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 21, 2026
20 Twenties winner Jocelino Rodrigues helped open NASA’s mARC II plasma wind tunnel to SpaceX and Blue Origin, developed a draft ASTM standard and mentors future engineers.
Oct 16, 2026
As the 15-country International Space Station prepares to mark 26 years of continuous occupancy, its latest returnees offered perspective about life onboard.
Oct 16, 2026
Amid transportation uncertainties, NASA offers to remain travel broker for aspiring space station operators.
Oct 15, 2026
The Army creates a permanent Space Operations Branch, expanding its role in space integration and interdiction as satellite-reliant warfare grows.
Oct 15, 2026
A SpaceX Cargo Dragon docks at the ISS delivering more than 6,300 lb. of supplies, research and the final two rollout solar arrays for upcoming spacewalks.
Oct 15, 2026
Rocket Lab has formally acknowledged its Neutron medium-lift rocket will not fly until next year, citing first-stage propellant tank manufacturing problems.
Oct 14, 2026
SpaceX proposes up to 435 annual Starship-Super Heavy launches from Texas in a draft environmental review released by the FAA on Oct. 14.
Oct 13, 2026
The U.S. Army recently stress-tested the use of Amazon’s nascent proliferated communications network to provide high-speed connectivity to soldiers in the field.