Environmental Sustainability of Space Activities Webinars

 

As scientists we are not only observing our physical environment but we have -unfortunately- also an impact on it. The sustainability of space sciences can be questioned, given its dependence on international collaborations, large data infrastructure and assets in space.
This webinar series  addresses these concerns  by examining the environmental impact of  the space weather and space climate sector.  The aim is to search for alternative, less damaging, ways of working and to share information that empowers our community to make adequate choices to progressively reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact.

 

Upcoming webinars

 Our webinars are recorded and made available on Youtube.

  • Life cycle assessment in practice : the case of Athena X-ray Integral Field Unit
    by Andreas Wolnievik (IRAP, Toulouse)
    Wednesday, 20th November 2024 at 16:00 CET
    zoom link : https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81674429404?pwd=isLaCmtcPusKzItPoY9oYDSD3metB8.1

    Abstract: The X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) is a high-resolution X-ray spectrometer developed by twelve ESA member states and the United States and will be one of the two payloads aboard the Athena X-ray Observatory. To evaluate its environmental impact, X-IFU commissioned SCALIAN, a company specializing in environmental impact assessments, to perform a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The resulting report estimated the project's carbon footprint at 25,000 tons of CO2 equivalent.

    During 2022, a redesign of the X-IFU project was called for following the System Requirements Review. In view of the changes, a Life cycle Assessment was decided to be carried inhouse at IRAP in France during 2024 to obtain an updated model and access understanding of the tools and processes used for carrying out an LCA on a large-scale space project. Completed in the autumn of 2024, the new study focused on the phases leading up to the launch campaign, incorporating more detailed data on areas previously identified as hotspots. The objective was to explore scenarios for reducing environmental impact while preserving the scientific integrity of the instrument.

  • How the French Astronomy and Astrophysics community plans to cope with the necessity to reduce the environmental impacts of its activities
    by Sylvain Bontemps (Astrophysics Laboratory of Bordeaux)
    Wednesday, 4th December 2024 at 16:00 CET
    zoom link : https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89434657821?pwd=E23hMcL4AHfoYalS0Q75LO83YmmA3y.1

 

Past webinars

 Each webinar has been recorded. Follow the link below to view it on Youtube.