The Secure World Foundation (SWF) is currently inviting applications for its 2025 Space Sustainability Research Fellowships, offering an opportunity for researchers and professionals worldwide to explore foundational issues in space sustainability. This year’s fellowships are focused on two core themes: the circular space economy and enhanced information sharing for space sustainability.

Each year, selected fellows contribute to the understanding and communication of space sustainability principles by producing original research that addresses key conceptual or operational challenges. The 2025 program seeks to recruit two Fellows, who will undertake a four-month, flexible research fellowship (remote, hybrid, or in-person at SWF offices in Colorado or Washington, DC), starting in early July.

Fellowship Deliverables

Participants will be expected to:

• Submit a final research report (12,000–16,000 words, excluding footnotes)
• Provide a two-page executive summary
• Participate in weekly progress updates with an SWF project manager
• Optionally present their findings publicly upon completion

The final outputs will be published under a Creative Commons license, with full credit given to the Fellow. Preliminary drafts are due by end of September 2025, and final versions must be submitted by end of October 2025.

2025 Research Themes

1. Unpacking the Circular Space Economy
   This research aims to demystify the term "circular space economy" and explore whether applying concepts such as reuse, repurpose, and recycling to space assets offers a viable pathway to sustainability. It will assess the meaning, feasibility, and strategic implications of this emerging concept.
2. Improving Information Sharing for Space Sustainability
   Focuses on identifying barriers to effective data and information exchange among space actors, particularly in areas like space traffic management, lunar operations, and environmental impacts. This research will examine incentives, disincentives, and the practical differences between data and information sharing.

Commitment to Inclusion

Secure World Foundation encourages applications from diverse candidates and is committed to promoting inclusive and equitable engagement across all its initiatives.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is June 9, 2025, 9 AM MDT.