The February 2025 issue of ESSI's Orbitwise newsletter – a round-up of general space sustainability news – has been published
19 February 2025
The February 2025 issue of ESSI's Orbitwise newsletter – a round-up of general space sustainability news from around the world – has been published. It features news of a strategic partnership between Ghana and India, a significant space debris breakthrough by Astroscale, UAE proposing the establishment of an expert group on Space Situational Awareness, updated IADC Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines, and a new UN report about 'Leveraging Space Technology for Agricultural Development and Food Security'.
Ghana and India form strategic partnership for technical growth
The Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) and India’s SatCom Industry Association (SIA-India) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which aims to promote the growth and sustainability of mutually beneficial space-based technologies. This partnership focuses on satellite co-development, building programs for Ghanaian space professionals, and establishing ground stations and space application tools. Read more
Space debris crashes into Kenyan village
In December 2024, members of the Kenyan village Mukuku were startled by a large, hot metal object falling from the sky. The object is said to weigh more than 500 kilograms and has a diameter of approximately 2.5 metres.
The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) undertook a preliminary assessment and determined that the object was “a separation ring” from a rocket. The Acting Director General of KSA, Brigadier Hillary Kipkosgey, said: “The ultimate responsibility for any damage or injury caused by that space object is on the state in whose jurisdiction that operator may have launched the object. [The ring] is a common item in many rockets and many space objects so it is difficult to attribute it to a specific rocket or space object but we have leads but as I said our investigations are not conclusive.”
ASIA
Astroscale Japan selected for in-space refuelling project
Astroscale Japan has been selected to develop in-space refuelling technologies pursuant to the “Refuelling Technology Contributing to Satellite Life Extension” initiative under Japan’s Cabinet Office’s “Key and Advanced Technology R&D through Cross Community Collaboration Program” (K Program). The project, promoted by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), will span five years with a maximum total budget of ¥12 billion (approximately £63.3 million).
Astroscale’s ADRAS-J achieves 15 metre approach to space debris
ADRAS-J (Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan) achieved another successful milestone in December 2024. The debris inspection demonstration satellite came within approximately 15 metres of a rocket upper stage. This is “the closest approach ever achieved by a commercial company to space debris through Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO).”
The satellite maintained this position until the onboard collision avoidance system triggered an autonomous abort, the cause of which is being investigated by Astroscale Japan. During the mission, ADRAS-J completed all Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)-required observations, which have provided critical data for the ADRAS-J2 mission. See the Astroscale article of more information
China launches Shijian-25 satellite with sustainability focus
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) confirmed the successful launch of a Long March 3B rocket on 6 January 2025. CASC confirmed the payload was the Shijian-25, which was developed and manufactured by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST). SAST said the Shijan-25 will be used for “satellite fuel replenishment and life extension service technology verification.”
Pale Blue announces agreement with D-Orbit
Pale Blue, a Japanese start-up, has created the Pale Blue 1U+ Water Ion Thruster. The thruster is designed to allow small satellites to move, dodge space debris, and de-orbit at the end of their mission. Pale Blue has partnered with D-Orbit to conduct two demonstrations of the thruster this year.
United Arab Emirates proposes establishment of Space Situational Awareness expert group
In light of recent discussions from October’s UNOOSA UN Space Bridge (USB) dialogue in New York, which ESSI’s Director Joanne Wheeler attended, and December’s Abu Dhabi Space Debate, the United Arab Emirates has proposed the establishment of an expert group on Space Situational Awareness. The group’s purpose is to facilitate “discussions to improve information sharing and the development of best practices within the Scientific and Technical Sub-Committee (STSC) of COPUOS, the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.” Read the full paper outlining the mandate, terms of reference, and methods of work for the proposed group
AUSTRALASIA
Space Centre Australia signs the Washington Compact
Space Centre Australia (SCA) has joined more than 100 stakeholders in signing the Washington Compact, created in July 2022 by the Hague Institute for Global Justice. The Compact is a voluntary agreement outlining sustainable practices for space exploration, including international collaboration and preservation of space heritage.
“As a key player in the Asia-Pacific region, we are committed to leading by example in ensuring space remains a sustainable environment for future generations,” commented SCA CEO, James Palmer.
EUROPE
Sustainability focus at Space Industry Professional Day in Budapest
On 5 February 2025, Hungary’s Ministry for National Economy and the European Space Agency (ESA) co-hosted a Space Industry Professional Day, under ESA’s Space Safety Programme Committee. Over 150 attendees, consisting of industry professionals, government officials, and researchers, gathered to discuss space sustainability, with a focus on space debris.
Deputy State Secretary for Technology, Szabolcs Szolnoki, highlighted the strategic need to strengthen Hungary’s presence in the global space economy. The nation has clear intentions to position itself as a proactive player in the industry.
During the event, the Deputy State Secretary, with Óbuda University Rector Levente Kovács, and HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network President Balázs Gulyás, signed ESA’s Statement for a Responsible Space Sector.
Zero debris technical “to-do list” released
The Zero Debris community, formed of the signatories of the Zero Debris Charter and facilitated by ESA, collaborated to create the Zero Debris Technical Booklet. The non-binding document identifies technologies and solutions that will contribute to the goal of Zero Debris by 2030.
The report recognises six key goals that are essential to achieving the Zero Debris target as follows.
- Prevent the release of new debris.
- Guarantee timely and successful clearance after the End of Mission.
- Prevent debris generation through break-ups or collisions.
- Improve space traffic surveillance and coordination.
- Prevent casualties on the ground as a result of re-entries.
- Understand and mitigate adverse consequences of space objects and debris.
The Zero Debris Technical Booklet will be periodically updated to reflect changing possibilities and challenges.
INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS
IADC Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines receives updates
The IADC Steering Group and Working Group 4 recently released a revised edition of the IADC Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines. This version includes: a new section about large constellations, focusing on the physical separation of constellations and individual spacecraft orbits; in-orbit commissioning and re-entry risk; LEO disposal success rates; and recommendations for tracking small space objects.
Researchers suggest new space-focused Sustainable Development Goal
A group of researchers, from organisations including the University of Plymouth and NASA JPL, has proposed a new UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to use Earth’s orbit sustainably and prevent the build-up of space debris. Read more about the study in the journal One Earth
UN researches the use of space technologies for sustainable agriculture
The Land and Water Division (NSL) at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the UN and UNOOSA produced the Leveraging Space Technology for Agricultural Development and Food Security report. It aims to inform stakeholders in the space domain about ways to advance the global food security agenda. The document discusses the space technology value chain for agriculture, challenges and opportunities for space-related capabilities in this domain, and the future outlook and innovation in space technology for agriculture.
UNITED KINGDOM
DSIT funds a “Regulatory Sandbox project”
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has provided £690,000 to Astroscale, D-Orbit and ClearSpace for a Regulatory Sandbox project to test innovative Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) missions. The project aims to help regulators better understand these technologies and their implications, which will inform the regulation for space activities.
In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM), categories of RPO missions, are of particular interest, as the UKspace In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing Priorities paper estimates that the UK could capture 25% (worth £2.7 billion) of the ISAM global market by 2031.
UK becomes a member of the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN)
On 29 January 2025, the UK Space Agency (UKSA) announced its membership of the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN). IAWN, facilitated by the UN, houses a community dedicated to the discovery of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) and Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHA). Discoveries are submitted to the NASA-funded Minor Planet Centre (MPC) to determine whether a newly discovered asteroid is a threat to our planet.
The UKSA will make use of its global network of optical telescopes, coordinated by the UK National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) to conduct follow-up observations on asteroids with potential to impact the Earth.
UKSA blog promotes the Space Trash Signs initiative
A December UKSA blog highlighted the Space Trash Signs initiative, which aims to increase public understanding of the impact of space debris through a visualisation of “trash sign” constellations based on real data. The initiative is supported by several organisations including Astroscale and ESA.
UNITED STATES
KMI demonstrates REACCH on ISS
In November 2024, Kall Morris Inc (KMI) launched REACCH, a multi-armed, articulated robotic device designed to capture and release space objects, to the International Space Station (ISS). REACCH is capable of non-destructively securing and releasing a wide variety of space objects, enabling application in debris removal missions. In December, the ISS Instagram page shared a video of a successful demo.
NASA’s “Planetary Defenders” documentary at the Sundance Film Festival
NASA attended the Sundance Film Festival with its upcoming documentary ‘Planetary Defenders’. The film explores the question: how would humanity respond if we discovered an asteroid heading for Earth? It follows a team of real-life astronomers and scientists tracking and monitoring near-Earth asteroids. A NASA article describing the documentary says viewers will “witness the drama, the challenges and the triumphs of those on the front lines of planetary defense.” Planetary Defenders will be released on NASA+ and other streaming platforms in Spring 2025. Find out more
Redwire secures Space Force contract
The United States Space Force (USSF) has provided Redwire with a contract to deliver a Mako satellite to support Tetra-6, a USSF Space Systems Command (SSC) mission. Tetra-6 is a follow-on mission to Tetra-5, for which Redwire is delivering 2 Mako spacecraft. The Mako spacecraft is intended to be the first satellite in geosynchronous orbit (GEO) to demonstrate compatibility with in-space refuelling technologies.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Space News is hosting a webinar titled “The State of Orbital Traffic Management” on 19 February at 1PM EST. Register here
- The 10th National Space Policy Secretariat Symposium on Ensuring the Safe and Sustainable Use of Outer Space will occur on 25 February 2025 at the Akasaka Intercity Conference Centre in Tokyo and online via YouTube streaming.
- The Farnborough International Space Show will take place 19-20 March 2025 in Farnborough, UK. Sustainability in space is one of the 6 key themes of the event. Register for a free ticket.
- The 40th Space Symposium is scheduled for 7-10 April 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA.