Space Debris & Traffic Management News

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.

SpaceWatch Global

High activity

Riyadh space conference highlights satellite identification, cyber threats and GEO interference

Day three of the Riyadh gathering covered satellite identification, cybersecurity threats in space, live interference in geostationary orbit and progress at the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. The recap also assessed the three days’ implications ahead of the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference.

SpaceNews.com

High activity

UK awards ClearSpace $80 million contract for 2029 mission to de-orbit two defunct satellites

The UK Space Agency selected the British unit of Luxembourg-headquartered ClearSpace as prime contractor for a mission to remove two defunct small satellites from orbit. Announced Oct. 15, the 2029 mission advances a government-backed effort to demonstrate active debris removal.

SpaceWatch Global

High activity

Riyadh space-policy talks weigh direct-to-device timelines, 2 GHz MSS deadline and WRC-27 countdown

Day two of the Riyadh discussions covered direct-to-device satellite timelines, Europe’s 2 GHz mobile-satellite-services deadline, the costs of orbital debris and preparations for WRC-27. Regulators stressed that allocating spectrum does not itself authorize its use, underscoring the distinction between international frequency decisions and national licensing.

SpaceWatch Global

High activity

Riyadh space forum highlights Europe’s challenges on IRIS², direct-to-device links, spectrum and space security

Day-one discussions in Riyadh offered five lessons for Europe, drawing on perspectives from France’s ANFR, the UK’s Ofcom, Ookla, the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs and Foradori. The issues included the IRIS² satellite program, direct-to-device connectivity, spectrum negotiations ahead of the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference and space security.

SpaceWatch Global

High activity

IAC 2026 spotlights orbital debris, lunar infrastructure and competing space networks

At the 77th International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, agencies and companies addressed low Earth orbit congestion and debris removal, cislunar interoperability, and lunar communications and transport. ESA also presented a study on developing a reusable two-stage heavy-lift launcher, while U.S. and Chinese space networks were in focus.

Space.com

Soviet satellite breaks apart in orbit again, renewing debris concerns

A Soviet satellite has broken apart in orbit for a second time, after a previous breakup in March 2004. The latest event adds to concerns about orbital debris, though the available reports provide no details on the amount of debris or potential effects on other spacecraft.

Ars Technica

High activity

SpaceX calls for better orbital coordination after Starlink near-misses

SpaceX says recent close approaches involving Starlink satellites produced predicted miss distances ranging from tens to hundreds of meters, prompting the company to call for better coordination in orbit. The warning underscores the operational risks posed by increasingly crowded orbital traffic.