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 07, 2024
A powerful hurricane expected to cross the Florida peninsula mid-week is delaying launch of NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft.
Oct 04, 2024
The Vulcan Centaur rocket's only post-launch issue was a "variant observation" in one of the first stage's two solid rocket boosters, ULA says.
Oct 04, 2024
Sweden’s armed forces can begin developing space capabilities after the country’s government allocated SEK1 billion ($100 million) to the plans.
Oct 04, 2024
U.S. Space Command pushes for a faster pace to field maneuverable spacecraft to counter on-orbit threats.
Oct 03, 2024
Sierra Space will study a scaled-up version of its Ghost logistics supply spacecraft concept.
Oct 01, 2024
The Starliner astronauts have completed configuration of the SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon spacecraft now docked to the International Space Station.
Oct 01, 2024
As part of the first phase of its rollout, the Traffic Coordination System for Space is sending alerts to nine satellite operators.
Sep 30, 2024
Cert-2, slated to launch between 6-9 a.m. EDT Oct. 4, follows Vulcan’s Jan. 8 inaugural Cert-1 flight.