orbital debris
Orbital debris mitigation guidelines still useful, if complied with
A long-standing guideline for deorbiting satellites within 25 years, criticized by many in the space industry for being too long, is still effective for reducing the growth of orbital debris so long as satellite operators abide by it, according to an orbital debris expert.
U.S. government updates orbital debris mitigation guidelines
The federal government issued updated guidelines Dec. 9 to mitigate the creation of orbital debris, but many in the space safety community were disappointed with the limited scope of the changes.
Decommissioned Earth science satellite to remain in orbit for centuries
A U.S.-European satellite that completed its mission earlier this month has been decommissioned but will remain in orbit for as long as 1,000 years, far beyond existing orbital debris mitigation guidelines.
Clusters, not constellations, pose biggest orbital debris risk
Despite the ongoing debate about the orbital debris risks posed by proposed satellite megaconstellations, one expert believes that an even greater risk comes from clusters of objects already in orbit.
Incentives and requirements may be needed to enhance space sustainability
With satellite operators doing a poor job complying with guidelines to deorbit their satellites, incentives or even regulation may be inevitable to address concerns about orbital debris and satellite collisions.
OneWeb founder Wyler calls for responsible smallsat operations
The founder of broadband megaconstellation company OneWeb urged the smallsat industry to operate responsibly in orbit, warning that failed satellites and collisions could result in stifling government regulation.
TriSept, Millennium, Tethers Unlimited and Rocket Lab to demonstrate de-orbit technology
TriSept Corp., a launch integration and mission management company based in Chantilly, Virginia, announced work Aug. 5 with Rocket Lab and Millennium Space Systems on Dragracer, a mission to demonstrate a way to de-orbit satellites at the conclusion of their missions.
Consortium to develop “space sustainability” rating system
The World Economic Forum has selected a consortium of companies, universities and agencies to develop a system to rate the sustainability of space systems, one that its backers hope will encourage good behavior in space.
FCC to seek comment on revised orbital debris guidelines
The FCC will vote this week to considerproposed changes to orbital debris guidelines that could alter deployment plans for some satellite constellations and shorten the orbital lifetime for experimental satellites.
ISS leak highlights concerns about orbital debris and station operations
As the crew of the International Space Station worked Aug. 30 to fix, at least temporarily, a minor air leak, the incident illustrated the growing orbital debris risk to the outpost and strains in American and Russian approaches to ISS operations.
Virgin Orbit aims to offer responsive launch and constellation maintenance services
Virgin Orbit plans to offer customers a variety of services including responsive launch, maintenance of large satellite constellations and potentially debris removal.
ESA to investigate links between debris removal and satellite servicing
The European Space Agency is revising its e.Deorbit program to look for synergies between the mission and satellite servicing vehicles.
UN committee approves space sustainability guidelines
A United Nations committee reached agreement last week on nine guidelines intended to reduce the risk of collisions in space and other harmful space activities.
Op-ed | Do we care about orbital debris at all?
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has promised to integrate better economic analysis across the commission’s work. Orbital debris would be a fine place to start, and the sooner the better.
Astroscale to partner with SSTL on orbital debris removal mission
Astroscale, a company developing technologies for removing orbital debris, announced Nov. 21 it has awarded a contract to Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) to develop one part of an upcoming demonstration mission.
International partnerships to address orbital debris in absence of broader accord
International cooperation in dealing with the growing problem or orbital debris is essential, a panel of experts argued, but said not to expect a comprehensive accord on the issue for the foreseeable future.
