Space Traffic and Trash: Policy Experts Work Toward a Sustainable Final Frontier
by Catherine Barzler, Georgia Institute of Technology
In 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik. Several months later, the U.S. sent Explorer I into space. With two small objects, the space race began.
According to recent estimates, as of March 2025, there are more than 11,000 satellites orbiting Earth, and this number is projected to reach as high as 60,000 by 2030. This dramatic increase in satellites highlights an urgent need for sustainable policies to manage space traffic and mitigate the associated risks of space debris.
Current State of Space Traffic
Space activities have evolved from geopolitical considerations of the Cold War era to a thriving commercial sector. Mariel Borowitz, an associate professor at the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs and director of the Center for Space Policy and International Relations, emphasized the shift in space activities. "In the Space Age, space activity was overtly geopolitical... the major shift now is the rapid rise of commercial activity and the number of actors in space," she said.
Space traffic is global by its nature, as satellites traverse the skies over different countries. Under the Outer Space Treaty, all nations have the right to access space. However, this increase in traffic also escalates the risk of collisions and the accumulation of space debris.
Understanding Space Debris
Space debris refers to defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions. Thomas González Roberts, a postdoctoral fellow specializing in astrodynamics and space governance, notes, "We define space debris as objects in Earth orbit that are no longer actively being controlled... A satellite that has run out of fuel, for example, becomes a piece of floating garbage."
The growing number of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) exacerbates this problem. LEO, which is the closest orbital regime to Earth, is becoming increasingly congested, leading to potential hazards as operators navigate these regions.
Space Situational Awareness
Space situational awareness (SSA) involves tracking objects in space, predicting their movements, and identifying potential collisions. Currently, the U.S. military operates the most advanced SSA system, providing collision warnings free of charge to spacecraft operators worldwide. However, efforts are underway to transition this mission to the Office of Space Commerce (OSC), which is more suited to handle international and commercial activities.
In 2022, Borowitz testified to Congress about the importance of transitioning to a civilian SSA system. She emphasized the need for improved coordination among all nations utilizing space resources.
Policy Recommendations for a Sustainable Space Environment
Experts believe that better international coordination and the development of effective policies are critical for maintaining a sustainable space environment. Here are some recommended actions:
- International Collaboration: Nations must work together to develop transparent, collaborative policies that promote responsible space operations.
- Post-Mission Disposal: Satellite operators should be required to implement end-of-life disposal strategies to minimize debris generation.
- Regulating New Space Operations: Establishing best practices for the deployment and operation of new satellites will help mitigate the creation of debris.
Simulating Space Traffic Management
Collaborative research efforts between academia and government institutions are crucial for developing effective space traffic management practices. Borowitz, along with her colleague Brian Gunter, is leading a project known as the Georgia Tech Virtual Environment for Space Traffic Analysis (VESTA). This simulation model incorporates real satellite data and allows researchers to test various space traffic rules and their impacts.
| Simulation Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Right of Way Rules | Evaluating whether to implement collision avoidance rules similar to those used in terrestrial transportation. |
| Impact Assessment | Understanding how traffic rules would affect various countries and private companies. |
By simulating these conditions, researchers can generate valuable data on the potential costs and benefits of different governance approaches, ultimately informing international agreements necessary for sustainable space operations.
Conclusion
As the number of satellites continues to grow, the challenge of space debris and traffic management becomes more pressing. Experts argue that implementing comprehensive policies and fostering international collaboration can ensure that the final frontier remains safe and usable for future generations.
