Space Debris & Traffic Management News

Space Intel Report

NASA says satellite battery-passivation practices are inconsistent and insufficient to prevent orbital debris

A NASA workshop with satellite manufacturers and operators found that commercial practices for passivating spacecraft batteries—intended to prevent explosions after mission end—often fall short of NASA recommendations. The findings raise concerns as commercial satellite buses become increasingly common across government and civil space programs.

Payload

Artemis Accords principals to discuss lunar debris and emerging space assistance in Turkey

NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson and Peruvian Space Agency director Maj. Gen. Roberto Melgar Sheen will lead the Artemis Accords Principals’ Meeting in Turkey. The discussions will address lunar debris and emerging space assistance, highlighting practical coordination challenges as participating nations expand lunar activity.

Space.com

Astronomers urge UN and ICJ action to curb satellite proliferation and protect the night sky

Astronomers are calling for action through the United Nations and International Court of Justice to address the unchecked growth of satellite constellations in Earth orbit. They warn that proliferating spacecraft could increasingly obscure astronomical observations and alter humanity’s view of the night sky.

SpaceNews.com

Failed private spacecraft re-enters after NASA Swift telescope rescue attempt

A private robotic spacecraft launched in July to raise the orbit of NASA’s aging Swift astrophysics observatory has re-entered Earth’s atmosphere, ending a mission that failed to extend the telescope’s life. Swift is expected to follow with its own re-entry in the coming weeks, while NASA and the company assess the mission’s lessons.

Payload

High activity

Starfish Space completes first full-size Otter servicing vehicle for NASA-backed orbital debut

Starfish Space has completed its first full-scale Otter spacecraft and assigned it to a customer mission, slated for launch on Transporter-18. The Seattle-area company says the vehicle will demonstrate close inspection and docking technologies, marking its transition from scaled technology demonstrations toward operational satellite servicing.

Breaking Defense

Sources: SpaceX given unique access to classified DoD space-tracking data

Commercial space-monitoring firms are concerned that SpaceX’s reported unique access to the Defense Department’s best classified space-tracking data could give the company an advantage in a competitive market. The arrangement, disclosed by sources to Breaking Defense, raises questions about access and competitive neutrality.

Ars Technica

High activity

European report warns orbital collisions could make some orbits unusable

A new report from Europe raises serious concerns about the risk of orbital collisions, warning that operators could eventually lose the ability to use certain orbits. The assessment underscores the importance of managing congestion and collision risks in increasingly contested orbital environments.

SpaceWatch Global

Northrop Grumman advances space-domain awareness prototype as Terma joins MDA Space’s AURORA satellite supply chain

Northrop Grumman is targeting delivery of a space-domain awareness prototype satellite within 24 months, with high-quality imaging and more frequent characterization of geosynchronous-orbit objects. Separately, Terma will provide MDA Space with power and radio-frequency checkout equipment and central checkout systems for AURORA satellite production and testing.