The satellite and satellite technology development sector creates negative environmental impacts in various areas. Chief among these are the harmful gases released into the atmosphere during rocket launches. When rocket fuels burn, chemicals such as carbon dioxide, carbon black, and chlorine are released. These substances both cause air pollution in the lower atmosphere and can contribute to ozone depletion in the upper atmosphere. Each rocket launch produces significantly higher carbon emissions compared to terrestrial transportation.
In addition, the increasing amount of space debris in orbit poses a significant environmental threat. Discontinued satellites, broken rocket parts, and dysfunctional hardware continue to orbit Earth. These debris not only pose a risk of impacting operating satellites and future space missions, but also contribute to the production of more space debris through collisions. This uncontrolled accumulation of debris in space increases the risk of a chain reaction known as “Kessler Syndrome.” The satellite production process is also environmentally harmful. The high-purity metals, rare earth elements, and special alloys used in satellite construction lead to extensive depletion of natural resources. The extraction and processing of these metals also creates significant environmental pollution. Furthermore, production facilities are energy-intensive systems and indirectly leave a high carbon footprint.
Various steps can be taken to reduce this environmental damage. New fuel types and propulsion systems can be developed to reduce carbon emissions during rocket launches. For example, methane- or hydrogen-based fuels could be introduced as cleaner alternatives. Reusable rocket systems (such as SpaceX’s Falcon 9) could be expanded, reducing the need to produce new rockets for each launch.
To prevent the space debris problem, satellites can be equipped with systems that can self-destruct at the end of their mission or safely return to the atmosphere. The development of active space debris removal technologies and their mandatory implementation under international space law is another important step.
Developing recyclable and more environmentally friendly options for materials used in satellite production will also reduce resource consumption. The use of renewable energy in production facilities and the implementation of environmental management systems can contribute to reducing the sector’s carbon footprint.
In summary, the environmental impact of space technologies is undeniable; however, it is possible to prevent these damages through technological advancements, sustainable production, and international regulations.
As TUYAD, we have prioritized environmental awareness at every workshop, event, and conference held in the satellite, space, and aviation sectors, raising awareness and emphasizing environmental protection while developing technology. At CubesatVision, CubesatDefense, and all other events, the need to develop satellite and space technologies based on environmental awareness has been supported by internationally recognized presentations. TUYAD President Hayrettin Özaydın addressed the issue in an interview about satellite technologies and environmental safety:
“Of course, space is a field of exploration for us, but we must now realize that polluting space is no different from polluting the earth. Thanks to satellite technologies, we have surpassed the limits of communication, but every rocket launch, every dysfunctional satellite launched into orbit, turns into invisible waste that threatens our future. Turning to energy-efficient, recyclable systems is no longer a choice; it is a necessity. Developing environmentally friendly technologies means protecting not only the earth but also our orbits. Unless we understand this, we will transform our communication tools into silent machines that harm the environment.”
The concept of “green satellite” refers to energy-efficient and low-carbon satellite technologies that minimize environmental impact from production to operation. These satellites are constructed from lighter and recyclable materials, powered by renewable sources such as solar energy, and scheduled for controlled destruction at the end of their mission. “Clean signal” refers to signal systems that provide maximum efficiency with minimal energy consumption during communication, ensuring low-power and uninterrupted data transfer. While traditional satellites operate with high-power transmitters, the clean signal approach involves low-power transmitters, narrow-band technologies, and optimized data processing methods. From a technical perspective, green satellites offer more compact, modular, and energy-efficient systems, while also consuming fewer resources during production and producing less carbon emissions during operation.
To ensure sustainability in the communications sector, energy-intensive data centers and base stations must be supported by renewable energy sources. Energy consumption of satellites and ground stations should be optimized, and low-power systems and efficient cooling technologies should be implemented. Institutions should prioritize the use of environmentally friendly materials in their communications infrastructure. Furthermore, adopting reusable rocket systems and controlled orbit termination technologies is crucial for reducing carbon emissions. In this context, our organization is working on solar-powered satellite platforms, AI-powered traffic management systems, and low-power data transmission protocols. Active energy monitoring systems in our communication networks identify and automatically prevent unnecessary power consumption.
Artificial intelligence contributes to energy savings by enabling dynamic energy management in communication networks. For example, it optimizes the operating modes of base stations based on traffic density. Automated systems enable more efficient network maintenance and repair operations, reducing unnecessary hardware usage. Low-power transmitters, on the other hand, consume less energy to transmit data than traditional high-power systems. Our organization utilizes these technologies through integrated energy management systems. AI software analyzes the data flow on the network and automatically adjusts transmitter power, preventing energy losses. Furthermore, we minimize energy consumption with IoT-based solutions that support direct communication between devices.
LEO constellation satellites have revolutionized global internet access by providing low latency and wide coverage. Because they operate at lower altitudes, signal loss and energy consumption are reduced, a significant advantage in terms of sustainability. However, the fact that these systems consist of thousands of small satellites significantly increases the risk of space debris in orbit. The risk of new space debris being generated, particularly through uncontrolled collisions, is high. To mitigate this risk, mission termination technologies should be integrated into satellites, ensuring the controlled deorbit of satellites at the end of their lifespan. Furthermore, active space debris collection systems should be developed through international collaborations. Space traffic management standards should be established and made mandatory for all operators.
The green transformation of Turkey’s digital communications infrastructure is still in its infancy. Projects such as the use of renewable energy in base stations and energy-efficient network technologies have begun to increase; however, this transformation has not yet become standardized across the sector. In line with the European Green Deal and Turkey’s 2053 Net Zero Emissions Target, the sector’s priority roadmap should be to expand energy-efficient 5G and fiber infrastructure, accelerate renewable energy integration, and support green R&D projects. In this process, the public sector’s role should be to define regulatory frameworks, establish incentive mechanisms, and oversee the green transformation. The private sector, on the other hand, should develop innovative solutions and actively implement the technological transformation. Developing joint projects and national strategies within the framework of public-private collaboration will accelerate the green transformation. It is crucial to promote an environmentally friendly production and service approach across the sector.
KÜPSAT A.Ş.
Mert Özaydın
