Space sustainability approaches of emerging space nations: Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico

A key component of efforts to address complex threats to space sustainability - such as congestion of key orbits, space debris, radio frequency interference, and potential for conflict in space - is to engage new space actors in the process. This paper will gauge the degree of awareness, interest, and involvement in space sustainability advancement of three emerging space nations in Latin America. Building on prior research that examined the development paths of space actors in three emerging space regions of the world and their impact on space sustainability, this paper will offer insights on the current space sustainability concerns and priorities of Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. Through literature review, personal communication with experts, and by examining the involvement of these actors in international space forums, this paper identifies common themes about how these actors approach the concept of sustainability, their primary concerns, and involvement in and perspectives on mechanisms to promote it. The findings and conclusions derived from this analysis will help inform ongoing efforts to engage other emerging space actors in the region in the advancement of space sustainability.