The dramatic increase in the number of satellites in orbit has increased the amount of space debris, posing a serious threat to the capabilities of America’s national space system.
In a keynote address at the Space Policy, Science, and Technology Symposium hosted by the Purdue Institute for Policy Studies, Maj. Gen. Chris Povak, deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), warned of the continued risks from space debris construction.
“The future is not just complicated, it’s going to get more complex. There’s going to be more satellites, there’s going to be more debris, there’s going to be more competition,” he said.
“Managing these challenges simultaneously remains a top priority for this community to ensure we continue to fulfill our mission to the American people.”
Some space debris is so small that it cannot be tracked.
As space has become increasingly crowded over the past two decades, there are hundreds of thousands of objects in orbit, including objects less than 10 centimeters in diameter, which are too small to be tracked reliably and potentially damage or even destroy satellites, Povak explained.
According to the U.S. Space Force, more than 80 countries operate satellites in space, a number that has doubled over the past two decades, made possible by access to advanced technology, more efficient commercial production methods, and significantly lower launch costs.
The number of satellites in orbit has increased tenfold over the past decade, from about 1,400 in orbit in 2016 to more than 14,000 today. Tens of thousands of satellites are expected to be in orbit over the next few years.
Over 48,000 trackable objects in orbit
According to a report from the U.S. Space Force Combat Command, there are currently about 48,000 trackable objects, which means debris larger than 10 centimeters in low Earth orbit and more than 1 meter in geostationary orbit, home to our nation’s most strategically important spacecraft.
Compounding the challenge is the rise in “debris-producing events.”
For example, a 2007 Chinese anti-satellite test produced more than 3,000 pieces of traceable debris. A Russian anti-satellite test in 2021 produced 1,500 traceable pieces of debris.
Commitment to responsible and safe space operations
Given the magnitude of the problem, space debris detection and avoidance is a key area of focus for the NRO.
“Our commitment to responsible space operations is the foundation of our mission assurance and our role as stewards of the space environment,” Povak said.
NRO works with commercial partners to enhance satellite construction, enhance autonomy and maneuverability, and innovate the end-of-life process for spacecraft.
How is NRO supporting this effort?
NRO also applies a decades-long legacy of innovation to enhance the nation’s space domain awareness and debris detection.
The company partnered with the Space Force to develop SILENTBARKER, a multi-spacecraft in geostationary orbit that provides “neighborhood watch” capabilities. We are also developing a testbed for quantum magnetometer sensors to support space debris detection and precise navigation. This allows assets to assess risks and avoid collisions with space debris.
The organization also participates in the national and international dialogue on space sustainability and complies with orbital debris mitigation standards established by the Department of the Army, the National Security Council, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and NASA to ensure the safety of all systems from launch to operation to final disposal.
Povak concluded, “The challenges of space congestion are not going away anytime soon, but while this community is working to develop more effective solutions for the future, there are steps spacefaring nations and organizations can take today to mitigate the growing threat and domain.”
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