Green space technology: conceptualisation and analysis

The world is currently facing growing sustainable space challenges both on Earth and in space. To ensure the continuation of space activities for the benefit of humanity, it is important to find solutions that contribute to address these challenges. This paper aims to propose and analyse the concept of Green Space Technology (GST), which can guide the development and management of space technologies with minimal environmental impact. Bibliometric analysis and qualitative content analysis are the selected methodologies to analyse 1,464 related publications and 12 space agencies’ documents, respectively. The results provide a conceptualisation of GST as a category of space technologies relevant for minimising the environmental impact. Meanwhile, there are two main clusters of GST, defined as ‘Earth’ and ‘Space’. In the ‘Earth’ cluster, GST currently comprises various satellites for sustainable activities, including Earth observation, Global Navigation Satellite System, and satellite telecommunication. In the ‘Space’ cluster, GST presently supports several promising activities, including the development of green energy and propulsion systems, green space materials, and green technology-based services for the sustainable practices within the space sector. Additionally, this research provides recommendations for relevant stakeholders to promote the development of GST in the future, including the insights to characterise greenwashing.