Calls for a space ‘highway code’ to prevent accidents and reduce space junk
by Katherine Fidler
Space junk is an increasing issue in low orbit (artist’s impression, not to scale) (Picture: PA)
Aerospace companies and experts are calling on governments around the world to adopt a ‘highway code’ to help tackle the increasing problem of space junk.
It is estimated there are more than 36,000 objects in space larger than 10cm, and 130million between 1mm and 1cm. All are moving at speeds of more than 10,000km an hour, which pose a risk to the safety of both crew in space and other satellites.
The Space Safety Coalition (SSC) has unveiled a landmark publication detailing what it regards best practice for all space operators as the number of launches and spacecraft increases exponentially.
These include prioritising sustainable practices during satellite launches – such as reusable launch vehicles – developing propulsion systems that prevent gases being released into the atmosphere and a ‘highway code’-style guidebook for manoeuvring spacecraft to avoid collisions.