PL – Payload, PF – Payload Fragmentation Debris, PD – Payload Debris, PM – Payload Mission Related Object, RB – Rocket Body, RF – Rocket Fragmentation Debris, RD – Rocket Debris, RM – Rocket Mission Related Object, UI – Unidentified.
More than 8000 tons of space objects
At least 3000 defunct satellites in orbit
Approx. 11500 Starlink satellites planned
The Need for Sophisticated Space Traffic Management Capabilities
Space is recognised by the UK Government as critical national infrastructure. Continued access to that critical infrastructure requires the development of much more sophisticated space traffic management capabilities than currently exist, and this development will itself require international collaboration across policy, technology and science on a massive scale.
The need to develop a broad community across science, industry and government has never been more critical, and with the development of UK launch capabilities this STFC funded network will provide a very timely catalyst supporting the Government’s desire for “responsible launch” whilst ensuring long term sustainability of space.