Scientists from the University of Manchester have created a new kind of system. Their latest technology is designed to keep satellites from colliding — an increasingly urgent task as Earth’s orbits grow more crowded. This pioneering research aims to address the “space sustainability paradox.” It uncovers how employing space capabilities to address pressing environmental and social issues could inadvertently undermine the sustainability of space activities in the long-term.
Earth-observation satellites are an indispensable tool in the global community’s efforts to achieve the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Together, these satellites equip decision-makers with critical information on a wide range of topics, from land use and urban growth to ecosystems and disaster response. As the demand for data from these popular satellites grows, so does the risk of collision in the crowded orbits that the majority of LEOS operate.
Scientists from the University of Manchester have created a novel approach. This modelling framework provides a bridge from mission performance requirements through to acceptable levels of collision risk. Mission performance requirements include things like how many satellites they need, and at what altitudes they operate. The system combines these elements to improve satellite coordination. It makes it less likely for them to collide and helps combat space debris.
John Mackintosh, the study’s lead author, is a PhD researcher at The University of Manchester. He stressed the importance to address the challenges of space sustainability today. He stated,
“Our research addresses what is described as a ‘space sustainability paradox’, the risk that using satellites to solve environmental and social challenges on Earth could ultimately undermine the long-term sustainability of space itself.”
What’s new Satellite technology, like all tech, is developing and advancing at an incredibly rapid pace. It’s important to keep these tools as effective as possible without compromising the safety of all space operations. The new modeling framework directly contributes to making sure Earth-observation satellites perform optimally. This bolsters vital international sustainability initiatives.
The potential impact of this research goes far beyond crash prevention. The tool developed by the University of Manchester is making significant strides toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities. This strengthens the case for including essential data from Earth-observation satellites in the open data. This data is critical for tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges like climate change, rapid urbanization and natural disasters.