You Manage What You Measure: Achieving Space Sustainability and Self-Regulation of the Outer Space Industry Through Environmental, Social, and Governance Corporate Disclosure
Abstract
The prospect of self-regulation for the space sector is discussed in this study. The article is divided into three sections. The Overview section offers an outline of international guidelines and industry standards and the benefits they provide on controlling commercial use of space. The Case Study and Implications for the Commercial Use of Space section examines how publicly listed corporations disclose outer space activities in accordance with international guidelines and standards. This section offers insights on disclosure practices from U.S. and non-U.S.-based corporations that are found in the Procure Space Exchange Traded Fund. Some of the corporations included in the Exchange Traded Fund are Dish Network Corporation, Garmin Ltd, Sirius XM, Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Boeing, and Echostar Corporation. The Case Study and Implications for the Commercial Use of Space section highlights that the commercial use of space is not widely considered by international guidelines and industry standards. The Recommendations and Challenges section concludes by not only offering recommendations but also recognizing future challenges for space sustainability.
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DISCLAIMER
The conclusions from this article remain those of the author of this study. No statement herein represents any other individual or organization. Inclusion in the case study does not constitute an endorsement of the study nor its conclusion.
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Article first published online: June 8, 2023
Issue published: June 1, 2023
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