https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/147054 2026-04-06T23:33:20Z 2026-04-06T23:33:20Z Smith, Jacqueline H. Jah, Moriba Wood, Danielle https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/160030 2025-07-12T09:42:57Z 2025-06-07T00:00:00Z

Architecting a decision support system for continuing supervision of commercial in-space servicing Smith, Jacqueline H.; Jah, Moriba; Wood, Danielle The rapid development of in-space servicing technology and other novel space capabilities requires robust and transparent governance frameworks to ensure long-term space sustainability and adherence to international regulations, notably Article VI of the Outer Space Treaty. Article VI requires that signatory states provide continuing supervision over non-governmental space activities, a mandate becoming increasingly more challenging to fulfill due to the accelerating pace of commercial space innovations. In previous work published by the authors, a Systems Architecture Framework analysis investigated the governance of in-space servicing in the U.S. and the corresponding Stakeholder Need misalignments with current authorization and supervision processes. The initial research provided insights into the apparent Need for a Decision Support System addressing the practical challenges faced in the operational supervision of in-space servicing activities. In response, this paper roadmaps the application of the Environment-Vulnerability-Decision-Technology (EVDT) systems engineering framework into the realm of space sustainability challenges, such as for authorization and supervision of commercial in-space servicing. Originally conceived by the Space Enabled research group at MIT’s Media Lab, the EVDT framework has demonstrated its effectiveness in facilitating sustainable development decision-making through analysis of complex socio-environmental-technical systems across various terrestrial applications. Historical uses of EVDT span across aiding flood resilience in Indonesia, promoting mangrove preservation in Brazil, managing invasive plant species in Benin, revitalizing cranberry wetlands in the U.S., analyzing environmental injustice in prison landscapes, and urban planning strategies during the pandemic. Most recently, the inaugural adaptation of the EVDT framework to the space domain shows potential to enhance collision avoidance operation decisions for a Stakeholder within NASA. This paper proposes the expansion of the EVDT framework to broader space sustainability challenges, focusing on continuing supervision as the primary use-case, where this prototype’s capability to model and analyze hypothetical commercial in-space satellite servicing missions under U.S. jurisdiction will demonstrate the potential of EVDT to enhance space situational awareness (SSA) and space domain awareness. These operations are critical for collision prediction and consequence, risk assessment, and the implementation of sustainable operational practices. We introduce the plan for developing the Continuing Supervision EVDT software prototype, using a MATLAB-based method characterized by a modular architecture to facilitate integration and extension of functionality. The paper also introduces terminology, key concepts, objectives, and the use of the Systems Architecture Framework method within the EVDT software development process. The software design enables Stakeholders to custom-build and adapt their models to different space sustainability scenarios, improving code reuse, reducing development time, and simplifying interactions for external users and future space-based EVDT projects. The implementation of this Decision Support System has the potential to influence the authorization and supervision of novel space missions and the evolution of supporting SSA technologies, ultimately contributing to the responsible and sustainable use of the space environment. It helps ensure compliance with international space laws and promotes sustainability by equipping Stakeholders with software toolsets capable of simulating the orbital dynamics of spacecraft through mission phases. The paper also envisions the extensive application of the EVDT framework to an array of other space sustainability challenges, such as environmental sensitivity, debris mitigation, resource utilization, and planetary protection. Ultimately, the expansion of the EVDT framework into the domain of space sustainability will empower policymakers, commercial space operators, and other Stakeholders with an adaptive simulation tool that not only conforms to the current space governance systems but also flexibly shapes to future space policies, encouraging responsible stewardship over the space environment.

2025-06-07T00:00:00Z Smith, Jacqueline H. Jah, Moriba Wood, Danielle https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/159377 2025-07-09T03:14:20Z 2025-05-17T00:00:00Z

Preliminary analysis of in-space servicing governance and the challenge of continuing supervision Smith, Jacqueline H.; Jah, Moriba; Wood, Danielle The emergence and proliferation of In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) technology holds far-reaching implications, particularly considering the current era of rapid advancements in space technology, escalating commercialization of space activities, and novel utilization of the space domain including in cislunar space. This paper presents the preliminary findings of a multi-year research study undertaking a comprehensive analysis of commercial in-space servicing governance employing the Systems Architecture Framework (SAF) methodology. The focal points of investigation for this study are on understanding the various dimensions that shape the policy and regulation of the commercial in-space servicing ecosystem, encompassing environmental factors and sociopolitical considerations, from the perspective of U.S. Government Stakeholders. Governance of commercial in-space servicing is a complex system in the sense that it is composed of interacting components whose collective behavior and properties emerge from the relationships between these entities. Through the use of SAF, the analysis of this complex socio-environmental-technical system spans these elements: understanding system Context, analyzing Stakeholders and their Needs and Objectives, identifying system Forms and Functions, proposing new Forms and Functions, and Monitor and Evaluate the system. From the SAF analysis, several major findings and recommendations emerge. First, shortcomings currently exist in achieving meaningful continuing supervision by the Stakeholders of commercial in-space servicing activities. Article VI of the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 mandates the continuing supervision of all non-governmental space activities by the authorizing nation yet lacks a clear definition for the term continuing supervision. Based on analysis from SAF, this paper introduces tools for addressing ambiguity by providing an interpretation of continuing supervision that can be applied into the operational environment, metrics for evaluating the outcomes, and technical challenges and recommendations for continuing supervision in cislunar. This paper also introduces a recommendation for a Decision Support System (DSS) for aiding U.S. Government Stakeholders in authorizing and supervising commercial in-space servicing activity based on findings from expert interviews. The authors propose that the Environment-Vulnerability-Decision-Technology (EVDT) systems engineering framework developed by the Space Enabled Research Group offers a promising methodology for developing such a DSS as future work. The framework allows system designers to confirm they are addressing Stakeholder Needs identified via the Systems Architecture Framework and combining a variety of sources of information to shape policy. Notably, the EVDT framework has been previously demonstrated as a tool for decision-making in space traffic management applications for a U.S. Stakeholder. Future work of this research study will investigate prototyping a new space-based EVDT model for specific use-cases and exploring a sensitivity analysis of the space environment to certain in-space servicing activities. Ultimately, this research lays a robust foundation for a deeper understanding of the current and future U.S. governance of commercial in-space servicing, resonating with the ongoing discourse concerning the long-term sustainability, mission authorization, and continuing supervision of novel space activities. The insights derived from this multi-year analysis contribute valuable guidance for policymakers, industry leaders, and academic researchers, offering a Stakeholder-focused perspective informing strategic decisions with socio-environmental-technical implications at the forefront.

2025-05-17T00:00:00Z Smith, Jacqueline H. Rathnasabapathy, Minoo Wood, Danielle https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/156705 2024-09-13T03:17:13Z 2024-09-03T00:00:00Z

The political and legal landscape of space debris mitigation in emerging space nations Smith, Jacqueline H.; Rathnasabapathy, Minoo; Wood, Danielle The issue of space debris and its impact on space sustainability is a growing concern that requires collective action from all nations. Over the past decade, the number of spacefaring nations has increased, as evidenced by the number of satellites launched by emerging space nations and by an increase in the number of applications for United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) membership from emerging member states. More recently, there has been an increase in emerging space nations stating their commitment to join the COPUOS Long-term Sustainability (LTS) 2.0 Working Group, as well as nations who have opted to join as signatories to initiatives such as “Net Zero Space” (e.g., Azercosmos, EgSA, GISTDA), and the Artemis Accords (e.g., Nigeria, Rwanda, and Angola). These initiatives share a common goal of promoting the sustainable and responsible use of space to ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities, including: 1) the recognition of the need for sustainable practices; 2) the importance of promoting cooperation in long-term sustainability between all nations; 3) the support of international guidelines and best practices; and 4) the recognition of the increasing role and contribution of emerging space nations. Given the rapid diversification of the space sector, and in accordance with Part C International Cooperation, Capacity-Building and Awareness of the 2019 COPUOS Long Term Sustainability guidelines, many emerging nations continue to face challenges in implementing space debris mitigation and removal measures. The aim of this paper is threefold: 1) showcase examples of emerging space nations who are actively supporting the sustained use of space at a national, regional, and international level, which includes complying with existing binding requirements concerning space debris within national laws; 2) discuss how the Space Sustainability Rating (SSR) provides opportunities for emerging space nations to progress in their efforts to participate in seeking space sustainability; and 3) provide an analysis using the SSR for several missions launched by emerging space nations including recommended steps for increased sustainability in both the design phase and during operations. The study aims to identify potential challenges and opportunities in the adoption of the SSR by emerging space nations, and dispel the perception that sustainable design, operations, and implementation of the LTS guidelines is a barrier for emerging space nations. The selection of nations chosen for the analysis of this paper aims to ensure a representative sample of diverse space market sizes and maturity, with particular consideration given to geographic diversity.

2024-09-03T00:00:00Z Reid, Jack Wood, Danielle https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/146601 2022-11-24T03:30:43Z 2022-09-19T00:00:00Z

Systems engineering applied to urban planning and development: A review and research agenda Reid, Jack; Wood, Danielle

2022-09-19T00:00:00Z Barenblitt, Abigail Payton, Amanda Lagomasino, David Fatoyinbo, Lola Asare, Kofi Aidoo, Kenneth Pigott, Hugo Som, Charles Kofi Smeets, Laurent Seidu, Omar Wood, Danielle Renee https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/135540.2 2022-06-27T20:31:15Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

The large footprint of small-scale artisanal gold mining in Ghana Barenblitt, Abigail; Payton, Amanda; Lagomasino, David; Fatoyinbo, Lola; Asare, Kofi; Aidoo, Kenneth; Pigott, Hugo; Som, Charles Kofi; Smeets, Laurent; Seidu, Omar; Wood, Danielle Renee Gold mining has played a significant role in Ghana's economy for centuries. Regulation of this industry has varied over time and while industrial mining is prevalent in the country, the expansion of artisanal mining, or Galamsey has escalated in recent years. Many of these artisanal mines are not only harmful to human health due to the use of Mercury (Hg) in the amalgamation process, but also leave a significant footprint on terrestrial ecosystems, degrading and destroying forested ecosystems in the region. In this study, the Landsat image archive available through Google Earth Engine was used to quantify the total footprint of vegetation loss due to artisanal gold mines in Ghana from 2005 to 2019 and understand how conversion of forested regions to mining has changed over a decadal period from 2007 to 2017. A combination of machine learning and change detection algorithms were used to calculate different land cover conversions and the timing of conversion annually. Within the study area of southwestern Ghana, our results indicate that approximately 47,000 ha (⨦2218 ha) of vegetation were converted to mining at an average rate of ~2600 ha yr-1. The results indicate that a high percentage (~50%) of this mining occurred between 2014 and 2017. Around 700 ha of this mining occurred within protected areas as mapped by the World Database of Protected Areas. In addition to deforestation, increased artisanal mining activity in recent years has the potential to affect human health, access to drinking water resources and food security. This work expands upon limited research into the spatial footprint of Galamsey in Ghana, complements mapping efforts by local geographers, and will support efforts by the government of Ghana to monitor deforestation caused by artisanal mining.

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z Ovienmhada, Ufuoma Mouftaou, Fohla Wood, Danielle Renee https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/132918 2022-09-23T14:56:40Z 2021-09-01T00:00:00Z

Inclusive Design of Earth Observation Decision Support Systems for Environmental Governance: A Case Study of Lake Nokoué Ovienmhada, Ufuoma; Mouftaou, Fohla; Wood, Danielle Renee Earth Observation (EO) data can enhance understanding of human-environmental systems for the creation of climate data services, or Decision Support Systems (DSS), to improve monitoring, prediction and mitigation of climate harm. However, EO data is not always incorporated into the workflow for decision-makers for a multitude of reasons including awareness, accessibility and collaboration models. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate a collaborative model that addresses historical power imbalances between communities. This paper highlights a case study of a climate harm mitigation DSS collaboration between the Space Enabled Research Group at the MIT Media Lab and Green Keeper Africa (GKA), an enterprise located in Benin. GKA addresses the management of an invasive plant species that threatens ecosystem health and economic activities on Lake Nokoué. They do this through a social entrepreneurship business model that aims to advance both economic empowerment and environmental health. In demonstrating a Space Enabled-GKA collaboration model that advances GKA's business aims, this study first considers several popular service and technology design methods and offer critiques of each method in terms of their ability to address inclusivity in complex systems. These critiques lead to the selection of the Systems Architecture Framework (SAF) as the technology design method for the case study. In the remainder of the paper, the SAF is applied to the case study to demonstrate how the framework coproduces knowledge that would inform a DSS with Earth Observation data. The paper offers several practical considerations and values related to epistemology, data collection, prioritization and methodology for performing inclusive design of climate data services.

2021-09-01T00:00:00Z Hakimdavar, Raha Hubbard, Alfred Policelli, Frederick Pickens, Amy Hansen, Matthew Fatoyinbo, Temilola Lagomasino, David Pahlevan, Nima Unninayar, Sushel Kavvada, Argyro Carroll, Mark Smith, Brandon Hurwitz, Margaret Wood, Danielle Renee Schollaert Uz, Stephanie https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/125741 2022-10-02T03:01:17Z 2020-05-01T00:00:00Z

Monitoring water-related ecosystems with Earth observation data in support of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 reporting Hakimdavar, Raha; Hubbard, Alfred; Policelli, Frederick; Pickens, Amy; Hansen, Matthew; Fatoyinbo, Temilola; Lagomasino, David; Pahlevan, Nima; Unninayar, Sushel; Kavvada, Argyro; Carroll, Mark; Smith, Brandon; Hurwitz, Margaret; Wood, Danielle Renee; Schollaert Uz, Stephanie Lack of national data on water-related ecosystems is a major challenge to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 targets by 2030. Monitoring surface water extent, wetlands, and water quality from space can be an important asset for many countries in support of SDG 6 reporting. We demonstrate the potential for Earth observation (EO) data to support country reporting for SDG Indicator 6.6.1, ‘Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time’ and identify important considerations for countries using these data for SDG reporting. The spatial extent of water-related ecosystems, and the partial quality of water within these ecosystems is investigated for seven countries. Data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Landsat 5, 7, and 8 with Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) are used to measure surface water extent at 250 m and 30 m spatial resolution, respectively, in Cambodia, Jamaica, Peru, the Philippines, Senegal, Uganda, and Zambia. The extent of mangroves is mapped at 30 m spatial resolution using Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI), Sentinel-1, and SRTM data for Jamaica, Peru, and Senegal. Using Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2A imagery, total suspended solids and chlorophyll-a are mapped over time for a select number of large surface water bodies in Peru, Senegal, and Zambia. All of the EO datasets used are of global coverage and publicly available at no cost. The temporal consistency and long time-series of many of the datasets enable replicability over time, making reporting of change from baseline values consistent and systematic. We find that statistical comparisons between different surface water data products can help provide some degree of confidence for countries during their validation process and highlight the need for accuracy assessments when using EO-based land change data for SDG reporting. We also raise concern that EO data in the context of SDG Indicator 6.6.1 reporting may be more challenging for some countries, such as small island nations, than others to use in assessing the extent of water-related ecosystems due to scale limitations and climate variability. Country-driven validation of the EO data products remains a priority to ensure successful data integration in support of SDG Indicator 6.6.1 reporting. Multi-country studies such as this one can be valuable tools for helping to guide the evolution of SDG monitoring methodologies and provide a useful resource for countries reporting on water-related ecosystems. The EO data analyses and statistical methods used in this study can be easily replicated for country-driven validation of EO data products in the future.

2020-05-01T00:00:00Z