Space Data Association’s Post

European Space Agency (ESA) published its Annual #Space Environment Report. The report is full of data + graphics and here are 3 takeaways: 1️⃣ More #satellites were launched in 2023 than in any year before. 2️⃣ Active satellites must perform an increasing number of #collision avoidance manoeuvres to dodge out of the way of other satellites and fragments of space #debris. 3️⃣ The adoption of space debris mitigation measures is slowly improving, but it is still not enough to stop the increase of the amount of space debris. See: https://lnkd.in/d3SJuMz4

Discover our Number of Encounters Assessment Tool (NEAT), a cutting-edge tool designed to assess the long-term encounter rate between any and all pairs of satellites. 🛰️ Newly updated to include an increase in space population, NEAT offers sophisticated assessments of potential collisions in space, allowing users to adjust key parameters such as constellation size, orbit altitude, and inclination. Ideal for satellite operators, it provides critical insights into space traffic dynamics, helping to ensure safe satellite maneuvers. Test out COMSPOC’s NEAT and learn how you can safeguard your #space assets: https://lnkd.in/dJaf5uRH

A Chinese Long March 6A rocket broke apart in low-Earth orbit, creating a debris cloud with at least 700 fragments, US Space Command confirmed. The rocket, launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center to deploy 18 G60 satellites for the Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology group, shattered at 503 miles above Earth. This poses significant risks to other low-Earth orbit constellations. The debris could remain for years, escalating collision risks, especially with satellites not in polar orbit. This incident marks the second major breakup of a Long March 6A rocket, highlighting the growing issue of space debris as more countries ramp up space launches. Experts emphasize the need for robust space debris mitigation to ensure the safety and sustainability of the space environment.

The following key projects reflect the DoD’s strategic focus on space as a critical warfighting domain: Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Satellites, National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3, and Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Constellations. Discover how each of these programs have contributed to the US maintaining an edge in global security in our latest blog: https://hubs.ly/Q02YBtz_0

🚀 Space Milestone Achieved: 10,000+ Active Satellites Now Orbiting Earth! 🛰️🌍 Look Up Space has announced a historic moment in space exploration: we've surpassed 10,000 active satellites in orbit! 🎉 As of June 19, 2024, there are 10,019 active satellites, with Starlink dominating the skies at 6,646 satellites. Key insights: 1. 9,254 satellites are in low-Earth orbits (400-1,200 km) 2. ~3,200 rocket stages and 13,326 debris pieces also orbit Earth 3. Estimated 1 million+ unaccounted debris pieces (1cm+) in space 4. The space congestion raises critical safety concerns: 5. 1,000 daily collision risks (>1 in 1 million probability) 6. 50-100 daily high-risk collisions (>1 in 100,000 probability) Look Up Space is committed to making space safe and sustainable through: "Worldwide radar network for object detection and tracking" Real-time debris mapping for satellite operators and governments Join us in discussing the future of space sustainability and safety! 🌠🛡️ https://lnkd.in/gyfjAM9G #SpaceMilestone #SatelliteCongestion #SpaceSafety #LookUpSpace #SpaceSustainability #SpaceDebris Look Up Space

🛰️ Addressing Space Debris: Urgent Action Needed 🌌 With 9,494 active satellites orbiting Earth and over 5,442 from Starlink alone, alongside nearly 900 satellites having disintegrated in the atmosphere and close to 58 inoperative satellites acting as space junk, the threat of space debris is more pressing than ever. To safeguard our space endeavors, we must focus on responsible satellite disposal, active debris removal, and international collaboration. Let's ensure the sustainability and safety of space exploration for generations to come. 🚀✨ #SpaceDebris #SatelliteSafety #SpaceExploration

Satellite Evolution magazine interviewed Space Flight Laboratory’s (SFL) Director, Dr. Robert E. Zee, for its July issue. Among the many topics covered are the organization’s Microspace approach to developing smaller satellites, a look at some of the barrier-breaking missions SFL has completed, and a preview of upcoming missions. The article, entitled “Building Smaller Satellites That Work the First Time” details SFL’s position as a global provider of quality, reliable and cost-effective smaller satellites. https://lnkd.in/gzBjw5uW

The coronal mass ejection on 22nd March have been causing a G4 geomagnetic storm in earth magnetic field, it should have calmed down by now. No damage to satellites has been reported so far. https://lnkd.in/gbKBa4Pu As predicted, we are starting this year with high level of solar activity, the most affected satellite population should be MEO, not so much on LEO constellations(starlink). We are lucky to have numerous solar acitivity probe in space, forecast is valuable because they can help operators position/condition their satellites to avoid damage to critical parts(like attitude control momentum wheels). Space weather is a principal branch of Space Situational Awareness（SSA）that is recently the focus of many space agencies around the world https://lnkd.in/grUpynEE

More than 50 new Space Debris were generated by China’s launch of 18 G60 satellites on August 6th for its Thousand Sails mega constellation. So we can expect how many debris will be generated after launch more than thousand satellites in the coming two years!

As Earth orbit becomes more crowded with constellations of thousands of satellites, CubeSats, SmallSats, defunct satellites and space debris, Space Situational Awareness (SSA) becomes a critical factor in making sure all those expensive satellites can accomplish their missions...https://lnkd.in/grzhqkNi