It’s fair to say that over the course of the year, both space debris and Space Situational Awareness (SSA) have gained significant attention within the space community and also to an extent, the wider general public.
This growing focus on SSA is driven by concerns about the lasting effects of space debris, and the rapid increase in the number of satellites on-orbit, largely as a result of LEO mega-constellations.
There’s also been several high-profile incidents that have attracted considerable media attention this year. In March, a piece of debris from the International Space Station re-entered the atmosphere and didn’t fully burn up as expected but, instead, landed on a home in Florida. Then, in June, a defunct Russian satellite suffered a low-intensity explosion thatresulted in the creation of more than 100 new pieces of debris.
As concerns around space debris grow along with recognition about the importance of improving SSA, it is particularly significant that the Space Data Association (SDA) has this year been granted Permanent Observer Status at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS). This status enables the SDA to engage directly with UN COPUOS by attending meetings, addressing the Committee and providing insights to help shape international guidelines for safe and sustainable space operations.
Key Industry
Developments
There have been a number of noteworthy developments this year that aim to address the growing problem of space debris, as well improve space flight safety.
In the U.S., the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aims to complete new orbital debris regulations by 2025, focusing on responsible disposal of upper stages on-orbit. By setting standards on re-entry or placement in graveyard orbits, these guidelines address a critical need for debris reduction and safer space operations.
In a groundbreaking mission to inspect space debris, NASA awarded a $15 million contract to Starfish Space for a mission that will inspect inactive satellites and space debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This groundbreaking project, known as SSPICY (Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability), will employ Starfish’s Otter spacecraft to evaluate critical space debris. With a launch planned for 2026, SSPICY marks a vital step toward reducing orbital debris.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce, rolled out the initial capabilities of its Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) to provide basic SSA awareness data and services to civil and private space operators.
For the first time, this system is providing a beta group of satellite operators with essential safety alerts and space situational awareness data. By supplying conjunction data and other alerts, TraCSS will enhance space traffic management, providing a safer and more coordinated space environment for participating satellite operators.
The Management and Sustainability of Outer Space Activities Conference occurred in May, co-organized by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Portuguese Space Agency, resulting in the Lisbon Declaration on Outer Space, which highlights the need for multilateral efforts for the peaceful, safe, and sustainable use of outer space.
Also worth noting was the recent successful launch and catch of SpaceX’s Super Heavy Booster which marks a huge step forward for space sustainability, demonstrating the possibilities of reusability and greater efficiency in space missions.
Overcoming Barriers
to Effective SSA
The increasing number of objects on-orbit brings into sharp focus the necessity of effective SSA and Space Traffic Management (STM) systems.
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Space Environment Report 2024 certainly makes a compelling case for prioritizing space sustainability and improving SSA systems. With the increasing frequency of collision avoidance maneuvers, the report shows that current mitigation measures, though improving, are insufficient for long-term sustainability. The findings highlight that without accelerated action, the collective practices of space-faring organizations, whether private and public, risk an unsustainable future.
Operators need accurate, timely data for effective SSA, however, achieving effective SSA across all spacefaring entities is not without its challenges. The lack of centralized, internationally accepted SSA regulations means that data sharing can often be limited because of political concerns, commercial sensitivities, and security issues.
Many operators are understandably reluctant to share detailed operational data for fear of potential misuse or breaches of confidentiality. Sensitive information about satellite fleets can be valuable to competitors or political adversaries and, if mismanaged, could impact an operator’s reputation and even regulatory standing.
Regulatory concerns further complicate data sharing because satellite operators must balance the benefits of transparency for safety with the risks of liability under international treaties, like the Outer Space Treaty and the Liability Convention, especially regarding potential negligence disclosures.
Operators use different models and algorithms to predict satellite trajectories, sometimes yielding disparate results. This lack of standardization complicates satellite manoeuvre planning and coordination.
To address these challenges, many organizations have either developed proprietary SSA systems or chosen to collaborate through controlled data-sharing arrangements, with the SDA serving as a prime example of such a collaborative effort.
Data (Sharing) is
the Key to Space
Sustainability
The long-term sustainability of the space environment is dependent on effective data sharing. Sharing information on satellite locations, planned manoeuvres, and orbital events is essential to avoid space hazards and prevent collisions that could exacerbate the debris problem. However, as mentioned, operators face challenges around data sharing and commercial sensitivities. Balancing these risks with the clear benefits of data sharing is critical to protecting space assets and maintaining safe space operations.
To support data sharing among satellite operators, the SDA provides a secure, structured framework for collaboration through a well-established and respected data-sharing system.
Through COMSPOC, it operates a service to share contact details, pool operational data, perform conjunction assessments, and generate collision warnings. SDA members are bound by a legal agreement based on Isle of Man law, to contribute accurate and timely flight safety data, which is used exclusively for permitted purposes like spaceflight safety and conjunction assessment. Unauthorized data use is strictly prohibited, with financial liability for any breaches.
Through secure data sharing and dispute resolution mechanisms, it addresses potential conflicts and establishes a trusted collaborative environment for operators, governments, and stakeholders alike.
The SDA’s structure has proven effective in managing data-sharing risks, with no cases of data misuse reported to date. It’s structure fosters confidence, ensuring data sharing is both secure and beneficial, without compromising operators’ interests or exposing them to undue risk.
Enabling Long-term
Sustainability Goals
The SDA plays a key role in supporting long-term sustainability of the space environment by fostering a more cohesive and collaborative approach to space safety.
It was reassuring to hear Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the UNOOSA, voice support earlier this year for the SDA’s efforts to improve space safety. She emphasized UNOOSA’s and COPUOS’s shared commitment to these efforts, stating her intent to actively engage with the SDA to inspire member states toward timely and impactful decision-making on space safety issues.
The SDA has now been in operation for 15 years and has earned its place as a trusted third party. It understands the operational and commercial concerns that arise in a crowded space environment, and is ideally positioned to facilitate data sharing across the industry, and help define the next generation of Space Traffic Management systems and capabilities.
While there’s undoubtedly still a long road ahead, industry and government agency efforts seen this year have laid a solid foundation for a safer, more sustainable space environment. It’s vital that we build on this foundation and keep the momentum going.
www.space-data.org/sda/