Operations & Safety

Space operations have accelerated to unprecedented levels as commercial service providers ramp up their business plans. Ensuring space operations safety is paramount for the long-term viability and sustainability of space activities. Space situational awareness plays a critical role in maintaining physical safety by tracking and avoiding potential collisions between spacecraft, orbital debris, and other objects in Earth's orbit. Effective space traffic management systems are essential for collision avoidance during launch and on-orbit operations. Space weather monitoring is another crucial aspect of space safety, as solar flares and geomagnetic storms can disrupt communications and pose risks to both spacecraft and astronauts. Implementing robust space debris mitigation strategies, such as deorbiting defunct satellites and rocket bodies, helps preserve the space environment for future generations. Ultimately, adhering to space safety standards and space sustainability practices is vital for ensuring the responsible and long-term utilization of the space domain.

News & Analysis

Oct 15, 2024
India now expects the first crewed flight of its Gaganyaan spacecraft to launch in 2026, following a trio of uncrewed flight tests slated to begin next year.
Oct 15, 2024
The European Space Agency (ESA) plans to deploy critical navigation and communications architecture to support future Moon missions.
Oct 14, 2024
NASA mission managers are continuing to monitor the Florida weather conditions and plan to make another forecast assessment by Oct. 14 at midday.
Oct 14, 2024
ESA and space tug startup D-Orbit are planning a demonstration and ensuing commercial mission for satellite life extension in geostationary orbit.
Oct 12, 2024
The earliest time for a splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean side of the Florida Peninsula is on Oct. 14 at approximately 3:38 pm. EDT.
Oct 10, 2024
The Orbital Test Vehicle will conduct a series of passes that use the drag of the Earth’s atmosphere to allow it to change orbit while limiting its fuel use.
Oct 10, 2024
The UK is expanding its military space effort with an agreement to work with Canada on an on-orbit space surveillance mission.
Oct 10, 2024
Arianespace says the VV25 mission will see Vega-C loft the Sentinel-1C satellite, the sixth in the European Copernicus Earth observation program.