The King unveils the Astra Carta seal at a Space Sustainability Reception at Buckingham Palace

Published

His Majesty The King has welcomed astronauts, business leaders, environmentalists and scientists at a Space Sustainability Event at Buckingham Palace.

The King unveils the Astra Carta seal

To mark the launch of the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Astra Carta framework, The King has unveiled the Astra Carta seal, designed by Sir Jony Ive, in front of astronauts, business leaders, environmentalists and scientists during a Space Sustainability Event at Buckingham Palace.

Major Tim Peake, Sir Brian May, Rosemary Coogan, John McFall, Meganne Christian

In 2022, The King (as The Prince of Wales) announced an ambition for his Sustainable Markets Initiative to create an ‘Astra Carta’ to act as a framework to inspire sustainability across the space industry.

The Astra Carta aims to convene the private sector in creating and accelerating sustainable practices across the global space industry. It also recognises the unique role that space can play in creating a more sustainable future on Earth and the need for the space industry to consider environmental and sustainability impacts beyond our planet. Its ambition encourages a focus on placing sustainability at the core of space activity.

The King with Major Tim Peake

The event was preceded by a Space Sustainability Symposium at the Royal Society, hosted by the Minister of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, George Freeman.

During the Reception at Buckingham Palace, The King met guests including astronauts Major Tim Peake; Dr Meganne Christian; Rosemary Coogan; John McFall, a former GB paralympian; and astrophysicist Sir Brian May.

Sir Brian May with The King

Ahead of the unveiling, Colonel Chris Hadfield, former astronaut and Commander of the International Space Station, addressed guests in the room.

The Astra Carta seal, designed by Sir Jony Ive

For more than five decades, The King has championed action for a sustainable future. His Majesty believes that everyone has a role to play in tackling even the most complex sustainability challenges facing our world. From Heads of State to young people, and from chief executives to local community projects, his unique ability to bring people together has proved a powerful way to find solutions and inspire people and organisations at all levels and all around the world.

Read more about His Majesty's work to champion sustainability.

Related content

News

Trooping the Colour 2025

14 June 2025
News

The King visits Lancaster

09 June 2025
The King in Lancaster

The Speech from the Throne, delivered by His Majesty The King, to open the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada

Honourable Senators, Members of the House of Commons, It is with a sense of deep pride and pleasure that my wife and I join you here today, as we witness Canadians coming...

27 May 2025

A message from The King following the terrible incident in Liverpool

I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need.

27 May 2025

Remarks by His Majesty The King at the Presentation of Union Standards to The Household Cavalry, Windsor Castle

Even while you perpetually produce the highest standards of ceremonial magnificence, you remain at the same time a most impressive array of soldiers whose core role, and most...

12 May 2025

A speech delivered by The King on the 80th Anniversary of VE Day

We unite to celebrate and remember with an unwavering and heartfelt gratitude, the service and sacrifice of the wartime generation who made that hard-fought victory possible.

08 May 2025

A message from The King in recognition of community-based cancer support groups

The darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.

30 April 2025
News

Royal Maundy 2025

17 April 2025
The King and Queen at the Maundy Service in Durham

A message from The King to mark Easter

There are three virtues that the world still needs — faith, hope and love. “And the greatest of these is love”.

17 April 2025

The King’s speech at the State Banquet at the Quirinale Palace, Italy

It is also moving to think that my great, great grandfather, King Edward VII, and my great-grandfather, King George V, both spoke at State Banquets in this very Palace over a...

09 April 2025

The King delivers an address to the Italian Parliament

It has been one of the pleasures of my life to come to know this irresistible country, and from Turin to Palermo, Verona to Naples, Florence to Trieste, I have learned a...

09 April 2025

The King's message to the regional media industry in the UK

Your reporting, and the work of all those who support you, helps amplify and reaffirm the rights and responsibilities we all share.

27 March 2025
News

Commonwealth Day 2025

10 March 2025
Commonwealth flags

A speech delivered by The King during a visit to HMS Prince of Wales whilst at sea

I can only say that I take immense pride in you - the men and women who bring this vessel to life with such indomitable spirit - for your vital service on behalf of us all.

04 March 2025

The King's Commonwealth Day Message 2025

The Commonwealth’s ability to bring together people from all over the world has stood the test of time and remains as ever-important today.

09 March 2025
News

The King visits Staffordshire

24 February 2025
The King visits Tower Brewery
Press release 07 February 2025

The King and Queen will visit the Holy See and Italy

Read more