The Global Network On Sustainability In Space (GNOSIS) is a network funded by UKRI's Science and Technology Facilities CouncilLink opens in a new window, aiming to promote, coordinate, and develop collaboration across the academic, defence, industrial, and political sectors to understand and solve problems relating to the sustainable use of space.

From November 30 – December 1, the Centre for Space Domain AwarenessLink opens in a new window hosted the GNOSIS Annual Conference 2022, “Space Sustainability for the Next Decade (and Beyond)”, co-sponsored by CGI and Astroscale.

The conference explored five key themes: fostering international collaboration for space sustainability; embedding sustainability in space law, policy, and regulation; addressing environmental issues – of space and from space; exploring the intersection between space security and sustainability; and inspiring the next generation.

Over 400 registered to attend the conference, with more than 100 registering to join the proceedings in person. Attendance was strong for all sessions, and delegates made full use of the networking opportunities afforded by the event’s hybrid format.

The diverse programme featured speakers from 16 countries, spanning six continents, reflecting the truly global nature of the problem. Session chairs facilitated cross-disciplinary, cross-sector discussions to tackle some of the key outstanding issues in the field.

Dr Richard DalBello, Director of the Office of Space Commerce (US), delivered a keynote address on the first day of the conference, warning of the confusion that may arise if data from different space domain awareness systems are not fused correctly. Other keynote addresses were provided by Lord David Willetts, Chair of the Steering Board of the UK Space Agency, and George Freeman, Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation, both highlighting strong UK Government support for space sustainability research.

Concurrent with the conference, sixty Year 5s from two local primary schools, Cannon Park and St Elizabeth’s, visited Warwick campus as part of an outreach initiative organised by the University of Warwick, GNOSIS, and PrimarySpace, and sponsored by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.

The pupils had the opportunity to present their ideas for sustainable space operations at the conference exhibition, before experiencing a planetarium show, making their own star-on-a-stick, and hearing about some of Warwick’s telescope facilities in La Palma, Canary Islands.

Image: Highlights from the GNOSIS conference and school outreach exhibition.

Dr James BlakeLink opens in a new window, Secretary for GNOSIS, and co-organiser of the conference and outreach initiative, said:

“It was excellent to be joined by so many colleagues working to improve the sustainability of operations in space. We were delighted to receive endorsements from Lord David Willetts and George Freeman MP, both of whom highlighted the importance of the space sustainability research and championed the work of our delegates from the UK and across the globe. A personal highlight was seeing so much enthusiasm from pupils and delegates alike for our school outreach project that launched during World Space Week. The Year 5s produced some amazing displays, and we look forward to working with the schools again in the future.”

Katherine Courtney, Chair of the Steering Board of GNOSIS, and co-organiser of the conference and outreach initiative, said:

“The GNOSIS network has gone from strength to strength since its launch in late 2019. It was fantastic to be able to bring people together in our first hybrid event. In wide-ranging discussions over two days, experts from across the globe shared their knowledge and forged new connections that will no doubt help to accelerate progress in finding solutions to the growing challenges of keeping space safe, secure, and sustainable. And the creativity and innovative ideas exhibited by the primary school pupils and teachers who took part in the conference gave us all hope for a more sustainable future in space.”

Teacher, St Elizabeth’s Primary School:

“It was a brilliant experience for the children and the day was so jam packed and well-organised. Thank you to all the Warwick ambassadors who looked after us throughout the day. On their way home, all the pupils were saying that they wanted to go to Warwick, which is amazing, especially considering that lots of them had no previous experience of what a university was.”

Feedback from conference delegates:

- "I thought the broad range of geographical regions that were included was impressive."

- "This was an outstanding GNOSIS Conference at a time when such robust evidence, understanding and discussion on SSA is paramount to the sector world-wide."

- "Loved the diversity in the presentations and talks and hope to see more such domains and issues addressed in future events."

Image: Sponsors and supporters of the GNOSIS conference.

Visit the GNOSIS website for the Network’s events calendar and blog series.

Recordings from the conference will soon be available.

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