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 01, 2026
PLD Space has signed an agreement with the French space agency CNES that could see its proposed Miura 9 rocket fly from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
Oct 01, 2026
The UAE is completing tests on its locally built probe that will launch in 2028 with the aim to land on asteroid 269 Justitia in 2034.
Oct 01, 2026
For years, space has been a key enabler for NATO members. Now the alliance wants to make sure it becomes a supported—not supporting—operational area.
Sep 29, 2026
The European Space Agency has awarded Airbus- and OHB-led teams studies for a potential European low-Earth-orbit station after the International Space Station retires.
Sep 28, 2026
Northrop Grumman delivers 21 satellites to Vandenberg SFB for SDA’s low Earth orbit constellation, with launches planned in the coming weeks.
Sep 28, 2026
SpaceX capped a decade of development with the first orbital flight of its planned reusable deep-space transport.
Sep 28, 2026
Spacecraft reentry is depositing metal particles in the stratosphere, potentially threatening Earth's protective ozone layer, a 2023 NOAA study found.
Sep 27, 2026
The FAA has issued SpaceX the license for the orbital debut of the Starship-Super Heavy launch system.