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Sustainable Space Initiative

@ssinz.bsky.social
15 followers 7 following 35 posts

A new era of space: promoting sustainable, responsible space activity | ssi.org.nz

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Reposted by Sustainable Space Initiative
I Am I - Earth @iami.earth · 12/04/2026
Causal layered analysis applied to Earth System Governance is the right method because it forces the analysis through four levels: litany, system, worldview, metaphor. Most governance research stays at the first two and wonders why the interventions don't stick.
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Reposted by Sustainable Space Initiative
Dr Space Junk (Alice Gorman) @drspacejunk.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
NASA's lunar success sharpens focus on China's 2030 crewed landing goal. #ArtemisII
reuters.com
NASA's lunar success sharpens focus on China's 2030 crewed landing goal
China's bid to land astronauts on the moon is taking on greater geopolitical significance and putting pressure on Beijing to meet or beat ​its timetable.
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
💡 The tension: NZ aligns with Ecosystem of the Universe —but its partnerships sit in systems moving elsewhere. ❓ The question: Can stewardship survive in a competitive space system — or will system dynamics reshape it?
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
⚠️ Geopolitics matter. US policy volatility and the removal of NASA’s technology policy function push global systems toward commercial, frontier‑driven logics — closer to Survival of the Richest.
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
📍 Where does New Zealand sit? Between futures — balancing collaboration, sustainability, and Indigenous‑informed perspectives with growing market participation. 👉 Not a small player, but in between futures.
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
🔭 We identify four competing “stories” already embedded in policy: 🌌 Survival of the Richest — privatised frontier 🌌 Go get it as fast as you can — gold‑rush extraction 🌌 After us, the flood — Earth as expendable 🌌 Ecosystem of the Universe — stewardship & interconnection
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
In our new Earth System Governance paper (Geise & Dhopade), we use causal layered analysis to unpack these narratives, building on futures of space commons by Xiao‑Shan Yap. 🔗 doi.org/10.1016/j.es...
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
🛰️ Space strategy isn’t just policy, it’s storytelling. Behind growth, security, and innovation sit deeper metaphors shaping how we imagine space. 🧵👇 🔗 doi.org/10.1016/j.es...
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Reposted by Sustainable Space Initiative
Astro Ecologies @astroecologies.bsky.social · 14/09/2025
For folk interested in international perspectives on SETI (the search for extraterrestrial intelligence): a presentation from @gabriela-radulescu.bsky.social on Armenia & the former Czechoslovakia combining science, politics & ancient cultural–astronomical traditions. www.youtube.com/watch?v=059T...
youtube.com
Earthly & extraterrestrial connections: CETI/SETI in Armenia & Czechoslovakia | Gabriela Radulescu
YouTube video by Cosmoimaginaries
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
Their comments arise from our latest findings on Aotearoa NZ's aerospace sector and sustainability with @sarahhbickerton.bsky.social & team: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
tandfonline.com
Sustainability within Aotearoa New Zealand’s aerospace sector: current state and implications for the future
Aotearoa New Zealand's rapidly growing aerospace sector is still in its infancy, which presents us with the unique opportunity to incorporate sustainability as a key performance parameter from the ...
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
Our members @drpriaero.bsky.social and @catherineq.bsky.social quoted in @thespinoff.bsky.social on NZ's MethaneSat involvement: thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin...
thespinoff.co.nz
What went wrong with MethaneSat – and who should answer for it?
New Zealand’s first publicly funded space mission has ended with a lost satellite and a debate about how we spend our money in space.<br />
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Read the latest paper on successful launch site planning co-authored by our lead @drpriaero.bsky.social 🗞 csps.aerospace.org/papers/space...
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Reposted by Sustainable Space Initiative
Priyanka Dhopade @drpriaero.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
8/ 🔗 Read the full paper here: csps.aerospace.org/papers/space... 📍Published by the Center for Space Policy & Strategy @ Aerospace Corporation With support from: Sustainable Space Initiative @ University of Auckland #spaceports #spacesustainability #spacestrategy #AotearoaInSpace
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Reposted by Sustainable Space Initiative
Priyanka Dhopade @drpriaero.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
7/ ✅ Looking offshore? Floating launch/landing platforms could relieve land-use pressures — but they come with serious engineering & cost challenges.
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Reposted by Sustainable Space Initiative
Priyanka Dhopade @drpriaero.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
6/ ✅ Spaceports don’t succeed in isolation. They need ecosystems: ⚙️ Supporting infrastructure 👩‍🔬 Talent pipelines 📜 Regulation 🤝 Public-private partnerships (NZ is doing some things right here!)
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Reposted by Sustainable Space Initiative
Priyanka Dhopade @drpriaero.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
5/ ✅ Trust is key. Opaque processes & poor consultation — especially with Indigenous communities — can derail projects before they launch.
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Reposted by Sustainable Space Initiative
Priyanka Dhopade @drpriaero.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
4/ ✅ Not all spaceports deliver promised benefits. Our US & NZ case studies show failed projections, financial shortfalls & community opposition where stakeholder engagement was weak.
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Reposted by Sustainable Space Initiative
Priyanka Dhopade @drpriaero.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
3/ ✅ Forecasting launch demand is tricky. Satellite filings often overestimate demand — only a fraction of proposed satellites actually make it to orbit.
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Reposted by Sustainable Space Initiative
Priyanka Dhopade @drpriaero.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
2/ ✅ Spaceport ambitions must be grounded in practical realities. Launch sites should balance space aspirations with regional economic, environmental & social needs.
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
7/ Read more about Sarah’s work and the SSI’s research into space sustainability in Aotearoa: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
tandfonline.com
Sustainability within Aotearoa New Zealand’s aerospace sector: current state and implications for the future
Aotearoa New Zealand's rapidly growing aerospace sector is still in its infancy, which presents us with the unique opportunity to incorporate sustainability as a key performance parameter from the ...
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
6/ Her work reminds us: sustainability isn’t just technical—it’s social. It’s about systems, stories, and power.
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
5/ She helps the SSI ask questions like: 🌌 Who defines “sustainability” in space? 🌌 How do policy, culture & communication shape governance? 🌌 How can we ensure diverse voices & values guide our space future?
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
4/ Now, she’s turning that lens to space. Sarah’s helps us critically examine how sustainability is understood and implemented in Aotearoa’s emerging space sector—who’s involved, what assumptions are made, and what narratives guide our national direction.
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
3/ Her PhD explored how women in Aotearoa construct political participation in digital spaces—interrogating voice, power, and identity through a transdisciplinary lens.
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
2/ Sarah is based at the Public Policy Institute & School of Social Sciences, @aucklanduni.bsky.social. She brings a unique background in astrophysics, sociology, gender studies, and public policy to her work with the SSI.
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
1/ To showcase the breadth of expertise behind the Sustainable Space Initiative (SSI), we’re profiling each of our members 👇 Next up: Dr. @sarahhbickerton.bsky.social — political sociologist, public policy researcher, and cross-disciplinary thinker. 🛰️🌏
Woman smiling with a sci-fi space background
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
5/ His approach? Exploring what’s probable, plausible, possible—and preferable—so we can act deliberately today to build a better tomorrow. 💡 📖 Learn more about Adam’s work in strategic foresight: climateconnectnz.com/news/futures...
climateconnectnz.com
Futures and Foresight: How to use these useful frameworks to prepare for change
Futures and Foresight provide important insight and knowledge to inform innovation and experimentation
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
4/ At SSI, Adam applies futures thinking to aerospace sustainability: 🌏 How might launch infrastructure evolve with global climate goals? 🛰️ What governance models will protect the orbital commons? 🚀 How do we build long-term thinking into rapid innovation?
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
3/ From conducting environmental impact assessments for international mining projects… To developing low carbon strategies for Kent County Council… To advising on climate resilience and aerospace sustainability… Adam bridges science with strategy to shape better futures.
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
2/ Adam is Principal Strategic Advisor in Auckland Council’s Strategic Advice Unit, with a background spanning planetary science, mining, public policy, and futures thinking. His PhD? In Space & Planetary Science. His mission? Helping society navigate complexity.
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
1/ To showcase the breadth of expertise behind the Sustainable Space Initiative, we’re profiling each of our members 👇 Meet Dr Adam Morris – a strategic foresight expert helping communities and decision-makers explore not just one future, but many. 🧵
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Huge congrats to Ronda Geise on completing her Master’s in Mechanical Engineering @UniAuckland! Her futures-focused research analysed global space strategies for sustainability. Now being submitted to Earth System Governance Journal—well done, Ronda! 🚀🌍 #SpaceSustainability #STEM
Woman smiling on stage in graduation regalia
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
Why should NZ care about space sustainability? Our research lead @drpriaero.bsky.social introduces our work in this research impact video commissioned by Uni of Auckland. youtu.be/gnI8x2UUR1Q?...
youtu.be
Impact stories | Creating research impact with Dr Priyanka Dhopa
YouTube video by University of Auckland - Website video repository
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
With gratitude to our co-author team, coordinated by @drpriaero.bsky.social: Carolle Varughese Lena Henry Adam Morris @sarahhbickerton.bsky.social Nicholas Rattenbury Cody Mankelow Alice Gorman @drspacejunk.bsky.social Stevie Katavich-Barton [9/9]
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
Full paper is available for free download from the SSI website: www.ssi.org.nz/_files/ugd/1... [8/9]
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
As a nation w/ a rapidly growing space industry, we have a responsibility to champion inclusive & sustainable space governance practices. This includes developing a Treaty-based planning framework that prioritises partnership & recognises the principles of tino rangatiratanga & kaitiakitanga. [7/9]
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
Our bicultural framework, founded on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, provides a model for partnering w/ Indigenous groups to co-govern space resources - a paradigm that is more important now than ever. [6/9]
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
Partnering w/ Indigenous groups: Indigenous knowledges & practices, rooted in deep understanding and respect for the environment, offer invaluable insights into sustainable resource management. [5/9]
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
Embracing transdisciplinarity: Addressing the complex challenges of space sustainability requires collaboration across disciplines, bringing together experts from diverse fields such as law, science, engineering, policy, and ethics. [4/9]
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
1. Rethinking space sustainability: The traditional focus on space debris is just one piece of the puzzle. We must broaden our understanding of space sustainability to encompass environmental, social, economic, cultural, and political dimensions. [3/9]
What do we mean by space sustainability?
A PESTLE analysis (political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, legal, environmental) review of literature that highlights the most relevant connections to space and sustainability.
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
Aotearoa New Zealand's growing space sector presents a unique opportunity to rethink space sustainability. This goes far beyond mitigating space debris, calling for a transdisciplinary approach that integrates diverse values and knowledge systems. [2/9]
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
Spotlight on our recent analysis: "The intersection of space and sustainability: the need for a transdisciplinary and bi-cultural approach" Space sustainability is a complex issue, & as we watch burning rocket bodies light up the sky, space debris mitigation tends to dominate the discussion. [1/9]
The intersection of space and sustainability: the need for a transdisciplinary and bi-cultural approach
C. Varughese, L. Henry, A. Morris, S.H. Bickerton, N. Rattenbury, C. Mankelow, A. Gorman, S. Katavich-Barton, P. Dhopade. 
Acta Astronautica, 2023
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
Check out our website for our latest research, more info about our team, and follow our page for the latest updates! www.ssi.org.nz
ssi.org.nz
About | Sustainable Space
Promoting sustainable, responsible space activity in space and on Earth
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
We are a team of experts from various disciplines & knowledge systems, e.g., engineering, policy, urban planning, business, sociology & environmental science. We work w/ industry, government, community & public stakeholders to increase awareness & co-design solutions.
ssi.org.nz
About | Sustainable Space
Promoting sustainable, responsible space activity in space and on Earth
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Sustainable Space Initiative @ssinz.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
Welcome to the Sustainable Space Initiative! We are a multidisciplinary research initiative, formed in 2022, hosted by the University of Auckland. Our work takes a holistic approach to space sustainability across four main areas: systems thinking, policy, public engagement and technical solutions.
A schematic with four arrows around a circular logo: Systems thinking, Policy & incentives, Partnerships & public engagement, Engineering solutions.
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