly well suited to the space industry. However, as noted by the authors, owing to the confidential nature of the required input activity data, an EIO analysis was considered to be the most practicable way to assess the combined carbon footprint of the world’s space- and ground-based astronomical research infrastructures. For this reason, it is important to distinguish between existing methods for performing such analyses. Consequently, this article will discuss these different approaches and their applicability for calculating the carbon intensity of the space sector.

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Fig. 1: Basic life-cycle stages of a space mission.

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  1. Aerospace Centre of Excellence, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK

    Andrew Ross Wilson

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  1. Andrew Ross Wilson
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Correspondence to Andrew Ross Wilson.

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Wilson, A.R. Estimating the CO2 intensity of the space sector. Nat Astron 6, 417–418 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-022-01639-6

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