Abstract:
This work examines the accelerating growth of orbital congestion and collision risk and argues for immediate action to implement effective Space Traffic Management (STM). Using trend data on close approaches in Low Earth Orbit, the presentation demonstrates a sharp increase in conjunction rates driven by rapid growth in satellite deployments and debris populations. A high-level STM framework is introduced that emphasizes on-orbit coordination of activities to enhance safety, stability, and long-term sustainability of space operations. The current status of STM is assessed, highlighting the importance of international coordination, public–private partnerships, and shared responsibility among operators, governments, and industry. The work outlines a set of concrete regulatory and policy recommendations, including improving SSA capabilities, avoiding the creation of new debris, establishing minimum standards of conduct, assigning liability, and clarifying institutional leadership for STM. Additional recommendations stress industry representation, prioritization of safety outcomes over incentives, and leading by example through adoption of best practices. The study concludes that without coordinated and timely action, rising congestion and debris will significantly degrade the safety and sustainability of space operations, whereas collaborative STM can mitigate these risks and preserve access to orbit.
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Mallick, S., “Space traffic management: Let’s act, now!, Space Education and Strategic Applications Conference 2022
