The rapid expansion of satellite constellations, such as SpaceX's Starlink and OneWeb, has led to a significant increase in the number of objects in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This surge has heightened the risk of collisions and the creation of additional debris, posing challenges to the sustainability of space operations. To address these concerns, the University of Cologne and the German Space Agency (DLR) have developed the "Cologne Manual on Space Traffic Management." This comprehensive framework aims to establish guidelines for orbital traffic flow, emphasizing the need for international collaboration and adherence to existing space treaties. By integrating legal, scientific, and practical perspectives, the manual seeks to minimize collision risks and promote a sustainable space environment. orbitaltoday.com
In addition to regulatory measures, technological advancements are playing a crucial role in managing orbital traffic. The Aerospace Corporation has been instrumental in developing tools for analyzing potential collisions, studying reentry breakups, and modeling debris objects in space. Their Center for Orbital and Reentry Debris Studies (CORDS) focuses on space debris, collision avoidance, and reentry breakup, providing a single point of contact for organizations seeking to leverage Aerospace's extensive experience in these areas. aerospace.org Furthermore, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Aeronautics and Astronautics Department is researching slotting techniques for large LEO constellations. By designing sets of orbits that inherently avoid close approaches between active satellites, these efforts aim to ensure both orbital safety and efficient use of shared orbital space. aeroastro.mit.edu