Partners

SSR
Beta Testers

key words

 Launch vehicles
Environmental impacts
Transparency
Space debris
Rocket bodies
Orbit
Propellant

current status

Development
Beta tests

eSpace has been selected as the organisation taking over and putting in place the Space Sustainability Rating (SSR). The objective of the SSR is to push forward sustainability in the space sector and reward operators whose missions comply with the sustainability norms and guidelines, mainly related to space debris mitigation.

It has been shown that the impact of the launch vehicle (LV) was not easily captured by the current version of the rating. Moreover, the responsibility for sustainability in space is for now mainly put on spacecraft operators and there is little incentive for LV providers in this field. On the other hand, rocket bodies are dominating the current total fragmentation risk and the new space mindset could see many more (micro) launchers produced and launched, which could increase the problem of space debris.

lvsr_graph

Cumulated fragmentation risk index Probability x Severity, ESA’S Annual Space Environment Report (2022)

lvsr-modules

Expected modules for the LVSR

 

eSpace is performing beta tests with several launch vehicle providers to refine the formula thanks to sensitive analysis using real data.

LVSR Bronze badge
LVSR Silver badge
LVSR Gold badge
LVSR Platinum badge

The 4 labels, from bronze to platinum, a launch vehicle provider can achieve with the LVSR.