<h4>Introduction to the Zero Debris Charter</h4><p>The <strong>Zero Debris Charter</strong> represents a significant international commitment towards ensuring the <strong>long-term sustainability</strong> of human activities in <strong>Earth orbit</strong>.</p><p>It was formally signed by <strong>Twelve nations</strong> at the <strong>European Space Agency (ESA)</strong> / <strong>EU Space Council</strong> meeting.</p><h4>Core Objective: Debris-Neutrality by 2030</h4><p>The primary goal of the <strong>Zero Debris Charter</strong> is to achieve <strong>debris-neutrality</strong> in space.</p><div class='info-box'><p>This ambitious target is set for the year <strong>2030</strong>, aiming to ensure that space activities do not add to the existing space debris problem.</p></div><h4>Unveiling and Facilitation</h4><p>The <strong>Zero Debris Charter</strong> was initially unveiled at the <strong>ESA Space Summit</strong> held in <strong>Seville</strong> in <strong>November 2023</strong>.</p><p>Its development was facilitated by <strong>ESA’s ‘Protection of Space Assets’ accelerator</strong> program.</p><div class='info-box'><p>The charter itself was a collaborative effort, created by a broad group of <strong>40 global space actors</strong>.</p></div><h4>Open Participation and Community</h4><p>A key feature of the <strong>Zero Debris Charter</strong> is its open invitation for participation.</p><p>Any entity dedicated to advancing <strong>space safety</strong> and <strong>sustainability</strong> is welcome to sign the Charter.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>Signing the Charter allows entities to join the <strong>Zero Debris Community</strong> without requiring approval from existing partners, promoting widespread adoption.</p></div><h4>Significance for Space Sustainability</h4><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>This initiative is crucial for <strong>UPSC aspirants</strong> as it highlights international efforts in <strong>space governance</strong> and <strong>environmental protection</strong> within the space domain, relevant for <strong>GS Paper III (Science & Technology)</strong>.</p></div>