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

Mar 04, 2025
NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams spoke favorably about their greatly extended mission.
Mar 03, 2025
Russia's Progress MS-30 capsule docked to the Russian segment of the ISS on Mar. 1, delivering hardware, scientific research, food, supplies and more.
Mar 02, 2025
A spacecraft owned and operated by Firefly Aerospace touched down on the Moon early March 2 to begin a two-week science mission for NASA.
Feb 28, 2025
Sierra Space says Merck is its first commercial rideshare partner for the inaugural flight of the Dream Chaser spaceplane on a NASA mission later this year.
Feb 28, 2025
Russia's MS-30 Progress resupply mission is on course for a March 1 docking with the ISS for delivery of a 2.8-ton cargo load.
Feb 27, 2025
JAXA is still investigating the cause of the failed Epsilon S engine test in November 2024.
Feb 27, 2025
Flight controllers at Houston-based Intuitive Machines were able to establish communications with their Nova-C lunar lander following its Feb. 26 launch.
Feb 27, 2025
The service is investing billions to revamp its launch infrastructure as the demand for rides to space continues to balloon.