Space Life Cycle Assessment: A Risk or Opportunity for the USA?

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a standardized method of analysis which used to scientifically quantify environmental impacts associated with products, processes, or services over their entire lifetime. Within the European space sector, application and perceived importance LCA has exponentially increased in recent years point that it beginning become entwined procurement process. As such, highly probable technique will common element mission design within Europe before end decade. In comparison, very little work on been conducted United States America (USA), meaning country lag behind others its ability account for life cycle operations. This could serious problem (U.S.) original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) suppliers near-term future due misalignment non-compliance policies, potential cause widespread supply chain disruption. Therefore, this examines extent USA fallen assets risk poses. However, identified benefits highlight also act as an indispensable mechanism further business success U.S. sector beyond solely policy compliance. set recommendations are outlined encourage intensification research development (R&D) concept foundational principle sustainable global economy.