Abstract:
This work addresses seeks to raise awareness and facilitate capacity-building efforts related to the implementation of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) Long-Term Sustainability (LTS) Guidelines, with a focus on Section II.B concerning the safety of space operations. It reviews the ten safety-oriented LTS guidelines, including orbital data accuracy, conjunction assessment, debris monitoring, space weather information sharing, re-entry risk mitigation, and laser safety. The presentation situates these guidelines within the broader “fabric” of space governance, spanning aspirational commercial best practices, international standards, national regulations, guidelines, and treaties. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of the Space Safety Coalition (SSC) as a voluntary, industry-led mechanism for translating LTS principles into practical, implementable best practices. The work describes the SSC Best Practices for the Sustainability of Space Operations, including updates in Version 2.0 that expand guidance on collision avoidance, data sharing, post-mission disposal, maneuver transparency, and cybersecurity. It demonstrates how SSC best practices align with and support the majority of the UN LTS guidelines. The presentation concludes that sustained awareness-raising, education, and collaborative capacity building—especially through voluntary industry initiatives—are essential to improving spaceflight safety and advancing the long-term sustainability of space operations.
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Oltrogge, D.L., “Awareness-raising and capacity building related to implementation of LTS Guidelines, §II.B: Safety of Space Operations,” UNOOSA Event 2, Safety of Space Operations Multistakeholder Virtual Event, 23 May 2023.
