• Posted on October 13, 2023
• Deepanshu saini

MAN133 International Business Issues and Practice Assignment Sample 2023

1.0 Introduction

Environmental risk analysis is the fundamental practice to protect the ecosystem and human health from contaminants and pollution. In this report, the organization SpaceX has been selected to analyze its impact on environmental risk analysis. The organization has a huge impact on the different aspects of the environment including soil, air, water, noise and climatic pollution. This may damage the ecological balance also harmful for the human being. The report mainly focuses on the environmental factor and the cumulative impact of the organization SpaceX. The main aim of the report is to analyze different individual strategies to overcome environmental issues and forecast a suitable recommendation.

2.0 Company overview

Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SpaceX) founded in 2002 is a technology and space transportation organization situated in Hawthorne, CA. The organization currently operates the falcon family vehicle launch which includes Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy in Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), Kennedy Space Center (KSC), and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS). All of the falcon vehicles can carry experimental payloads, satellites, and SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft (Dragon). SpaceX is now proposed to launch the Super Heavy booster and Starship and also the current Falcon vehicle from KSC at LC-39A. The organization has been focused on the environmental assessment to improve its risk management strategy and plan to adopt the scheme in its business policies (spacex.com, 2020).

3.0 Environmental risks

 

 

Environmental risks are generated from the extensive pollutants and hazardous propellants exhausted from the rockets. Although spacecraft has a very less significant effect on ozone depletion, the environmental risks regarding pollution and human safety cannot be overstated. Over the years, SpaceX has collaborated with NASA to combine their research findings and data analysis to recognize the main environmental risk factors. The environmental risks go beyond the boundaries of earth into the pristine world of outer space. The debris that consists of used-up batteries jettisoned components, and human refuse make up a large fraction of the debris. This orbits around the space and may potentially damage the sensitive equipment in the satellites. Thus, enjoying the cosmic activities in space and beyond the borders comes with a share of responsibilities too.

 

SpaceX is a missile in aeronautics and space research, sharing the assessment of the environmental risks and developing mitigation strategies for it. According to Foreman, Siddiqi and De Weck (2017) risk assessment methodology is created to assess the risks in the environment due to accidents and launch failure. The spills occurred during an accident and launch failure greatly affects the environment, especially if there is radioactive material involved in the process. Within the boundary of earth, the major environmental factors that are subjected to risk during rocket launch is described below.

3.1 Land use

 

The land in the vicinity in and around the space shuttle is subjected to risk and heavy damage. The major risk in this situation is the spread of wildfire in the land and vegetarian area during the launch. Therefore, as per Braun, Sforzo and Campbell (2017) SpaceX has deemed that safety measures and a fire fighting management program are very crucial during a launch. The light emissions that take place during the propulsion of rocket take-off are harmful to the eyes. Therefore, safety measures need to be taken to protect the sudden flash from damaging the eyes. Moreover, the area has to be cleared from human trafficking and public access within a certain radius has to be restricted to ensure safety.

3.2 Noise

 

 

Noise exposure is one of the main risk factors in SpaceX shuttle launch. A normal conversation has a noise register of 65 dB, and it can be observed that above 90 dB sound the humans’ starts to feel uncomfortable. As argued by Vidmar (2019) noise above the range of 125 dB can cause permanent hearing impairment and sustained damage to brain cells. Under prolonged exposure to such loud noise can not only damage the eardrums but also poses a serious threat to life itself.

 

During rocket launches, the noise is so high that even the buildings shake from the pressure waves. On average, the SpaceX rockets generate a noise level of a whopping 140 dB, which is very harmful to human ears (Spacex.com, 2020). Furthermore, the nose can be heard from as long as 1700 miles away, thus the company needs a wide land area devoid of human activities to prepare the rocket launch. In order to maintain safety, the citizens, especially the elderly ones residing within the radius of the noise are advised to cover their ears during the take-off.

3.3 Biological Resources

 

 

Biological resources including the flora and fauna in the vicinity of the Launchpad up to a radius of 800m are affected. The potential risks include scorched vegetation and spread of wildfires, and complete defoliation of the trees within 100m of the radius. The biota within the vicinity of the rocket launch is also affected in which the acidic decomposition from the propulsion and high temperatures pose a great risk. Although long-term effects are not found, yet the temporary damage on the terrestrial biota cannot be overlooked. As mentioned by Profitiliotis and Loizidou (2019) the jettisoned components of the space shuttle falling in the ocean lead to corrosion of soil and water particles occurred due to the expulsion of toxic propellants.

Although it is unlikely that the effects of the propellants damage the marine species for a long period of time, yet the risks involved are taken into consideration while preparing for launch. Proposed action steps must include the survival of the terrestrial flora and fauna within the radius. The disorientation of the marine species, damage from the thermal stress and heat plume, and sonic boom and noise impact on their life are subjected to great risk. Under the direct order of the FAA, SpaceX management has to take an action step to resolve the problems and risks involved with biological resources.

3.4 Cultural resources

 

 

The risks in cultural resources are kept at a bare minimum, as no historic resources can be found within the vicinity of the launch pad. SpaceX has built the Launchpad taking the cultural factor into consideration and according to the National Register of Historic Places, there is no record of cultural damage as of now (Spacex.com, 2020).

3.5 Air quality

 

Air quality is at a risk and is affected during the launch imbuing the exhaust emissions into the atmosphere. In the initial stage of the launch, the exhaust particles are emitted at a few hundred feet above the ground and form a buoyant cloud layer in the atmosphere. The winds disperse these emissions which mainly comprises carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and oxides of nitrogen. As stated by Olivieri and Francesconi (2020) the oxidation products involving carbon monoxide, aluminum oxide, nitrogenous compounds and hydrochloric acid vapors harm the environment greatly. Even though it has been found by the SpaceX research team that the constituent particles will be removed from the atmosphere within a week, the propagated risk is still high.

3.6 Climate and change

 

 

The main climate factors that are affected during the substantial launch of Space shuttles occur mainly in the layers of the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases and Ozone-depleting chemicals are one of the major risk factors harming the climate. A great advantage of SpaceX shuttles is that the rockets use liquid propellants instead of solid propellants which reduce the risk of environmental damage (Spacex.com, 2020). In the Troposphere, exhausting gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogenous compounds are liberated. It can be observed that the deposition of these gases in the atmosphere may result in a global climatic change.

 

In the stratosphere, the main problem is the ozone-depleting chemicals exhausted by the combustion of products. Thus, as stated by Taylor and Newman (2018) the effect of ozone-depleting chemicals needs to be calculated to pose minimum damage to the atmosphere. Greater focus is needed on the study of SRBs that cause more damage to the ozone layer than the other chemicals. Moreover, greenhouse gases exhausted by the rockets with SRBs have high risk in contributing to global warming.

3.7 Hazardous material and waste

 

 

The Hazardous materials and waste from the debris of the jettisoned components provide a threat to the land and water. The pieces falling on the ocean generate spills of toxic chemicals disrupting the marine ecology. In the land, the spills of the chemicals cannot take place for a longer period of time. This is mainly because the pieces that fall on the land are collected and disposed of as hazardous waste. This reduces the risk of contamination of the harmful perchlorate in the soils. However, marine life is not so safe and is exposed to the risk of acidification right after space launches.

3.8 Water resources

 

 

The water resources and the quality of water are degraded by the disposal of water and the prolonged exposure of exhaust chemicals after the launch. As stated by Tinoco (2018) the department of Environment protection plays an active part in containing the percolate chemicals by proper water treatment. Even though a shift in meteorological condition can drift the space shuttle towards the water body resulting in a temporary risk of marine lives. It is not expected to propagate long term adverse effects on water resources. However, the exhaust gases and chemicals from the rocket can get mixed with the cloud and fall as acid rain.

3.9 Geology and soil

 

The exhaust gases during the rocket launch contain aluminum oxide and hydrochloric acid vapors. These have an adverse effect on soil, aluminum oxide gets entangled with the root of plants and causes extensive root injury. As argued by Malik et al. (2018) the contamination of aluminum oxide on soils affects the water and ion uptake of the plants. The soil becomes highly acidic due to deposition of HCL and affects the plant growth. Therefore, a team needs to be prepared to survey the area within a radius of 100m and reduce the potential risks of soil contamination.

3.10 Transportation

 

 

Transportation within the radius of the launch is limited and access to the area must come from valid permission from the company agency. SpaceX is directly responsible to control and monitor the transportation of vehicles in and out of the launch vicinity. So, if there is any damage to transportation, the risk of damage falls upon the company itself.

3.11 Utilities

 

 

Utilities like electricity, drinking water and natural resources are under risk during the launch operation. As cited by Reddy (2018) the solid waste generated by the rockets has adverse effects on the environment. There is a risk of power cut in the area of launch due to the high power requirement of the space shuttle to launch.

3.12 Health and safety

 

 

Health and safety measures are the primary risk factor during the launching operation of a space shuttle. Due to the loud impact and noise from the launch the people who are not medically fit to withstand it are not permitted within a specific radius. The risk of public health and safety lies with the company therefore; people are informed beforehand to either shift the elderly people or take active precaution measures.

3.13 Socioeconomics

 

 

A single launch does not pose a greater risk in the socioeconomic segment of the country. The country demographics, population and employment are not at serious risk with respect to a rocket launch. It is rather observed that rocket launch has a positive impact on the employability and economic section of the country. Moreover, as argued by Trujillo (2017) management of the risk factors that primarily damage the environment reduces any kind of socio-economic damage.

3.14 Environmental justice and children’s safety

 

 

The launch of the SpaceX rocket does not pose any significant risk to income and minority populations. However, precaution actions need to be taken to shift the minority section living in slums around the vicinity of the launch to another location. This is essential so that the sonic boom and the environmental damage does not cause harm to the lives of these people. The company also takes steps to ensure that people with children within the radius of impact are notified beforehand so that they can take steps to protect their child.

3.15 Department of Transportation Section 4(f)

 

 

Section 4(f) by the order of FAA includes that the damage caused by the launch is directly reflective of the company and the management needs to take measures for its precaution and mitigation. SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk abides by the principle to notify about the visual and noise impact that will take place during the launch (Spacex.com, 2020). All the people in the area are protected under section 4(f) when the company is taking the proposed action plan.

4.0   Cumulative Impact

4.1 Land use

The land used the designation of LC-39A and this is not changing with the Super Heavy or Starship launches because this is already a vertical launch. The land use strategy has been maintained by KSC center and they plan to develop proper landing activities of the rockets or satellites. As per the report of the environmental assessment, the organization has not influenced the burn management activities at the time of landing. In the opinion of Kishi (2017) with the correspondence of the coastal zone management, there is no negative impact of land use on organizational performance.

4.2 Noise

The main source of noise is the different operational activities performed by the organization SpaceX. As commented by Yusoff et al. (2019) the activities include processing of spacecraft, use of heavy equipment, launch operations, test fires which have a huge impact on the environment. But the organization SpaceX maintained a proper schedule to launch their vehicles and the aircraft operations are also infrequent hence, this does not have a huge impact on the reputation of the organization. The organization has maintained a proper strategic approach to maintain the ratio of noise in the environment.

4.3 Biological Resources

The biological resources have a huge impact on the operational activities of the organization SpaceX. The wildlife and the natural vegetation have been disturbed with the 440m range of generating the heat during launches. As per the views of Villa et al. (2016) during the nighttime operation, the marine turtles are being disoriented and the noise from the launches could damage the overall wildlife day by day. Hence, the organization may face several issues to protect the biological life of the environment. In the competitive business market, the organization has maintained the business ethics and environmental assessment rules to protect the living objects in the environment (spacex.com, 2020).

4.4 Cultural resources

As the statement of NASA, the organization SpaceX has maintained the safety and security in their work culture before the occurrence of any mission. In the opinion of Eastwood et al. (2017), this can influence the organization in maintaining the proper cultural format to enhance their growth and productivity.

4.5 Air quality

A huge amount of carbon emission by the rockets is the main cause of environmental risk which has a huge impact on the growth and performance of the organization SpaceX. Most of the rocket of SpaceX consists of 440 tons of jet fuel which releases carbon dioxide in the air and degrades the air quality. As argued by Zuma et al. (2019) in this respect, the organization has focused on an environmental sustainability program to enhance its performance which causes less harm to the society.

4.6 Climate and change

The changes in air quality, biological resources have a huge impact on the climatic change of the nation. The emission of carbon causes greenhouse effects which make the world warmer in the upcoming times. In the opinion of Borkovskaya et al. (2018), the climate is changing day today due to the adverse effect of the satellites and rocket launches. The organization SpaceX needs to adopt several strategic movements to minimize the environmental impact of society.

4.7 Hazardous material and waste

The hazardous waste and material from the rocket and satellites are very dangerous to society as it hampers the ecosystem and the growth of the society. Safeguards are being associated with the rockets to protect the harmful gases from an emission in nature. In the views of Vazdani et al. (2017) toxic elements are very dangerous and cause several diseases for human beings. Hence, the organization SpaceX needs to implement the safety protocol which causes a less harmful impact on society.

 4.8 Water resources

A storm water management system is the main resource of water for the organization SpaceX. As mentioned by Gilioli et al. (2017) there is a need for heavy water for launching the rockets and satellites, hence, the organization SpaceX is mainly dependent on the storm water rather than other sources of water. This helps the organization to enhance organizational performance and productivity.

4.9 Geology and soil

The evaporation of the toxic gases has no impact on the geology but the disturbance in the land use may cause the erosion of soil. In the opinion of Bellou et al. (2016), soil erosion may affect the plantation of trees and cause pollution. There is a need to focus on the geological balance and the construction of soils that can empower the environment as well as the organization with various resources.     

4.10 Transportation

The space transportation needs proper upstage propulsion and orbit transfer which help to propagate the satellite vehicles in the space. This causes a less amount of environmental risk, hence, the impact on the organization is very less compared to the other activities (spacex.com, 2020).

 4.11 Utilities

The utilities for launching the vehicles in space require electric, proper communication, natural gas, potable water, and solid waste. The sources of potable water are very limited as it affects the future operation of rocket launching in the organization. As argued by Liu et al. (2018) moreover, the commitment of natural resources and energy helps to integrate the performance of the satellite vehicles. This also improves the organizational strength and overall annual revenues.

4.12 Health and safety

At the time of mitigating the objective of the launching mission of satellites and rockets, the organization SpaceX has maintained the safety protocol of NASA like wearing safety helmet safeguards during the operating activities. As commented by Patriarca et al. (2017) this helps the organization to maintain environmental sustainability also the safety measure protocol of the individual contractor or employees of the organization. The safety sheet has been prepared by NASA to test the fire and determine the launching operation of the rockets.

4.13 Socioeconomics

The Falcon vehicle launch of the organization enhances the chances of employment for the deserving candidates and enhances the economic as well as social growth of the country. On the other hand, the new technologies implementation by the organization helps to attract competent and professional employees for better growth.

4.14 Environmental justice and children’s safety

As per the report of the SpaceX organization, the operation activities have no impact on environmental justice and the health and safety of the individual children of our nation (spacex.com, 2020).         

4.15 Department of Transportation Section

The launching of rockets mainly impacts the noise and visual effects of the individuals at the time of launching the rockets or satellites. The space transportation system has not been hugely affected by the launching operation of the space jet.

5.0 Implication of strategies

5.1 Strategies to secure market share

The following strategy can be helpful to the organization to reduce the environmental risk and secure their market share in the upcoming days:

• Stay Relevant Through Innovation: The organization SpaceX is needed to maintain innovation in their business activities to secure the environment from hazardous effects. The organization is planning to launch more than 12,000 satellites in the next seven years for the Star link Internet purpose. The company has started to focus on developing the methane-powered raptor engine to burn the harmful greenhouse gases.
• Respond to Customers: The organization SpaceX is a rocket launching industry, hence, there is a need to be responsive to the customers. As commented by Skjærseth and Skodvin (2018) the customers are very concerned about the hazardous effect in the environment, and for this reason, the organization needs to implement the safety protocol for increasing their market share.

 

• The organization has an increasing market share of 65% which will be increased in the upcoming times with adapting the environmental risk assessment protocols.
• Snap-up Competitors: The organization needs to understand the business activities of its competitors for making secure their positioning strategy in the global trading market. The main competitors of SpaceX are Blue Origin, Boeing, Spaceflight, ULA, Ariana group and Bigelow Aerospace. The organization SpaceX has decided to adapt the environment strategy of Blue Origin to propel the reusable rocket with liquid hydrogen. This can help to upgrade the environment and reduce pollution of the environment (spacex.com, 2020).
• Use customer’s ideas: The organization needs to implement the ideas of the individual customers to recover the risk of the environment in the society. The independent concept of the employees and the shareholders help the organization to increase their growth and prosperity in business.
• Need to be more flexible: The business policies and practices of the organization need to be more flexible and scalable for optimizing the performance of the organization SpaceX. On the other hand, more flexibility in business practices would be helpful to minimize environmental risk issues.

5.2 Strategies to maintain a competitive advantage

• Cost Leadership Strategy: The organization SpaceX has maintained the cost-leadership strategy consistently for maintaining the price of the product fixed. It can also be helpful to make necessary moderation so that it can attract the target audience and enhance their market share.

 

• Differentiation Strategy: The branding of the organization towards environmental sustainability acts as the major key factor for maintaining organizational performance. The organization mainly focuses on the safety protocols provided by Nasa to accomplish their marketing strategy (Zuma, Mason and Maharaj, 2019).

 

 

• Innovative Strategy: The use of methane-powered engines and fluid hydrogen is the creativity affiliated by the organization SpaceX. Moreover, the company follows the environmental friendly protocol of Blue Origin vigorously to mitigate environmental challenges.

 

• Operational Effectiveness Strategy: At the time of launching rockets and satellites, the organization SpaceX considers all the operational activities that prevent air and noise pollution. The organization has used the safeguards in the rockets and also recycled the use of rockets for making the environment clean and green (Borkovskaya, Degaev and Burkova, 2018).

 

 

• Technology-Based Competitive Strategy: The use of creative tools and technologies help the organization SpaceX to sustain in the global trading market. Moreover, the organization has focused on using green technology which reduces the hazard in the environment in the upcoming times.

6.0 Recommendations

The following recommendation help to improve the risk of the environment:

• The organization needs to use renewable energy resources that can reduce the emission of carbon dioxide in nature.
• The use of liquid hydrogen can also be helpful to lower the number of toxic elements in the fuel of the satellites or rockets (Villa et al. 2016).
• There is a need to use a safety measure protocol for reducing the noise of the rockets and satellites at the time of operation.

7.0 Conclusion

 

 

The report describes the main environmental impacts and risk factors that are involved during the launch of a space shuttle. By taking the example of SpaceX, the report vividly highlights the key areas of the environment that are affected by space launches. SpaceX is affiliated with NASA for exploring the boundaries of outer space and beyond. However, in rocket launches, the environment suffers massive damage and is exposed to high risks. Fifteen such cumulative environmental impacts can be observed and studied in the report. A combined effort of NASA and SpaceX management team has addressed the various environmental factors that are subjected to damage during a space launch. The report also highlights the main effect on SpaceX Company as a whole as they carry out space research. The risk assessment and mitigation strategies developed by SpaceX to counter the environmental issues are also described in the report.

8.0 References

Journals

BELLOU, V., BELBASIS, L., TZOULAKI, I., EVANGELOU, E. AND IOANNIDIS, J.P., 2016. Environmental risk factors and Parkinson’s disease: an umbrella review of meta-analyses. Parkinsonism & related disorders, 23, pp.1-9.

 

Borkovskaya, V., Degaev, E. and Burkova, I., 2018. Environmental economic model of risk management and costs in the framework of the quality management system. In MATEC Web of Conferences (Vol. 193, p. 05027). EDP Sciences.

 

EASTWOOD, J.P., BIFFIS, E., HAPGOOD, M.A., GREEN, L., BISI, M.M., BENTLEY, R.D., WICKS, R., MCKINNELL, L.A., GIBBS, M. AND BURNETT, C., 2017. The economic impact of space weather: Where do we stand?. Risk Analysis, 37(2), pp.206-218.

 

GILIOLI, G., SCHRADER, G., CARLSSON, N., VAN DONK, E., VAN LEEUWEN, C.H., MARTÍN, P.R., PASQUALI, S., VILÀ, M. AND VOS, S., 2017. Environmental risk assessment for invasive alien species: A case study of apple snails affecting ecosystem services in Europe. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 65, pp.1-11.

 

KISHI, N., 2017. Management analysis for the space industry. Space Policy, 39, pp.1-6.

LIU, R.Z., ZHANG, K., ZHANG, Z.J. AND BORTHWICK, A.G., 2018. Watershed-scale environmental risk assessment of accidental water pollution: the case of Laoguan river, China. Journal of Environmental Informatics, 31(2), pp.87-96.

 

MALIK, M.I., MCATEER, I., HANNAY, P. and BAIG, Z., 2018. Preparing for secure wireless medical environment in 2050: A vision. IEEE Access, 6, pp.25666-25674.

OLIVIERI, L. and FRANCESCONI, A., 2020. Large constellations assessment and optimization in LEO space debris environment. Advances in Space Research, 65(1), pp.351-363.

PATRIARCA, R., DI GRAVIO, G., COSTANTINO, F. AND TRONCI, M., 2017. The Functional Resonance Analysis Method for a systemic risk based environmental auditing in a sinter plant: A semi-quantitative approach. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 63, pp.72-86.

 

PROFITILIOTIS, G. and LOIZIDOU, M., 2019. Planetary protection issues of private endeavours in research, exploration, and human access to space: An environmental economics approach to forward contamination. Advances in Space Research, 63(1), pp.598-605.

REDDY, V.S., 2018. The spacex effect. New Space, 6(2), pp.125-134.

SKJÆRSETH, J.B. AND SKODVIN, T., 2018. Climate change and the oil industry: Common problem, varying strategies. Manchester University Press.

TAYLOR, A.R. and NEWMAN, C.J., 2018. Law, Ethics, and Space: Space Exploration and Environmental Values. Etyka, 56, pp.51-74.

TINOCO, J.K., 2018. Public-private partnerships in transportation: lessons learned for the new space era. World Review of Intermodal Transportation Research, 7(1), p.1.

TRUJILLO, J., 2017. The Thinking of SpaceX/Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Existentia, 17, pp.231-61.

VAZDANI, S., SABZGHABAEI, G., DASHTI, S., CHERAGHI, M., ALIZADEH, R. AND HEMMATI, A., 2017. FMEA techniques used in environmental risk assessment. Environment & Ecosystem Science (EES), 1(2), pp.16-18.

VIDMAR, M., 2019. On the practices of risk re-normalisation:’Knowing’the known unknowns in public discourse on outer space exploration. Teorija in Praksa, 56(3).

VILLA, V., PALTRINIERI, N., KHAN, F. AND COZZANI, V., 2016. Towards dynamic risk analysis: A review of the risk assessment approach and its limitations in the chemical process industry. Safety science, 89, pp.77-93.

 

YUSOFF, H., DARUS, F., ZAIN, M.M., SAWANI, Y. AND JANGGU, T., 2019. ENVIRONMENTAL RISK DISCLOSURE PRACTICE IN MALAYSIA: AN EMPHASIS ON PLANTATION INDUSTRY. Management and Accounting Review (MAR), 18(1), pp.117-138.

 

ZUMA, K.P., MASON, R.B. AND MAHARAJ, M., 2019. Awareness of the Space Industry as a career opportunity in South Africa. International Journal of Sociotechnology and Knowledge Development (IJSKD), 11(1), pp.29-51.

Case studies

BRAUN, R.D., SFORZO, B. and CAMPBELL, C., 2017. Advancing Supersonic Retropropulsion Using Mars-Relevant Flight Data: An Overview. In AIAA SPACE and Astronautics Forum and Exposition (p. 5292).

FOREMAN, V.L., SIDDIQI, A. and DE WECK, O., 2017. Large satellite constellation orbital debris impacts: Case studies of oneweb and spacex proposals. In AIAA SPACE and Astronautics Forum and Exposition (p. 5200).

Website                                    

Spacex.com, 2020. Returning Human Spacelight to the United States [Viewed 8^th May 2020]. Available from: https://www.spacex.com.

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