We have joined the Zero Debris Charter initiative for responsible use of space

The Ministry of Transport as the coordinator of space activities in the Czech Republic signed the so-called Zero Debris Charter. The move was made as part of an event for the Czech industry aimed at preparing the upcoming phase of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Space Security Programme. The objectives of this programme are closely intertwined with the Zero Debris Charter initiative.

Zero Debris Charterseeks to minimise the generation and emission of space debris (space debris) and ensure the safety of space activities. Signing this Charter confirms the Czech Republic's commitment to sustainable and responsible use of space.

"Signing the Zero Debris Charter is an important step towards ensuring the safety and sustainability of our space activities. The Czech Republic follows its long-term policy of ensuring a responsible approach to space and preserving our space environment for future generations," said transport minister Martin Kupka.

The Czech Republic has been an active participant in the Space Security Programme since 2013. The Czech industry and academia have been involved in a number of ambitious projects, such as planetary defence missions HERA, the VIGIL mission to provide early forecasts of the negative effects of space weather on terrestrial infrastructure and the ClearSpace-1 to actively remove space debris from orbit.

Goals of the Zero Debris Charter: sustainable use of space and support for steps to make space missions emission-neutral by 2030. The Charter shall:
• Minimise the formation of new cosmic spallation: Introduce stricter rules and technologies for the prevention of spallation in space missions.
• Remove existing spallation: Develop and implement technologies for active removal of space debris from orbit.
• International cooperation: Promote global cooperation and sharing of best practices between space agencies and other stakeholders.

New signatories: The Czech companies OHB Czechspace, Huld, Iguassu Software Systems, Hikade Technologies and the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences also joined the Zero Debris Charter on this occasion.

"We are proud to be part of this important initiative. The Zero Debris Charter is a key step towards ensuring safe and sustainable access to orbit for our future space activities," said Vít Pavelec, CEO of OHB Czechspace.

Tomáš Cinert, director of the Czech branch office of Huld, added: "Signing the Zero Debris Charter is a commitment to a responsible approach to space. We are committed to contributing to the minimisation of space debris and the protection of the space environment." About the event "Industry Briefing on the preparation of the third period of ESA's Space Safety Programme":
•  Date: 29. January 2025                         
• Location: Prague
•  Organisers: Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic and European Space Agency
(ESA)      
                         
Agenda:
- Signing ceremony of the Zero Debris Charter
- Presentation of opportunities for Czech industry and science within the ESA Space Safety Programme
- B2B meeting of Czech space sector representatives with industry experts                                 

You can find more information on Czech space activities at www.czechspaceportal.cz, www.vzhurudovesmiru.cz and www.czechspaceweek.com. 

About the European Space Agency (ESA): The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organisation dedicated to space research and the development of space technologies. ESA works with national space agencies and other partners on projects covering scientific research, Earth observation, telecommunications, satellite navigation and other domains. ESA is also actively involved in initiatives aimed at the safety and sustainability of space activities and is one of the main promoters of the Zero Debris Charter.