The Sustainable Consumption & Supply Chain Track can involve activities tackling one or more of the below themes. Or you as participant can come up with a different theme, or an alternate take on any proposed theme.

Blog Image

Consumption and Supply Chain Optimization using space-based assets

This theme deals with using space-based assets (EO, satnav, internet, etc.) combined with relevant ground infrastructure to increase flexibility and reliability of supply chains when addressing global consumption demands. Particularly useful in AgriFood sectors, raw materials or large volumes of FMCG (fast moving consumer goods). By analyzing large volumes of data, combined with AI/ML, shortages may be anticipated/predicted, followed by a reallocation of certain resources, reconfiguration of supply chains and possible rerouting of shipping. In this context, rerouting optimization may lead to more efficient fuel consumption.

Recycling and waste management – by means of space-based assets

In line with the above theme, a similar system can be implemented for more efficient recycling and an increased optimization of waste (including processing by-products and various types of residues) management around the world. Faster and more efficient relocation and movement of residue across industrial sectors can be made possible through use of space assets and data (by-products and waste from a certain activity may find their use and purpose in other industries).

Global supply chains - Synergies between Space and non-Space activities

With space activities gradually going into (typically) non-space sectors, and vice-versa, more efficient and mature ways of harvesting these overlaps and synergies must be implemented. Ideas on global supply chain that integrate also stop-overs in space, faster technology transfer across industrial sectors (and conversion of technologies) and generally a tighter integration of space and non-space activities, are all welcomed.

Recycling technologies and fast-track/accelerated development of spin-off and spin-outs

This theme addresses the technologies for using products of recycling and waste processing (including human waste) for further utilization. To give an example, one of the crucial components of long-duration space missions is the technology allowing us to filter astronauts’ wastewater. Furthermore, there are systems that turn waste into fertilizer for plants by using micro-organisms. These systems and technologies can be of great importance for sustainable spaceflight, but spinoffs of these space technologies can bring tremendous prospects for humans on Earth. Allowing us to process waste in a more sustainable manner and turn it into valuable resources can improve the sustainability of our production and consumption chains. Thus, this theme focuses on effective spinoffs of relevant space technologies.

The use of water and energy in the terrestrial production processes

This theme addresses how microgravity can help provide solutions for water efficiency during the production process, including purification processes and development of water membrane technologies as well as conservation efforts using microgravity to better understand water droplet formation and flow studies to optimize water usage on Earth.

Clean Energy

This theme addresses the utilization of space and the microgravity environment to develop cleaner energy or energy efficient devices and systems by removing gravitational forces as well as using remote sensing (IR, GPS, RF and fluorescence), in order to understand urban surface energy, CO2 emissions, thermal management and energy monitoring technologies.