Airbus Buys First Batch of Astroscale Satellite Removal Docking Plates
The purchase marks the first large-scale order for Astroscale, which has flown two test missions demoing close-proximity operations and rendezvous and docking tech in LEO.
Debris
Stories about the problems posed by trash in orbit, and initiatives from both governments and industry to clean it up.
Climate Change Could Keep Trash in Orbit Longer, Study Finds
An increase in planet-warming greenhouse gas levels is having an unintended effect in LEO—extending how long space debris hangs around in orbit. While these gases trapped in Earth’s atmosphere are warming the planet, they’re cooling LEO, which reduces drag on satellites and debris objects, according to a study released this week. This delay in deorbiting […]
Op-ed: As Satellite Collision Risks Increase, Ephemeris Sharing is Vital
As the number of satellites in LEO continues to grow exponentially, when it comes to a satellite’s location, sharing is caring.
Kayhan Space Beefs Up its Space Traffic Coordination Tool
The company hopes the new tool will make it easier for satellite operators to run their missions and coordinate collision avoidance maneuvers with their neighbors.
Kall Morris Inc. Shares Details of ISS Demo
Kall Morris Inc., a Michigan-based debris removal startup, became the first US entity to capture an uncontrolled object in space during a demo mission to the ISS.
Op-Ed: NATO Must Prioritize Tracking, Info Sharing in Orbit
Real-time space domain awareness (SDA) is critical to NATO for more than just avoiding collisions and promoting safe operations.
Kall Morris Inc. Begins ISS Residency
The system will prove out technology that could eventually grab objects on orbit, allowing KMI to move debris out of congested orbital lanes or relocate satellites that don’t have enough juice to move themselves.
SDA Awards $1.9M for Deorbit Studies
Six companies will complete the studies this year to explore redundant, cost-effective contingency options for the SDA’s future satellite disposal needs.
Momentum Builds for Global Space Sustainability Policy
The European Space Policy Institute analyzed 15 different instruments that have been created since the turn of the millennium to demonstrate momentum growing in the international space sustainability movement.
NASA, Starfish Partner on SSPICY Debris Inspection
NASA is kickin’ it up a notch on a SSPICY mission to check out a defunct sat in LEO. Starfish Space will work on the program—formally known as the Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability mission—under a Phase III SBIR contract from the space agency worth $15M over three years, NASA announced on Wednesday. A […]
Satellite Break-up Experiment to Help ESA Learn How Satellites Die
The Destructive Re-entry Assessment Container Object mission, or DRACO, will be the first demo of a fully controlled break-up during its return to Earth.
BlackSky Expands Non-Earth Imaging Capabilities with HEO Deal
Intel collected by non-Earth imaging (NEI) provides greater space domain awareness for defense and commercial assets on orbit.