space debris
LeoLabs declares Costa Rica Space Radar operational
LeoLabs’ announced April 22 that two S-band radars in Costa Rica have started tracking objects in low Earth orbit and delivering data to customers.
French startup demonstrates iodine propulsion in potential boost for space debris mitigation efforts
French startup ThrustMe has performed the first on-orbit tests of an innovative iodine-fueled electric propulsion system, proving its ability to change a CubeSat’s orbit.
ESA Clean Space tackles space junk one component at a time
The European Space Agency’s Clean Space initiative is assisting in the development of satellite components that are designed for demise, an approach to satellite development that advocates for the safe disposal of spacecraft by destructive atmospheric reentry.
Op-ed | Protecting our assets from space debris
On Nov. 2, the United States and its International Space Station partner nations celebrated 20 years of humans continuously living and working in outer space. Much has changed in the space environment over the past two decades, but one thing is cl…
Aerospace Corp. raises questions about pollutants produced during satellite and rocket reentry
As the combined mass of satellites in orbit climbs, research is needed to better understand the environmental impact of the portions of satellites and their launch vehicles that eventually reenter Earth’s atmosphere.
Taking out the trash: One man’s mission to tidy up the space environment
SpaceNews contributor Leonard David discussed space debris and other issues with Moriba Jah, associate professor at The University of Texas at Austin, a specialist on space situational awareness, space traffic monitoring, and the hazard of orbital debris.
Space debris a frequent topic at Satellite Innovation 2020
Tracking and avoiding the growing debris field in low Earth orbit was clearly on the minds of speakers on the first day of the Satellite Innovation 2020 conference.
Op-ed | Social distancing, self-isolation, and … space debris?
In addition to better preparing us for the next pandemic, or teaching us how to prevent it altogether, reflection also reveals lessons we can apply to other issues we face as a collective society, writes Mike Lindsay.
Bridenstine criticizes China for uncontrolled rocket reentry
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine criticized China May 15 for the “really dangerous” reentry of a large rocket stage earlier in the week that led to debris landing in Africa.
LeoLabs unveils automated Collision Avoidance service
Silicon Valley space mapping startup LeoLabs unveiled a service May 13 to help commercial and government satellite operators avoid collisions with debris and other satellites in low Earth orbit.
FCC punts controversial space debris rules for extra study
The Federal Communications Commission on April 23 voted to require more safety disclosures from satellite operators seeking licenses and U.S. market access, but stopped short of introducing stricter orbital debris criteria.
FCC urged to delay vote on new space debris regulations
The leaders of the House Science Committee are asking the Federal Communications Commission to delay an April 23 vote to introduce stricter space debris regulations opposed by the satellite industry.
Op-ed | The FCC’s space safety order: we all need to mitigate collision risk
What a tragic irony if continued access to space is lost as a consequence of lower launch and spacecraft costs. The U.S. is the global space leader and has more to lose than any other nation from diminished access. That’s why the FCC on April 23 is about to adopt new space safety rules for non-geosynchronous orbit (NGSO) satellites that minimize that possibility. The Commission should be applauded for their thorough work and conclusions.
Op-ed | How the INTELSAT model would make active debris removal commercially feasible
There are major legal, political and financial challenges that hinder the conduct of active debris removal (ADR) activities.
Swiss startup ClearSpace wins ESA contract to deorbit Vega rocket debris
The mission, dubbed ClearSpace-1, is slated to launch in 2025 to capture and deorbit a 100-kilogram Vespa payload adapter an Arianespace Vega left in orbit after deploying ESA’s Proba-V remote-sensing satellite.
