Responsible Space

Responsible Space FAQ

What is Responsible Space?

OneWeb uses the term Responsible Space to describe a far-reaching framework of principles and best-practice on which the company, and other Space industry participants, can build a shared commitment to sustainability in Space. The fundamental premise is that Space is a shared, natural resource which, if used responsibly, can help transform the way we live, work, and interact. Responsible Space also builds on and strengthens work already being done within the broader Space community to address this important issue. At OneWeb, we apply the principals and values of Responsible Space into all areas of the business. As we build and operate satellites, we apply Responsible Space to design and operational practices, tech innovation and collaborative partnerships.

Why does Responsible Space matter?

OneWeb recognizes the emerging Space industry has a tremendous opportunity to develop communications and create new pathways for economic development, global education, rural health care and advancements in environmental science, in a world where 40 per cent of our global population has no access to the internet (Statista, 2021). We believe Space-based communications can improve efficiencies and help solve many of today's pressing problems. As first movers, OneWeb is in a unique position to lead by example.

OneWeb also believes industry and governments have an exciting, shared opportunity to facilitate the development of new technologies, jobs, and industries, as well as increasing investment, diversity, and inclusion in local communities. Responsible Space speaks for the development of a sustainable, innovative and vibrant ecosystem, and for the benefit of all co-participants in this new era of Low Earth Orbit constellations.

What is OneWeb doing to advance Responsible Space?

In June 2019, OneWeb re-affirmed its commitments to Responsible Space, building on and strengthening work already begun through its Sunrise Program, the Public Private Partnership with the European Space Agency, and in collaboration with a wide range of partners preparing solutions for the active retrieval and removal of debris from Space. With OneWeb, these partners are focused on cutting-edge technologies needed to address future environmental remediation needs. OneWeb is also participating in the development of a Space Sustainability Rating system, an effort proposed and led by the World Economic Forum that will reward responsible operators for their good Space environmental stewardship practices. Other OneWeb commitments include the adoption of practices that support job creation, investment into local communities, greater diversity, and inclusion.

Who are OneWeb's partners in the Responsible Space community?

OneWeb is not alone in its advocacy for Space environmental stewardship. We are working with research partners, governments and other LEO constellation operators to support and develop best Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Traffic Management (STM) capabilities. It is imperative that we develop a consolidated and comprehensive regulatory framework for Space safety and orbital debris management, and that this framework is coordinated with international counterparts everywhere for it to have full effect.

What is next for Responsible Space?

“OneWeb’s Responsible Space framework informs who we are and where we are going as a company. With OneWeb’s launch campaign set to provide first commercial services in late 2021, we are committed to seeing the continued advancement and discussion of the issues at stake for the Space community.”

Neil Masterson, CEO of OneWeb