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Cross-Regional Analysis of Advancing Space Sustainability in Northeast, Southeast and South Asia

  • Writer: Welchman Keen
    Welchman Keen
  • Sep 22, 2025
  • 2 min read

Comprehensive Analysis of Asian Space Governance and Sustainability Practices


This white paper delivers an in-depth examination of space sustainability across Asia’s diverse space sectors, comparing approaches in ten countries in Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. Our analysis maps their evolving satellite deployment plans, regulatory frameworks, and sustainability initiatives that shape the region’s orbital activities.


Key Findings and Regional Insights


  • Satellite Proliferation Challenges: The deployment of satellites – including 297 nanosatellites – across these ten countries creates both democratised access opportunities and critical sustainability challenges.


  • Regional Differentiation:

    • Northeast Asia combines large-scale constellation deployment with advanced debris mitigation technologies

    • Southeast Asia prioritises connectivity, disaster response applications, and environmental monitoring

    • South Asia integrates sustainability principles within broader national space development strategies


  • Institutional Impact Analysis: Our research reveals how varying levels of institutional robustness directly influence regulatory effectiveness across ten jurisdictions.


  • Technical Innovation Landscape: The paper highlights emerging technologies supporting space sustainability, from debris removal capabilities to enhanced tracking systems, across the Asian space sector.


Actionable Recommendations


The white paper concludes with concrete recommendations across three dimensions:


  • Policy Actions: Targeted regulatory reforms to address the unique challenges of Asia’s satellite operations.


  • Technology Solutions: Practical approaches to enhance spacecraft design, tracking, and end-of-life disposal.


  • Collaborative Pathways: Strategies for strengthening regional cooperation on space situational awareness and traffic management.


Download the complete white paper to gain valuable insights into how Asian space actors are balancing innovation with responsible orbital stewardship.



For a more detailed jurisdictional analysis, watch for our forthcoming supplementary brief, ‘Asian Space Sustainability Profiles’, presenting comprehensive country profiles highlighting diverse space sustainability initiatives across the region.


This white paper builds on our 2024 publication 'Making Room in a Crowded Space: Solutions for Space Sustainability'.

 
 
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