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

Apr 08, 2026
U.S. Space Force helped to make sure Artemis II's trajectory was clear using one of its newest space domain awareness systems—the Advanced Tracking and Launch Analysis System, or ATLAS.
Apr 08, 2026
Artemis II astronauts test spacesuits and manual piloting as Orion prepares for splashdown, advancing human deep-space travel capabilities.
Apr 08, 2026
Two European space startups are teaming up to build a new orbital platform capable of deploying, coordinating and hosting autonomous interceptor spacecraft.
Apr 07, 2026
The U.S. Space Force is set to double its R&D funding, with a focus on missile warning satellites, classified programs and advanced space technologies.
Apr 07, 2026
Administrator Jared Isaacman spoke to NASA's future on his visit to Wichita on April 6, where he toured local suppliers contributing to the space program.
Apr 07, 2026
The Artemis II astronauts wrapped up 7 hr. of lunar observations, including studies of far-side surface features never before seen by humans.
Apr 06, 2026
The Artemis II astronauts will swing around the Moon on April 6, gazing upon lunar far-side surface features never before seen by human eyes.
Apr 03, 2026
The four Artemis II crewmembers continued their outbound journey from Earth to the Moon on April 3, 99,900 mi. from Earth and 161,750 mi. from their lunar destination.