Space Debris & Traffic Management News

Universe Today

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European space programs pair ambitious constellation plans with servicing deals and a Space Rider test setback

Europe’s €15.6 billion Iris2 constellation depends on shared public-private delivery, while ESA’s Space Rider prototype failed to deploy its parachute in a drop test. In parallel, ClearSpace won the UK’s first national active-debris-removal mission and agreed to work with Eutelsat on GEO life extension; Aerospacelab and KAI signed an MoU for South Korea’s K-LEO constellation.

SpaceNews.com

Sinxbot raises tens of millions of dollars to develop satellite-servicing robots

Chinese startup Sinxbot has raised tens of millions of dollars from investors including Alibaba and China Mobile to develop robotic arms for on-orbit satellite refueling and deorbit services. The funding brings major Chinese technology and telecom investors into a venture targeting emerging in-space servicing capabilities.

Space.com

Researchers propose $200,000 refundable satellite bond to incentivize orbital cleanup

A proposed refundable deposit, paid before launch, would give satellite operators a financial incentive to remove spacecraft from orbit at the end of their missions. Researchers argue the scheme could curb growing space debris and reduce the risk of reaching an orbital tipping point.

Ars Technica

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Debris from Chinese Zhuque-2E rocket found in Minnesota farmer’s cornfield

Evidence points to debris found in a Minnesota cornfield coming from a Chinese Zhuque-2E rocket that deorbited over the state. The recovery connects a reentering launch vehicle to material reaching the ground, though the available reporting provides no further details on the debris or its impact.

Ars Technica

A Chinese rocket deorbited over Minnesota and left this in a farmer's cornfield

SpaceNews.com

Northrop Grumman touts space-surveillance experience as Space Force opens in-orbit monitoring to new competitors

Northrop Grumman is emphasizing its longstanding role in military space surveillance as the U.S. Space Force opens the in-orbit surveillance market to newer companies. The shift introduces competition in a mission area where established defense contractors bring experience, while new entrants seek a share of emerging government demand.

SpaceWatch Global

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UK Space Agency asks public to name 2029 mission to remove two defunct satellites

The UK Space Agency has opened a public competition to name its planned 2029 active debris-removal mission. The spacecraft is intended to capture two defunct satellites in orbit, making the mission a practical demonstration of efforts to remove debris from Earth orbit.

Space Intel Report

China urges RF beacons on every LEO satellite to reduce collision risk

China’s representative to the ITU Space Sustainability Forum proposed equipping every low Earth orbit satellite with radio-frequency identification beacons, likening the approach to aviation’s ADS-B and maritime AIS. He argued that universal beacons would be the most effective measure against orbital crowding and collision risk, even more so than sharing ephemeris data among satellite operators.