SPACE AND OUR IMPACT

Currently more than 50% of the world’s climate change data comes from satellites, as highlighted at COP26 by astronaut Tim Peake. It is only by using satellite data that we are able to get a true picture of what is happening, what is changing and what impacts any policies to mitigate emissions are actually having. Satellites are also crucial in making heavy polluting industries more efficient.

OUR FIVE MAIN IMPACTS

Carbon Emissions

Biodiversity

Marine Environment

On-site Facilities

Space Debris

 

Read more about our impact

Spaceport Cornwall’s Sustainability

Cornwall Council has committed to the Spaceport being carbon neutral by 2030, however, the team are going beyond just mitigation or offsetting, and looking at decreasing the impact altogether, aiming to be the first Net-Zero Spaceport in the world.

To achieve this, Spaceport Cornwall has already committed to the following:

    1. Kernow Sat 1: Spaceport Cornwall is launching an environmental satellite on their first launch called Kernow Sat 1. This will monitor the oceans around Cornwall to identify areas for sea grass restoration, monitor kelp forests, and monitor pollution levels.
    2. Centre for Space Technologies: This world-class R&D facility at Spaceport Cornwall focused on environmental intelligence and space, as well as the technology and innovations needed to make satellites, their integration and use more sustainable.
    3. Education: Spaceport Cornwall has engaged with thousands of school children across Cornwall raising aspirations and inspiring them to go into STEM careers. At the heart of this is highlighting how satellite applications can be used to fight climate change.
    4. On-site Activities: From increasing biodiversity by 10% on-site, to being home to Eden Project’s National Wildflower collection, to introducing a site-wide decarbonisation plan, Spaceport Cornwall will continue to implement sustainable practices on the ground, as well as in space.