Space Debris & Traffic Management News

Space.com • Mike Wall

Chinese-launched spacecraft came within ~200 m of Starlink‑6079 at 560 km, SpaceX says

SpaceX says a Chinese‑launched spacecraft passed within about 200 metres of its Starlink‑6079 satellite at roughly 560 km altitude after an apparent lack of coordination, prompting SpaceX to call for improved operator deconfliction while the Chinese launch provider CAS Space investigates.

2025-12-12T21:14:12.257374-08:00

Space.com

Megaconstellations could permanently contaminate space‑telescope observations by late 2030s, scientists warn

2025-12-12T03:06:45.877546-08:00

Space.com

Shenzhou‑21 crew conducts eight‑hour EVA to inspect debris‑damaged Shenzhou‑20; vehicle judged unfit for reentry

2025-12-09T11:05:35.834228-08:00

SpaceNews.com

China conducts four orbital launches in 96 hours, accelerating LEO megaconstellation and reconnaissance build‑out

2025-12-09T03:09:16.359761-08:00

Space Debris & Traffic Management News Timeline

Space.com

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Chinese-launched spacecraft came within ~200 m of Starlink‑6079 at 560 km, SpaceX says SpaceX says a Chinese‑launched spacecraft passed within about 200 metres of its Starlink‑6079 satellite at roughly 560 km altitude after an apparent lack of coordination, prompting SpaceX to call for improved operator deconfliction while the Chinese launch provider CAS Space investigates.

2025-12-12T21:14:12.257374-08:00

Chinese-launched spacecraft came within ~200 m of Starlink‑6079 at 560 km, SpaceX says

Space Intel Report

Planet pushes thousands‑satellite ‘orbital data centers’ vision as it courts Google’s Suncatcher Planet Labs PBC, the geospatial satellite fleet operator, is advancing a plan for thousands of satellites to operate as in‑orbit data centers while courting Google’s 'Suncatcher' project. Speaking in La Plata, Maryland, Planet framed the proposal as a way to expand on‑orbit processing capabilities while seeking to strike a balance.

2025-12-12T06:42:43.710539-08:00

Planet pushes thousands‑satellite ‘orbital data centers’ vision as it courts Google’s Suncatcher

Space.com

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Megaconstellations could permanently contaminate space‑telescope observations by late 2030s, scientists warn Scientists warn that the growth of large satellite constellations could permanently obscure observations from space telescopes by the late 2030s, raising urgent questions about how many future observatories will be affected as planned constellations are launched. They say optical interference from the satellites may contaminate images and limit scientific returns.

2025-12-12T03:06:45.877546-08:00

Megaconstellations could permanently contaminate space‑telescope observations by late 2030s, scientists warn

SpaceNews.com

China launches 16th batch of Guowang LEO satellites; Long March 12A landing attempt set China launched the 16th batch of Guowang low‑Earth‑orbit broadband satellites Dec. 11–12, with the payloads reported entering their planned orbits, while Beijing prepares a Long March 12A flight that will attempt a first‑stage landing as part of operational testing.

2025-12-12T00:30:06.764899-08:00

China launches 16th batch of Guowang LEO satellites; Long March 12A landing attempt set

spectator.sme.sk

Slovakia aims to make ESA’s space vision reality and help clear orbital debris Slovakia is positioning itself to help implement the European Space Agency’s strategic vision and could become a significant contributor to programmes for clearing debris from Earth orbit. The announcement highlights an emerging role for smaller European states in operational and policy work on orbital sustainability.

2025-12-11T23:42:15.505364-08:00

Slovakia aims to make ESA’s space vision reality and help clear orbital debris

Universe Today

GMV algorithm uses 'light fingerprints' from ground telescopes to map orbital debris motion Researchers at GMV have developed an algorithm that uses 'light fingerprints' captured by ground-based telescopes to infer the motion and dynamics of orbital debris before active removal missions approach. The technique aims to reduce the risk of deorbiters accidentally fragmenting targets and worsening collision hazards in crowded LEO.

2025-12-11T04:32:36.198374-08:00

GMV algorithm uses 'light fingerprints' from ground telescopes to map orbital debris motion

SpaceWatch Global

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Russia’s 2021 ASAT Test Created ~1,500 Trackable Fragments and Forced ISS Shelter — A Warning on Orbital Safety In 2021 a Russian anti‑satellite test destroyed one of its own satellites, producing roughly 1,500 trackable debris fragments. Within hours, crew aboard the International Space Station sheltered — a clear demonstration that deliberate on‑orbit attacks create immediate crew‑safety risks and long‑term collision hazards.

2025-12-11T01:24:09.676058-08:00

Russia’s 2021 ASAT Test Created ~1,500 Trackable Fragments and Forced ISS Shelter — A Warning on Orbital Safety

SpaceNews.com

Colliding orbital debris emits radio bursts, opening door to real‑time ‘debris weather’ alerts Researchers report that collisions between orbital debris emit detectable radio bursts, suggesting a new sensing channel that could underpin near‑real‑time "debris weather" alerts to satellite operators and space‑situational awareness networks. The signal could help spot cascading collision events in increasingly congested low Earth orbit.

2025-12-10T09:53:10.501255-08:00

Colliding orbital debris emits radio bursts, opening door to real‑time ‘debris weather’ alerts

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