This article was originally published on conversation. The publication contributed an article to Space.com’s Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights.
New Zealand’s space industry has developed rapidly since the first rocket was launched in 2017. Currently, New Zealand’s space industry generates revenue of NZ$1.7 billion. Growth Plan It is expected to reach $10 billion by 2030.
Last year, New Zealand hosted seven rocket launches, all by local U.S.-listed company Rocket Lab. In response to Rocket Lab’s initial proposal for a launch site, New Zealand Developed a regulatory system In order to fulfill our obligations under international law, we carried out reforms from scratch in less than two years.
All launching nations must register all objects they send into space, monitor them continuously to ensure that no damage or loss occurs to the objects or activities of other nations, and are responsible for compensating for any damage.
States must also prevent pollution of outer space and the Earth’s environment, and ensure that space activities do not impede the rights of other states to free access and participation.
a 2020 Review A review of New Zealand’s space law found that the regulatory regime is broadly fit for purpose, but raised substantial concerns about the regulation of new technologies such as constellations and small satellites.
The recommendations encourage broader consultation on New Zealand’s space policy; Aerospace StrategyThis means, Maori voices Of special concern about light pollution from space.
Commercialization of Space
a 2019 Report We found that New Zealand’s space industry is almost entirely driven by commercial activity, with a mix of start-ups and entrepreneur-run private companies.
This country Space Law It is well suited to rapidly develop the space industry, especially the commercial and entrepreneurial sectors.
However, there is growing awareness of the effects of light pollution on Earth. Environment and Ecosystem, Human health and astronomy.
Urbanization and indiscriminate use of artificial lighting are also to blame, but space activities are another major source of light pollution.
As satellites go into orbit, their reflective surfaces add brightness to the surrounding night sky. By 2021, human activity in space will total 100 million people. 10% increase The brightness of the night sky is significantly different from that of natural light sources.
While the space law review focused on satellite constellations and the associated light pollution, all satellites are part of a cumulative problem, and each country acting independently contributes collectively to worsening light pollution.
Dark skies in New Zealand
A major concern is that light pollution will thwart the interests of other countries trying to study the universe, with increasing pollution obscuring observational astronomy and littering data with artificial glints and streaks of light.
The glow in the night sky is of particular concern to Maori people; Other Indigenous Communities That body of knowledge depends on visual access to the stars.
14 observatories and 7 “Dark sky place“It was recognized Dark Sky InternationalNew Zealand has a national interest in addressing the regulation and reduction of light pollution.
The country’s bicultural foundations are protected under the Treaty of Waitangi obligations, which recognises the unique relationship Māori people have with the night sky. Matauranga knowledge is contained therein.
The emergence of the Matariki star cluster, also known as the Pleiades, celebrated as a holiday Recognising the importance of the event to Māori and nation, it will be held from 2022.
Regulations need to address light pollution
As a launching nation, New Zealand must properly take into account the interests of other nations participating in space exploration, regardless of their economic or scientific advances.
Although New Zealand is a relatively new launch nation, it is an attractive destination. How New Zealand approaches satellite licensing could help guide binding action developing in international law.
There is a tension between the nation’s interest in maintaining dark skies and the economic value of the space industry, and overly restrictive licensing requirements would inevitably alienate companies wanting to launch from New Zealand.
On the other hand, without requiring companies to address how their satellites contribute to light pollution, there will be no market forces driving innovation in this area.
Private commercial entities have attempted to mitigate the effects of satellites, but these efforts have been largely UnderdevelopedSpaceX’s efforts to mitigate the impact of giant satellite constellations Proven to be ineffective.
The essence of the new space age that began in 2004 is Revitalizing private spaceflight“This will ensure that private companies have a greater incentive to develop technologies that will reduce costs in the long term. Without a major change in the regulatory environment, we will not be able to really encourage investment in technologies that reduce light pollution.”
As New Zealand continues to develop its regulatory framework, the issue of light pollution must be taken seriously. Indigenous voices are important because traditional astronomy knowledge is essential to the recovery and transmission of Indigenous knowledge.
