SUSTAINABILITYOF.SPACE: Space Activity Benchmark Framework - Indexing Methodology

This record sets out the indexing methodology behind the Space Activity Benchmark Framework (Draft Version 0.3, 14 November 2026). SustainabilityOf.Space, a trading name of Callala Ltd, uses the framework to assess publicly available disclosures from organisations active in and around the space sector. The assessments inform the Space Index and the Space Leaderboard.

The framework assesses the sustainability of space activities, rather than of the organisation as a whole. In its current working form, it follows the physical lifecycle of space systems through seven lifecycle stages, called Partner Categories:

• design and manufacture
• testing and pre-launch
• launch and ascent
• in-orbit operations
• space traffic and orbital conduct
• end-of-life and disposal
• future circularity and life extension

These stages contain a combined 24 benchmark categories. Each benchmark category is tagged with primary and secondary attributes drawn from the S4SR concepts: Safety, Security, Sustainability, and Survivability & Resilience. The attributes act as cross-cutting metadata rather than as the primary hierarchy. This keeps the structure anchored in physical reality and stable as policy terminology evolves.

The framework is designed to complement broader reporting regimes such as the ISSB standards and ESRS, not to replace them. It focuses on issues that are specific to space or disproportionately material to space activities. Each benchmark category is assessed through three questioning layers:

• Awareness, Recognition and Prevention
• Implementation, Protection and Process
• Integration, Stewardship, Intentionality and Recovery

Binary or nominal disclosure questions support AI-assisted assessment. Each category then receives a five-level benchmark position (Excellent, Good, OK, Weak, Poor), designed to be derived from human assessment of publicly disclosed evidence alone. A taxonomy-first process decides in advance which categories apply to each organisation. 

The framework is intended to mature from disclosure (Phase 1), through benchmarking (Phase 2, the current target), to quantified measurement (Phase 3).

This is a working draft published to provide a stable, citable reference. It has not been peer-reviewed. When citing specific partner and/or benchmark categories, please use the version-specific DOI and the category code (for example, BC5.2).