The emerging global socio-technical regime for tackling space debris: A discourse network analysis

The global space sector has to increasingly consider sustainability concerns in the orbit, given the rising challenge of space debris. In which direction the management of space debris will develop in terms of technological solutions, policies, and actor strategies remains still unclear. This paper applies the concept of 'global sociotechnical regimes' to better understand how actors in the global space sector frame, conceive, and legitimize the space debris problem. More specifically, we apply a discourse network analysis method - sociotechnical configuration analysis - to identify and map different value orientations by core actors over the last fifteen years. This analysis reveals three development stages in the discourse: a problem identification period (2007-2011), followed by the rise of national interests amidst increasing promises of space-based infrastructures (2012-2015), and finally, the emergence of a global socio-technical regime that increasingly connects space sustainability with Earth-bound sustainability (2016-2019). Based on our analysis, we expect that ensuring future earth-space sustainability will include a broader mix of challenges. Future approaches to space debris management will have to consider a broader and clearer problem framing to help inform effective policy making.

Automated summary

Given the rising challenge of space debris, it is crucial for the global space sector to consider sustainability concerns in the orbit. However, the direction of space debris management in terms of technological solutions, policies, and actor strategies remains uncertain. This paper applies the concept of 'global sociotechnical regimes' to analyze how actors frame and legitimize the space debris problem, revealing three development stages: problem identification, national interests, and the emergence of a global socio-technical regime connecting space sustainability with Earth-bound sustainability. The analysis suggests the need for a broader and clearer problem framing to inform effective policy making for future earth-space sustainability.