Highlighting Explore Alliance Ambassador Caitlin Ahrens: Pioneering Space Sustainability

Explore Scientific is proud to celebrate the ongoing accomplishments of its Explore Alliance Ambassadors, who are making significant strides in their respective fields. From time to time, we will be spotlighting these ambassadors to showcase their contributions to education, outreach, science, and exploration.

In this post, we are thrilled to highlight Dr. Caitlin Ahrens, a planetary scientist with NASA. Dr. Ahrens is not only an accomplished researcher but also a familiar face to our community, having been a veteran of the Global Star Party and the "7 Months of Science with Dr. Caitlin Ahrens," a series produced and broadcasted by Explore Scientific. Her work, both in public outreach and scientific research, exemplifies the spirit of curiosity and discovery that drives the Explore Alliance.

*Learn more about Dr. Caitlin Ahrens

*NASA Sponsors New Research on Orbital Debris, Lunar Sustainability

The future of space exploration is not just about reaching new frontiers; it’s about ensuring that these frontiers remain viable and sustainable for generations to come. As NASA continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in space, the agency is also deeply committed to ensuring that our ventures beyond Earth are sustainable and responsible. This commitment is evident in the recent selection of five university teams to receive space sustainability research funding, with a combined value of $550,000.

Among these teams is a standout from the University of Maryland, College Park, led by none other than Explore Alliance Ambassador Dr. Caitlin Ahrens. Caitlin, a dedicated researcher and advocate for sustainable space exploration, has been selected to spearhead a project that will play a crucial role in NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy.

Caitlin Ahrens and Her Vision for Lunar Sustainability

Caitlin Ahrens is no stranger to the challenges and opportunities that come with exploring our solar system. As an Explore Alliance Ambassador, she has consistently demonstrated a deep passion for space exploration, coupled with a commitment to ensuring that this exploration is conducted in a way that preserves the integrity of celestial environments.

Her project, titled “A RAD Framework for the Moon: Applying Resist-Accept-Direct Decision-Making,” is one of two research initiatives focused on lunar surface sustainability. The goal of this research is to develop a decision-making framework that can be applied to protect valuable locations and human heritage sites on the moon. As humanity prepares to return to the lunar surface, this research will be instrumental in guiding policies and actions that safeguard the moon's most important sites from potential harm.

The importance of this work cannot be overstated. As Caitlin and her team delve into the complexities of lunar sustainability, they are not just addressing immediate concerns; they are laying the groundwork for a future where the moon’s resources and history are preserved for future explorers.

NASA’s Broader Space Sustainability Strategy

Caitlin’s work is part of a larger effort by NASA to promote space sustainability, a priority that is becoming increasingly urgent as more countries and private entities venture into space. NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy is designed to ensure that space remains a domain that can be safely and peacefully explored by future generations.

This strategy includes not just the protection of lunar sites but also the management of orbital debris—a growing threat to both current and future space missions. The other three university teams funded by NASA will focus on tackling the issue of orbital debris, including developing models and policies to prevent scenarios like the Kessler Syndrome, where the density of objects in low Earth orbit could lead to a cascade of collisions. 

The Role of Research in Shaping the Future

Ellen Gertsen, deputy associate administrator for NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, emphasized the significance of these research projects in helping NASA understand the economics, policy considerations, and social elements of space sustainability. The insights gained from these studies will be instrumental in shaping the policies and strategies that govern space exploration in the years to come.

For Caitlin Ahrens and her fellow researchers, this is an opportunity to contribute to a vision of space exploration that is not only bold and ambitious but also responsible and thoughtful. Their work will ensure that as we reach for the stars, we do so with care, consideration, and a long-term perspective.

A Bright Future for Space Sustainability

Caitlin Ahrens’ involvement in this groundbreaking research is a testament to her expertise and dedication to the field of space exploration. As an Explore Alliance Ambassador, she embodies the spirit of curiosity and innovation that drives the next generation of space explorers. Through her work on lunar sustainability, Caitlin is helping to pave the way for a future where humanity can explore the cosmos without compromising the very environments we seek to understand.

In the years to come, we can expect to see more incredible contributions from Caitlin and her team, as well as from the broader community of researchers and advocates dedicated to sustainable space exploration. Their work will ensure that the wonders of the universe remain open to discovery, not just for us, but for all who come after.