The Green Circularity: Life Cycle Assessments for the Space Industry

This paper provides an overview of environmental and sustainability trends and offers options for the U.S. government, and the Department of Defense (DOD) in particular, to consider and adopt E-LCAs in space acquisitions. As both DOD and civilian spacefaring agencies seek reduced environmental footprints, E-LCAs can motivate the space industry to improve designs and practices and realize operational and economic efficiencies.

Additionally, the U.S. government is in a strong position, as a large and influential buyer of space systems, to support the harmonization of E-LCA methodologies and frameworks with international partners. Such efforts could catalyze a sustainable space industry while building transparency and trust for all stakeholders.