The Astra Carta
Recognising the growing role of the private sector in space activity and exploration, the Astra Carta offers an ambitious roadmap for the private sector to lead the acceleration of sustainable practices across global space-related industries. It also recognises the unique role that space can play in creating a more sustainable future on Earth and the need for the stakeholders to consider environmental and sustainable impacts beyond our planet. Its ambitions encourage a focus on placing sustainability at the centre of space activity.
At the 2022 Space Sustainability Summit , The King (when he was The Prince of Wales) shared his vision - and an ambition - for an Astra Carta. An initiative that would help bring together the public and private sector to focus on space sustainability.
A year later this ambition became a reality, and in June 2023 the Sustainable Markets Initiative launched the Astra Carta which builds on the foundation of the Terra Carta to shape a future of responsible and sustainable space exploration, development, and cooperation. It aims to serve as a roadmap for the global private sector to align their space-related activities with sustainability goals, approaches, and standards in partnership with governments, international organisations and other stakeholders.
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Design
The Astra Carta seal was designed by Sir Jony Ive and his team at the creative collective LoveFrom.
The design complements the Terra Carta seal, using the same typography and St Edward’s Crown. The structure is similarly defined by sacred geometry, overlaid with astronomical motion and heavenly bodies.
The Earth is at the centre, showing the Sun and annular eclipse of the Moon, with the transit of Mercury, dance of Venus and Mars.
Symbolic constellations from the night sky in both the northern and southern hemispheres include Cepheus, Orion, Monoceros, Centaurus, Crux, Leo and Charles’ Wain within Ursa Major, as well as the North Star.
Deep space and the distant universe is represented by glimmering space dust and infinite blackness.
The Astra Carta’s motto – to care for the infinite wonders of the universe – defines the edge of the seal.
LoveFrom’s references included astronomical charts, astrophotography, and constellation maps.
Every element is designed to reinforce the aspiration and authority of the Astra Carta, as well as the sense of awe at the universe it seeks to protect.
SIR JONY IVE, KBEWe were fascinated by the celestial rhythms that were illuminated during this design process, and how they are profoundly connected to the patterns of life on Earth. This feels a crucial time to do more to protect the natural world in the broadest sense, and we are deeply honoured to have been able to contribute to this important and pioneering project.
Further information
For more information about the Astra Carta, please contact info@sustainable-markets.org.